language immersion
international seminar
t r a v e l with purpose
d i s c o n n e c t to reconnect
f o c u s on what matters
b e of service
Comprising the eastern half of the Caribbean Island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic ("the D.R.") neighbors Haiti, the site of Columbus' original landing. A developing nation, the D.R. is home to a diverse population of more than ten million. With a nominal per capita GDP of just $7,500 USD, it's also a nation of widespread poverty.
Camino operates principally in two regions: among the rural campos (villages) of the massive Cordillera Central mountain range, and on the north coast, just east of the tourist city of Puerto Plata. This region is home to many bateys, communities of poor, mostly undocumented Haitians: the outcasts of Dominican society.
The Seminar begins with a comprehensive prep phase, which includes team-building and a primer in Dominican language and culture.
Our seven night, eight-day international practicum will spend two thirds of the time living in our El Faro campus, sponsoring a meaningful service project. This might involve building or repairing a home for a family, upgrading an aqueduct, or improving a section of road. We'll hire a local foreman. We'll hire local cooks and take our meals together. Packed days will be unpacked each night in guided group reflections with your cohort and leaders, with plenty of time to build relationships with the host community.
From there, we'll head north to the coast, where we'll stay at a beautiful property near the ocean. (Some seminars do a day trip to the coast instead of staying on the coast.) We'll assist with a food distribution program that serves the largely undocumented Haitian population. This eye-opening encounter with the realities of extreme global poverty invites travelers to deep reflection. Our discussions will examine the root causes of these conditions, and consider how the experience can affect our mentality and practices back home.
The International Seminar provides a challenging but massively rewarding experience of personal growth. We'll continue to the reflective journey after the physical one has ended. We'll gather again, in person and in our online community, to explore meanings, trade insights, and consider the future in light of our shared experience.
Dates and Costs
We believe in presenting clients with an up-front program cost that includes everything except airfare. We can help plan air travel, but it is the responsibility of the client to make arrangements within the designated arrival and departure windows. (For groups booking 10 or more travelers, we can arrange a group fare.)
Camino Seminar participants are encouraged to consult with their primary physician prior to travel, and will be provided with general recommendations based on past advice from specialists. The cost of voluntary medical preparations, such as immunizations and antimalarial drugs, is not included in the program fee.
Upcoming Program Opportunities:
2025
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February 15-22, 2025 - FULL - Reserved for McQuaid Jesuit High School (Rochester, NY)
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May 17-24, 2025 - FULL - Reserved for the Park School (Buffalo, NY)
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June 8-14, 2025 - FULL - Reserved for Loyola High School (Los Angeles, CA)
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June 15-22, 2025 - 4th Annual Young Men's Seminar (8-day trip: $2,499) - 2 SPACES FILLED / 10 SPACES AVAILABLE (See separate page for details using the top menu.)
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This trip is specifically designed for a young men's cohort. Participants must be high school graduates, aged 18+. The reflections and discussions will be oriented toward navigating the young adult years (college age through 20s).
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See more details about this trip here.
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July 12-19, 2025 - FULL - Reserved for Georgetown Preparatory School (Bethesda, MD)
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Contact us for 2026 opportunities.
All prices are per person and all inclusive, except for airfare.
Zero-interest payment plans are available upon request to pay over time.
Limited sponsorships may be available to defray costs.
