PACKING LIST

Everyone’s packing list will differ depending on the programs they are involved in and the weekend activities they are planning. Some products are not always easy to get in the quality that you are used to, so it is advisable to be over-prepared. Therefore, different programs require different materials, but everyone should bring the essentials.

The following is a basic guideline

Essentials
  • Bed sheet, bed linen and pillow case (90 cm wide) is mandatory for stay in the volunteer guesthouse. But is not necessary for stay with host family!
  • Towel
  • Passport and laminated copy, vaccination certificate, insurance documents
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
  • Spanish dictionary
  • Socket adapter for the DR (similar to the US)
  • Laptop and pen drive (recommended for NGO and multimedia programs)
Clothing
  • You need to bring a variety of clothing!
  • Keep in mind that your clothes may get stains from mosquito repellent, sunscreen or chlorine. Don’t bring your most expensive garments.
  • Pants and light long-sleeve shirts may be more comfortable to help avoid bug bites. Especially when in nature or countryside.
  • Good walking boots and wet-weather gear are essential if you are thinking of doing any serious treks.
  • For Youth care and Community work: casual work clothes with t-shirts and jeans. Knee-length shorts or skirts are mandatory for work.
  • For work in the Medicine & Healthcare program in hospitals and clinics you should bring blue short-sleeved scrub top and pants and closed shoes. The two-piece utility garment is the uniform of choice for doctors, nurses, and others who work in hospitals around the country. The wearing of scrubs is not limited to the emergency room or trauma center, however, or both men and women, the clothing should not be revealing. We have always some used scrubs which we can lend you for the program. At least 2 formal outfits with a jeans, shirt or white t-shirt, belt and closed shoes for official meetings.
  • Swimsuit
  • One sweater or jacket for colder days
  • Thin scarf
Extras
  • Thin sleeping bag if you plan adventure tours or camping
  • Small daypack
  • Money belt
  • Back-up glasses, contact lenses and medication (if applicable)
  • Guidebooks or novels
  • Water purification tablets for hikes
  • Eco friendly washing powder and toiletries
  • Thin rain jacket, umbrella
  • Small gift for your host family (if staying with one)
  • Clothes to give away for all ages
Optional, always needed and always welcome
  • outdoor games such as jump rope, frisbee, nerf football or soccer
  • large group board games such as shoots and ladders, candy land or twister
  • fishing line
  • story books in Spanish
  • work sheets in Spanish (e.g. math or vocabulary)
  • Spanish flash cards
  • practice pals or practice power educational
  • products with write-on wipe-off surface
  • educational materials or books in Spanish (e.g. geography, science, social science or ecology)
  • children’s craft or coloring books in Spanish or English
  • children’s CDs and DVDs in Spanish
  • fuzzy pom-poms
  • sequins, glitter or googly eyes
  • card stock, construction paper and colored paper
  • craft, origami and tissue paper
  • beads and string for beading
  • pipe cleaners
  • markers for drawing and for dry-erase board
  • colored sharpies with fine or thick point
  • felt or cloth
  • finger paints
  • glue, tape, glue sticks
  • index cards
  • roll of magnets
  • velcro
  • bingo stampers
  • sturdy children’s scissors
  • green chalkboard spray-paint
  • pens, pencils, sharpeners or erasers
  • rubber bands
  • plastic gloves
  • card games (Old Maid, Big Bingo Game, etc.)
  • simple puzzles
  • bubbles
  • small musical instruments
  • treasure box prizes or toys under $2

Volunteer Work & Services

Approximately 65% of allocated donations go back to the volunteer and intern in the form of volunteer-related work and services including but not limited to: costs for accommodation, household materials, furniture and maintenance. Price for host family. Charges for recruitment, coordination and supervision of volunteers. As well as Spanish language lessons, volunteer media support and promotion. Also marketing, webpage maintenance and promotion, SEO and communication with volunteers before their arrival.

Social & Educational Programs

Approximately 30% of allocated donations cover social development and educational programs including but not limited to: costs and expenses for social and cultural exchange programs, outreach, staff salary, maintenance of our school facilities. Furthermore program-related activities, instructional methods, educational materials and community programs like youth development, multimedia and medicine.

Administration & Debt Payment

Approximately 5% of allocated donations are spent on NGO administration and management including but not limited to: communication, transport, legal and accounting services, office supplies, bank fees and other liabilities.



Note:
Each traveler to the Dominican Republic is required to fulfill correctly the information on the electronic ticket for the General Directorate of Migration. After entering the data, you will receive a QR code that has to be presented already at the airline check-in. Therefore please click here before you take your flight: eticket.migracion.gob.do

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