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.
Our international seminars can be built for any type of cohort, including families, friends, and colleagues; likewise, we facilitate service-learning programs for a number of school groups. We offer trips ranging between 5 and 8 days. Shorter trips remain at our El Faro campus; longer trips typically include a trip to the coast.
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.
Interested schools should reach out directly using the contact field above or by emailing paul@caminoinstitute.com
Costs and Dates
We believe in presenting 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.
Family Groups, Friend Groups, Corporate Groups, or Other Organizations
Individuals interested in building a cohort of friends, family members, colleagues, or as part of an organization like a parish group or nonprofit should contact us directly for pricing, because this can vary considerably depending on group composition, trip duration, and itinerary.
High School Groups
2026 high school programs range in cost from $19,500 to $32,000 depending on a number of factors, and can accommodate between 8 and 12 students plus a minimum 2 faculty supervisors. School representatives interested in a Camino experience should contact us directly to discuss options.
2026 Calendar Options
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2026 date windows will be posted soon - Contact us ASAP if your school or group is interested.
All prices are per person and all inclusive, except for airfare and voluntary medical preparations.
Zero-interest payment plans are available upon request to pay over time.
Limited sponsorships may be available to defray costs.
