Who are DREAM Fellows?

The Yearlong Fellowship Program is the heart and soul of The DREAM Project. As any former DREAM Fellow can tell you, there are few ways that are more effective in finding yourself and understanding your true capabilities. From introducing new reading techniques to a struggling student to organizing a soccer tournament to developing a new ESL curriculum to serving as a role model, Fellows provide new opportunities to students for a minimum of a full year. Whether they are starting out in their careers or are already seasoned professionals, DREAM Fellows dedicate their time and talents to DREAM’s mission while also developing cross-cultural and professional skills through their work in the Dominican Republic.

DREAM’s goal is to bridge a volunteer and internship program. We believe in the essence of the truly selfless act of being a Fellow, and we would like all of our full-year Fellows to engage in experiential learning and develop concrete professional skills that can help them better market themselves in their careers.

What are the benefits?

The Fellowship program can offer teaching and classroom experience, curriculum planning, leadership opportunities, non-profit and educational administration experience, professional development in the non-profit sector and opportunities to travel the country and to form relationships in the community.

What do DREAM Fellows do?

Education Fellows

Education Fellows are experienced teachers or candidates seriously interested in the teaching field. This track will focus on reading and math teaching techniques in an elementary classroom and education support programs (i.e., parent education). This track will be for experienced teachers who can help us train our local staff, as well as individuals who are interested in programs connected with classroom teaching. This experience will help them be more effective educators in the future through consistent development.

Program Development Fellows

Program Development Fellows are individuals who are interested in learning about the inner workings of a non-profit. They will be attached to one or two programs within DREAM and support a number of activities, from teaching directly to the students to admin tasks that will help them see how an NGO on the ground operates. Participants will receive professional development and mentoring during their appointment.

Duration: One full year

START:

August 2024 deadline to apply: May 3, 2024

January 2025 deadline to apply: TBD

Apply online, upload two letters of recommendations and pay the $40 application fee.

Time Commitment

There are two 12-month Fellow terms:

  1. August 5, 2024 – August 1, 2025 Academic-year Fellows receive two weeks during winter vacation, five days during Semana Santa (April 14-18, 2025) and all official Dominican holidays off.

  2. January 9, 2024– December 20, 2024 Calendar-year Fellows will receive five days during Semana Santa (March 25-29, 2024) and all official Dominican holidays off.

All Fellows receive an additional two weeks of vacation to be used at their discretion. Fellows can participate in the summer program, running for five weeks from late June to the end of July, at no additional cost.

Requirements

  • Intermediate to advanced Spanish skills are required. You must be able to communicate effectively in Spanish with Dominican students and teachers. Native speakers are encouraged to apply.

  • Must be at least 21 at the start of the program

  • Must have experience teaching or working with children and/or youth

  • Must have a valid passport for your country of origin

  • Must complete a background check

  • Two letters of recommendtions

  • Must have at least two COVID-19 vaccines and proof of vaccination

  • Must be flexible and adaptable

Expenses

The total cost to volunteer will be stated in your acceptance letter. The average cost to DREAM for supporting a Fellow in Cabarete (living in a studio apartment and receiving a monthly stipend) is $1,000/month.

  • Included: Transportation, housing, cultural excursions, workshops

  • Please note that the Fellowship fee does not include airfare, health insurance or Dominican Immigration fees, such as exit fees for stays over 30 days

  • Option to fundraise to cover fee is available

FAQs

+ WHO IS QUALIFIED TO PARTICIPATE?

A qualified volunteer must be able to commit to a 12-month program and must be at least 21 years old. An advanced knowledge of Spanish is required. A Bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred but not required.

+ WHY IS THERE AN APPLICATION FEE?

The $40 application fee helps cover the administrative costs of the application process. We need to charge a fee to support the solicitation, recruitment and review process for our Fellowship program and to discourage applicants who are not seriously interested in the position.

+ CAN I APPLY FROM OUTSIDE THE US?

We accept volunteers from all over the world. The application fee can be paid online via PayPal or by check to 13 Winter Lane, Milton, VT 05468.

+ HOW MUCH IS THE VOLUNTEER FEE? WHAT DOES IT COVER?

The average cost of living in the DR is $1,000/month. To cover these expenses, DREAM asks that volunteers raise a certain amount of funding, to be determined based on experience and financial need. We ask that funds be raised in full before the start of the program. We cover pickup and drop off at the Puerto Plata airport, accommodations, all required training workshops, a rental cell phone and helmet, training and oversight at the local schools, cultural excursions and a living stipend (which is allocated to cover expenses such as cell phone use, meals, transportation to work sites, laundry, etc.). The fundraising fee essentially covers your expenses for the 12-month stay. Please note this fee does not include airfare, health insurance or personal spending money. DREAM support through fellowships is available to cover a portion of this fee, so don’t be discouraged by the full amount.

+ ARE MEALS PROVIDED FOR THE VOLUNTEERS?

Meals are not provided but are paid for by volunteers through their DREAM living stipend. During the week, volunteers can eat lunch for 25 pesos (less than 50 cents) at the DREAM cafeteria. There are also many local affordable options (For example $150 pesos or $2.75 USD for a Dominican meal at a comedor), and several supermarkets and colmados (corner stores) are within walking distance of volunteer housing.

+ WHERE WILL I BE LIVNG?

Volunteers will be living in Cabarete in an urban neighborhood, Callejón de la Loma, where both Dominicans and foreigners reside. You will learn to appreciate the strong sense of community as well as integrate into local culture. The DREAM Center is located on the main bustling street where there are different local businesses such as: corner stores, restaurants, bars, beauty salons, local shops, etc. Both the downtown area of Cabarete and the beach is about a 10 to 15 minute walk from where you will be living in Callejón de la Loma.