Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic

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FAQs: Invitees

Here are specific answers to some of the most common questions asked by invitees.

  1. How do I accept my invitation to serve in the Dominican Republic?

    When you accept the invitation, you will be making a commitment to serve approximately 27 months in the Dominican Republic, including nearly three months of pre-service training and 24 months of actual service at your assigned site.

    Please call the Office of Placement within 10 days of receiving your invitation kit to accept your invitation to serve in the Dominican Republic. If for some reason you cannot accept this invitation, we also request that you call the Office of Placement. If we do not hear from you, we will assume that you are no longer interested in Volunteer service and will offer the assignment to another applicant.

    The Office of Placement may be reached at: 1-202-692-1835

  2. How do I learn more about the job I will be performing in the Dominican Republic?

    Information on the job to which you have been nominated should be included with the Dominican Republic Welcome Book found in your Welcome Pack.

    Other information, including project goals and individual volunteer project descriptions, may be found here.

  3. How do I learn more about possible secondary projects I may perform during my volunteer service?

    Information on Peace Corps Dominican Republic secondary projects and special initiatives in which all volunteers are invited to participate may be found here.

  4. How do I learn more about volunteer life in the Dominican Republic?

    Information about volunteer life (written and created by current volunteers themselves) can be found here.

    Multimedia clips of volunteer life including photos, videos, and sounds of life in the Dominican Republic can be found here.

  5. In what sort of terrain/climate might my site be located?

    The Dominican Republic, though encompassing only two-thirds of one Caribbean island, is a country of incredible geological and biological diversity second to none in the hemisphere. As a result, the terrain and climate of each volunteer site is quite different.

    Four mountain ranges pierce through the country and culminate in Pico Duarte - the tallest mountain in the Caribbean. As a result, many volunteers find themselves located in mountainous or semi-mountainous sites surrounded by thick forest, frequent precipitation, cold and clear mountain rivers, afternoon breezes and cooler temperatures that can fall to 10°C in the evenings.

    The vast Cibao Valley, by contrast, is a quite flat land of incredible agricultural production that includes rice, cocoa, plantains, and tobacco among dozens of others. The weather in the Cibao is considerably warmer and more humid than that found in more mountainous areas with temperatures consistently above 23.3°C and up to 32°C during the summer months.

    The southern region of the country receives considerably less rainfall than other regions and is thus characterized by less dense vegetation and drier landscapes. A diverse region encompassing huge salt lakes, virgin beaches, mountains, and open desert, temperatures in the south can reach 36°C in the warmer months.

    Finally, the coastal regions of the country are more typically "Caribbean" in character with beautiful beaches, palm forests, lush vegetation, and ocean breezes that maintain cooler temperatures during the evenings.

    The suggested packing list includes clothes/implements that will prepare any incoming volunteer to live in any region of the country.

  6. What sort of housing will I be living in?

    Peace Corps Volunteers/Trainees in the Dominican Republic are expected to live at a level equal to the host-country nationals with whom they are working. This level differs between project sites and therefore the pay scale is also varied.

    Traditional Dominican housing usually has thatch or corrugated steel roofs, walls of wood or cement block and cement floors. Although most communities have electricity, some do not; in any case power outages are common throughout the country in both urban and rural areas. The water supply is subject to the same inconsistencies. Many communities do not have water within the homes and those that do often find that there is no water for days at a time.

    During their first six months of training and service, all trainees/volunteers are required to live with three different Dominican host families.

    Upon arrival in Santo Domingo, all trainees are placed with a local host family. Each family is pre-screened, trained, and usually have rather extensive experience hosting volunteers in their homes. All are trained on proper food preparation and clean-water access for trainees. Trainees are provided a private room with bed, locking door, small desk, and storage space. These host families will provide all meals, wash the trainee's clothes and living space, and typically invite the trainee to participate in a variety of family activities.

    During training, trainees will participate in a five-week community-based training in a city/pueblo outside of the capital. Throughout community-based training, trainees will live with a second, pre-selected family.

    Finally, new volunteers are required to live with a local host family during their first three months in their communities of service. These families are pre-selected by Peace Corps prior to the volunteer's arrival in the community.

    Living with Dominican families provides an invaluable opportunity to learn Dominican culture, improve language skills, receive the guidance of locals, and make friends that can improve a trainee's/volunteer's integration into a new culture, country, and community.

  7. What public transportation exists in the country?

    Public transportation in the Dominican Republic is quite extensive although of a rougher and slower variety than that available in more developed countries. Regular and affordable service is provided by a variety of buses/minibuses/public taxis between most major cities and large towns. In more rural parts of the country, a variety of pick-up trucks and motorcycle taxis are usually available for transport to even the most isolated communities. Within the principal cities such as Santo Domingo and Santiago, a variety of public buses and public taxis make interurban transport quite easy.

    All trainees are provided with training on public transportation shortly after arrival in country.

  8. What is the local diet? What about vegetarian/vegan options?

    The staples of the Dominican diet are beans, rice, chicken, pork, plantains, and tropical fruits. The most common dish is the bandera - a mixture of rice, red beans, and a side of chicken or pork. Tropical fruits are available in abundance and include papaya, pineapple, coconut, mango, and lemon among others. A variety of vegetables including onions, avocadoes, cucumbers, carrots, cabbage, lettuce and potatoes are also readily available.

    Dominicans tend to eat a small breakfast of bread or a local form of oatmeal served with coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Lunch is the principal, largest meal and usually includes a serving of meat, starch, vegetable, and fruit. Dinner is served late in the evening by American standards and typically consists of plantains, fruit, and meat. With the abundance of tropical fruits, fresh juices and smoothies are enjoyed throughout the day.

    A great number of vegetarian and vegan volunteers have served in the Dominican Republic without having to compromise their eating preferences.

  9. What will my work hours be?

    In accordance with worldwide Peace Corps policies, Volunteers/Trainees are literally on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As such, the "normal" division between professional and private time does not exist. Volunteers/Trainees are likely to have work activities during weekends and evenings depending on when beneficiaries and project partners are free to meet. Volunteers/Trainees are also expected to spend most weekends in their host communities to ensure cultural integration and language acquisition.

  10. What are the local pastimes?

    Dominican life is infused with the sounds of merengue, bachata, salsa, and regaeton music and dancing that is practiced by young and old at all social gatherings. Trainees will receive lessons in local music and dancing soon after their arrival in country.

    Baseball is a national obsession and most Dominicans are up-to-date experts on the latest baseball statistics, standings, and news. Many Dominicans (especially boys and men) participate in local teams and competitions. Many Dominican players like Sammy Sosa, Miguel Tejada, Manny Ramirez, and Alex Rodriguez are among the best in American baseball. Many of these players return to the Dominican Republic to participate in the Dominican Winter League season from October to February. Dominican baseball games, usually far more animated than their American counterparts, are lively affairs with cheerleaders, singing, drum bands, and revelry.

    Family and social life revolves around the Dominican front porch - a usually shaded place with rocking chairs where friends and family pass the days over conversation, juice, games of dominoes, and card games.

    Furthermore, the typically hot weather makes day-trips to local lakes, rivers, and beaches a very popular family and community event. These trips, occasionally including hundreds of people from the same community, are all-day affairs with food, drink, dancing, and frequent swimming.

  11. What about local cultural attitudes and customs?

    Although the majority of Volunteers/Trainees integrate well into their Dominican communities, the lack of privacy and constant attention is a source of frustration for a variety of Volunteers/Trainees.

    Like most Latin American cultures, Dominican culture does not allow women to exercise the same freedom to which North American women are accustomed. Traditions of machismo and male dominance are a reality of Dominican life that exercise influence over the actions of both male and female Volunteers/Trainees.

    It is important to note that traditional customs, beliefs, and gender roles change slowly in the Dominican Republic, particularly in rural areas. Women tend to marry young and assume almost all household chores. Men, in contrast, tend to date and marry women much younger than themselves and pass more time working and socializing than helping with domestic responsibilities.
    As the official religion and professed faith of 95% of the citizens, Catholicism maintains a constant influence over private and public life. Americans accustomed to public debates about sexuality, homosexuality, reproductive control, and secularism will find a very different, more conservative atmosphere in the Dominican Republic.

    Conceptions of race are also very different in the Dominican Republic than in North America. The majority of Dominicans are of mixed European, African, and Amerindian ancestry that makes for a population of incredible diversity. Although a minority, lighter-skinned Dominicans occupy the vast majority of visible positions in society, from political leaders to news casters. Darker skinned citizens tend to occupy lower economic levels of society. Dark-skinned Haitian immigrants are subjected to strong racism - an often troubling reality for most Volunteers/Trainees.

  12. What dress code should I plan for?

    Many new trainees are surprised by the formality of Dominican dress and invitees should take this into account when packing for their arrival in country. Flip-flops, tank-tops, shorts, and baseball caps are rarely worn and considered acceptable only inside the home or at the beach.

    Dominicans take personal appearance as an important indicator about a person and a PCV's appearance will strongly influence his/her relationship with the community. Generally speaking, dress is much more formal and valued in the Dominican Republic than in the United States.

    Even the humblest of families considers "dressing up" to be of principal importance. Professionals are expected to present themselves as such and an overly casual volunteer may give off unwanted impressions about his/her professionalism and purpose.

    For male volunteers, typical "work" or "social event" dress includes polo shirts; long and short sleeved collared shirts; long pants such as khakis, nice jeans, and slacks; long socks; and clean, oftentimes formal shoes. Dominican men rarely wear tennis shoes to work/social events and often prefer light colors such as white, pink, yellow, green, and blue.

    For female volunteers, typical "work" or "social event" dress includes cotton blouses, skirts, and dresses.

    Long hair on men and body piercing (other than the ears) on either men or women is not culturally acceptable.

  13. What should I pack? Are there any items that are particularly hard to come by in the DR?

    One thing to keep in mind as you read through this rather long list of suggestions and recommendations for past Volunteers, you should understand that you can get just about everything that you may need here in the Dominican Republic. There is no perfect list! Use the following as an informal guide to create your own. Only you know what is important to you. Remember you have one important limitation - the weight of your bags at the airport check-in.

    You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally, considering your job assignment. Please remember that this is not a camping trip. If you did not go camping much in the states, you probably won't go very often here in the DR. "Street clothes" for work and relaxation in the states will suit you well here.

    General Clothing

    Dominicans who work "In the field" usually wear a button-down short-sleeved shirt, khakis, shoes and a hat. Volunteers in health, education, youth, and small business projects who work in offices or schools will find that their co-workers often are casual-professional in their dress. In general, men wear khakis and short-sleeved sports shirts and women wear skirts or pants with nice tops. Worn, torn, patched, tight, overly baggy, or very low-cut clothes are not appropriate for Volunteers. Nor is military-style clothing (i.e., camouflage or olive-green Army surplus items). Also, shorts and flip-flops are not appropriate to wear, either to work or when visiting the office in Santo Domingo.

    Following are suggested items for both men and women:

    • At least five T-shirts
    • At least two casual shirts or polo-type shirts (or sleeveless shirts for women)
    • One or two sweaters, sweatshirts, or windbreakers/rain jacket
    • At least two button-down shirts
    • Appropriate mix of athletic and dress socks (two-week supply)
    • Two-week supply of underwear (cotton is highly recommended)
    • Two or three swimsuits
    • Cap or hat
    • Belts

    For Men:

    • Three to five pairs of pants for work (e.g. cotton, khaki, slacks)
    • One to three pairs of more casual pants (e.g., jeans)
    • One or two pairs of shorts
    • One or two ties (for special occasions -you will need this for your swearing-in ceremony)

    For Women:

    • Three pairs of work pants (e.g., cotton, or khaki)
    • Two to four pairs of casual pants (e.g., jeans, capris, etc.)
    • One or two pairs of shorts for jogging or sports
    • Two or three casual skirts or casual dresses (knee length is recommended) and one dressy outfit

    Shoes:

    • One pair of sturdy walking or hiking shoes (some Volunteers suggest Vibram soles)
    • One pair of running or athletic shoes
    • One pair of dress shoes (or nicer sandals for women)
    • One pair of sandals such as Chacos or Tevas
    • Flip-flops for showering or beach (these are not really appropriate to wear anywhere else)

    Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items:

    As we mentioned above, you can buy almost anything that is available in the United States in the way of clothing and toiletries here. However, if you have any favourite brands of toiletries or cosmetics, you may want to bring a supply, as most imported items are considerably more expensive here than in the United States.

    • Start-up supply of shampoo, deodorant, etc.
    • Several months supply of tampons
    • One bath towel and one "quick dry" towel
    • Extra sunblock with high SPF

    Kitchen

    You can easily buy most kitchen supplies (e.g., dishes, pots, glasses, and utensils) locally. There are a few items you might consider bringing:

    • Ziploc bags (gallon sized, freezer-style is best)
    • Tupperware or "Gladware" for food storage (to keep out dust, bugs, etc.)
    • Good can opener
    • Favorite spices (many are available locally, but are expensive)
    • Favorite cookbook or recipes
    • Good Peeler
    • Measuring cups/spoons

    Electronics and Entertainment

    Please keep in mind that many Dominicans in the areas where you will be living do not have and cannot afford expensive electronics like Ipods and computers. If you are considering bringing Items on this list you should consider personal articles insurance as these high-priced electronics are at a higher risk of theft and/or loss. A good battery source is also recommended since most towns, including the neighborhoods of Santo Domingo, experience frequent and prolonged power-outages).

    • iPod, CD player, or other music player and portable speakers
    • Digital camera
    • Rechargeable batteries and charger
    • Shortwave radio
    • A USB flash drive (for document storage; 256 to 512 is recommended). Information Technology Volunteers will find this particularly helpful.
    • Laptop computer or a PDA (Many Volunteers have found that laptops are handy for work. If you choose to bring one, it is recommended that you consider bringing an older, used laptop rather than a new computer. The computer should have wireless capability). Information Technology Volunteers will find a laptop particularly helpful.
    • Surge protector for electrical appliances

    Miscellaneous (these are really up to each individual)

    • 2 good-quality water bottles (e.g., Nalgene)
    • Sturdy backpack or duffel bag for three- to four- day trips
    • Day pack or small backpack
    • Money belt
    • Inexpensive, water-resistant or waterproof watch
    • Small travel alarm clock (and extra batteries)
    • Two pairs of sunglasses
    • Umbrella
    • Multiple-utility pocketknife (e.g., Leatherman)
    • Light, stuffable (preferably waterproof) sleeping bag
    • Sleeping pad (e.g., Therm-a-rest)
    • L.E.D. Headlamp or flashlight
    • Sewing kit
    • Good scissors
    • Markers, crayons, or other art supplies
    • Start-up supply of stationery and pens
    • World map (preferrably in Spanish)
    • Photos of family and friends
    • Inexpensive jewelry
    • Musical instrument
    • Backgammon, cards, or interesting game, puzzle or brainteaser
    • Yoga mat (if you do yoga)
    • Books (Peace Corps/Dominican Republic has a LARGE selection of paperbacks accumulated over the years. Otherwise, English-language books generally are not available. The Peace Corps' technical reference library is also quite good. If there are materials you think could be essential to your job, bring them with you.) If you use Media Mail (bulk rate surface mail) to ship a box of books, it can take one to two months to arrive.

    Items You Do Not Need to Bring

    The following items are either available in-country or provided by the Peace Corps:

    • Large supply of razors, soap, shampoo, conditioner, standard healthcare products, condoms, etc.
    • Camping stove or kerosene burner
    • Iron
    • Mosquito nets and repellent
    • Large Spanish-English dictionary or the 501 Spanish Verbs book, (you get these in training)

  14. How much luggage am I allowed to bring to the Dominican Republic?

    Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess charges for transport of baggage that exceeds those limits. The Peace Corps has its own size and weight limits and will not pay the cost of transport for baggage that exceeds these limits. The Peace Corps' authorized baggage allowance is two checked pieces of luggage with combined linear dimensions of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and a carry-on bag with dimensions of no more than 45 inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 80 pounds total with a maximum weight of 50 pounds for any one bag. Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take pets, weapons, explosives, radio transmitters (shortwave radios are permitted), automobiles, or motorcycles to their overseas assignments. Do not pack flammable materials or liquids such as lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers. This is an important safety precaution.

  15. What is the electric current of the Dominican Republic?

    It is 110 volts, 60 cycles (similar to that in the United States). Many Volunteers do not have electricity in their houses or have it for only a few hours a day.

  16. How much money should I bring?

    Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people in their community. They are given a settling-in allowance and a monthly living allowance, which should cover their expenses. Often Volunteers wish to bring additional money for vacation travel to other countries. Credit cards and traveler's checks are preferable to cash. If you choose to bring extra money, bring the amount that will suit your own travel plans and needs.

  17. What medical records/health items should I bring to the Dominican Republic?

    When arriving in country, you should bring a physician's copy of your immunization record. Hand-carry this and keep it with your passport. You should also bring a three-month supply of any prescription or over-the-counter medication you use on a regular basis. Shortly after arrival, the PCDR Medical Unit will then order a supply of the prescription and non-prescription medications you require. If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs of eyeglasses with you to your staging event.

    Shortly after arrival, all Trainees will be provided with a large safety/emergency medical kit that will include bandages, insect repellant, anti-itch creams, a thermometer, eye wash, etc. All items included in this kit may be replaced and replenished free of charge throughout training and service. Furthermore, immediately upon arrival Trainees will be issued mosquito nets and start required anti-malarial medication.

  18. What medical care/training is provided to trainees and Volunteers?

    As a trainee and Volunteer, most of your medical needs and expenses are covered by the Peace Corps from the time you leave home until the end of your service, regardless of whether you are in the Dominican Republic, the United States, or another country.

    Headed by two MDs, the function of the function of the Peace Corps Dominican Republic Medical Unit is to provide all primary health care to Trainees/Volunteers, including treatment of common illnesses and minor injuries. The Peace Corps Medical Office has established and maintains a referral system that includes general practitioners, specialists, dental surgeons, laboratories, pharmacies and other facilities for specialized health care. In the event that any Trainee/Volunteer needs hospitalization, PCDR sends all Volunteers/Trainees exclusively to the Clinica Abreu - widely regarded as the finest hospital in the country and used also by staff of the United Nations and American Embassy.

    As all Volunteers are covered under the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA), we maintain current, complete, and accurate records of all consultations and treatments, including compliance with the required preventative health measures, anti-malarial medications, and use of mosquito nets.

  19. What security concerns should I be aware of?

    Volunteers serve in a variety of communities throughout the Dominican Republic, including urban, semi-urban, rural, and remote areas. Health and safety risks are an inherent part of Volunteer service. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment, having a limited understanding of local language and culture, and being perceived as wealthy are some of the factors that can put Volunteers/Trainees at risk. Many Volunteers/Trainees experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and harassment. Some have experienced petty thefts, burglaries, and a variety of illnesses.

    Although initially intimidating, the great majority of Volunteers come to feel very safe, welcome, and comfortable living, traveling, and working in the Dominican Republic.

    To aid this transition, Peace Corps Dominican Republic has established procedures, policies, and extensive training to help Volunteers/Trainees reduce their risks and enhance their safety and security. Through broad training, all new Volunteers will know what strategies must be adopted in maintaining safe and healthy lifestyles.

    Throughout all phases of training and service, all Volunteers/Trainees are supported by Peace Corps Dominican Republic medical, safety and security staff that work to consistently notify and protect Volunteers/Trainees from any threats to their safety including national strikes, poor transportation routes, hurricanes, and health threats.

  20. What training will I receive?

    Both before and during service, you will receive intensive training on cross-cultural adaptation, the roll of the volunteer in development, safety and well-being, work assignment orientation, PCDR policies and norms, language and communication, and technical training to accomplish your project goals.

    During your first 11 weeks in the Dominican Republic, you will undergo training in Santo Domingo and in a sector-specific site elsewhere in the country. Although training may vary greatly from day to day and depending on a trainee's particular job assignment, an "example" day of training in Santo Domingo may look like:

    • 8:00 - 9:00 am: Team-building exercise
    • 9:15 - 10:15: Presentation of project plans and goals with Assistant Peace Corps Directors
    • 10:30 - 12:00: Spanish language class
    • Lunch: Optional round-table lunch session with current volunteer about Cultural Identity and Racism
    • 1:00 - 2:30: Spanish language class
    • 2:45 - 4:30: Educational session on geography, climate, and economy of the different regions of the Dominican Republic

    Training is a very diverse, demanding, and fun time. Training topics range from managing public transportation, learning to dance meringue and play dominoes, knowledge of Dominican history and politics, health and diet maintenance, and introductory first-aid lessons.

  21. What about my current level of Spanish?

    Each incoming class includes trainees with a variety of Spanish skills. Some trainees will begin their training equipped with a very advanced, if not fluent, competency in Spanish. Others will enter with far less comfort or familiarity with Spanish. Regardless of current language level, all trainees are required to participate in intensive language instruction throughout training. Trainees will be placed in differing classes according to skill level. Throughout training, the language teachers will evaluate each trainee for progress in their language acquisition in an effort to ensure that each new volunteer begins their service with the necessary Spanish to communicate and integrate into their communities.

    Those invitees who are worried about their current level of Spanish should take comfort that the intensive language training provided to all trainees allows for rapid improvement and extensive practice. Many former volunteers who began with minimal Spanish have achieved fluency during service and have taken advantage of the further language training, tutoring, testing, and evaluation offered to volunteers throughout their service.

  22. What is pre-service orientation?

    Before arriving in the Dominican Republic, all Trainees will participate in a three-day pre-departure orientation, commonly called the staging event. The staging event welcomes and orients trainees to the general demands of being a safe and effective Peace Corps Volunteer. At staging, you will meet your fellow trainees and begin to identify personal and cultural adjustments that you can make to promote your successful service. To learn more, see the "Pre-Departure Information" section in your Welcome Book.

  23. Do I need an international driver's license?

    Volunteers in the Dominican Republic do not need an international driver's license because they are prohibited from operating motorized vehicles. Most urban travel is by bus or taxi. Rural travel ranges from buses and minibuses to trucks and lots of walking.

  24. What is an appropriate gift for my Dominican host family?

    This is not a requirement. A token of friendship is sufficient. Some gift suggestions include knickknacks for the house; pictures, books, or calendars of American scenes; souvenirs from your area; hard candies that will not melt or spoil; or baseball cards or photos to give away.

I’ve gained a weird appreciation for small talk.Matt FernerFormer volunteer in the Dominican Republic 2005-2007.