■    What is a Service Learning Team?
Service Learning Teams (SLT) are an opportunity for people to come and be a part of what we do at Doulos...Equipping Servant leaders through expeditionary learning and Christian discipleship to impact the Dominican Republic.

■    What do Service Learning Teams do?
Teams become Doulos students for the week sharing in the learning and community of Doulos through expeditionary learning, service, and relationship building. Service includes a project on the Doulos campus, a project in the community, and a project to take home with you. All aspects of the week involve student and culture integration with the team.

■    How do I be a part of a Service Learning Team?
To be a part of a SLT you can organize a group within your church, school, or group of friends. You can also be a part of one of our two open SLT weeks. See our calendar for available dates and for open SLT weeks.

■    What does it cost to be part of a Service Learning Team?
After airfare, a one week SLT costs about $700-800. See our cost page for more details.

■    Is there a minimum age requirement to be a participant on a SLT?
Yes there is a minimum age and grade. Participants must be at least 13 years of age and have completed the sixth grade..

■    What size team does Doulos allow/recommend?
10 is the minimum number of people for an SLT and 24 is the maximum number.

■    When can teams come to Doulos?
Teams are welcome from September through May. Within those months Christmas holidays (mid-December through mid-January) and Easter week are not available.

■    Who can be a part of Service Learning Teams?
Churches and schools are the most common type of teams. All ages above seventh grade are welcome to be a part of a SLT.

■    How do Teams connect with the culture and community?
Teams connect with culture through their learning expedition in their time with local experts, site visits, and service. Teams connect community through their time at Doulos, in student homes, in staff homes, and attending a local church service.

■    What kind of service do Service Learning Teams do?
Typical Doulos campus projects include but are not limited to painting, planting, carpentry, cement work, cleaning, library/resource organization. Community projects relate to the topic of the teams expedition

Water Expedition: Water filter distribution to a community in need.
Education Expedition: Development of a library space in a public school.
Coffee and Biodiversity Expedition: Development of the local coffee cooperative as a tourism point of interest.
Coral Reef: Beach clean up

■    What kind of paperwork/documents are needed to travel to the Dominican Republic?
You will need a passport to enter the Dominican Republic. You will also need to purchase a $10 tourist visa (good for 15 days) when you arrive in the Dominican Republic.

■    Do Teams need any shots/vaccinations to travel to the Dominican Republic?
See the CDC recommendations for the Dominican Republic.

■    What airport do Teams fly into?
Santiago is the suggested airport for its proximity to Jarabacoa. There is a $21/person charge for teams choosing to fly into/out of Santo Domingo or Puerto Plata.

■    Where do Teams stay?
Teams stay in family style cabins. Each cabin holds 7-8 people.

■    How do Teams travel within the country?
When destinations are outside of walking distance teams travel by 15 passenger taxi.

■    Is the Dominican Republic safe for US travelers?
Yes the Dominican Republic is safe for US travelers. As a practice in safety teams are asked to travel in groups of 3 or more.

■    What is the weather like?
Jarabacoa is a mountain town and is said to have two seasons: Summer and Winter. Daytime temperatures range from low 60s to high 90s. Nighttime temperatures fall between mid 50s and high 80s. The Dominican Republic has no specific rainy season so rain can happen at any point in the year.

■    What do I need to pack?
See the packing list for specifics for personal items. See our wish list for donations.

■    What do Teams eat during their visit?
The majority of meals will be Dominican (rice, beans, plantains, chicken, pork) with some more familiar American meals in the mix.

■    Is communication with the US available to Teams?
Typically US cell phones do work in the DR but the roaming rates are high. Team leaders will be able to communicate basic updates to the States. It is recommended that communication be kept to a minimum to fully experience the week. Internet is not available to teams.

■    Will I need extra money and how much?
Trip costs cover all meals, transportation, lodging, and supplies from arrival to departure. Additional money is only needed for souvenir shopping or snacks. $50 is a recommended amount. US dollars can be changed to Dominican pesos in town.

This page is intended to answer those commonly asked questions. If your question is not addressed please contact us through our online contact form.