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 contribute meaningfully to the local community for at least a full year. Whether they are beginning their careers or are already seasoned professionals, Fellows dedicate their time and talents to DREAM’s mission while also strengthening cross-cultural and professional skills.

Through hands-on, experiential learning, Fellows develop global competencies that they can apply in both local and international settings. Living and immersing themselves in the host community also deepens their Spanish language proficiency and fosters personal and professional growth.

What are the benefits?

Fellows have the opportunity to explore the country, form meaningful relationships in the community, and gain experience in teaching, classroom management, lesson planning, and providing logistical support to nonprofit programs, among other areas. Fellows receive intensive orientation, ongoing training, and professional and cultural development. This comprehensive approach strengthens their contribution to DREAM's programs and allows them to connect theory with real-world practice.

Meet our Current Fellows

What do DREAM Fellows do?

Fellows will be paired with one or two programs within DREAM and support a number of activities, from teaching directly to students to administrative tasks that will help them learn how an NGO on the ground operates. Fellows work directly in the field and have contributed to the following program areas:

  • Academic (Literacy/STEAM)

  • English as a Second Language (ESL)

  • Bachata Academy

  • Luceros Documentation

  • Marketing/Graphic Design

  • Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

  • Special Education and Inclusion

  • Youth Leadership and Development

Duration: One full year

START: August 2026

Deadline to apply: Open to apply

Apply online, upload one letter of recommendation, and pay the $40 application fee.

Apply NOW!

Time Commitment

There are two 12-month Fellow terms:

  1. August 10, 2026 – August 6, 2027, Academic-year Fellows receive two weeks during winter vacation, five days during Semana Santa (March 22-March 26, 2027), and all official Dominican holidays off.

  2. January 12, 2026– December 20, 2026, Calendar-year Fellows will receive five days during Semana Santa (March 30-April 3, 2026) 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 from your country of origin

  • Must complete a background check

  • Two letters of recommendation

  • 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 the 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.

+ CAN I GET MY VOLUNTEER FEE WAIVED?

DREAM offers two scholarships for fellows who can demonstrate financial need. One is allotted to incoming fellows based on education and experience and the other is allotted to those with heritage in the Dominican Republic.

+ 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 LIVING?

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.