FAQs
Some of the friendly faces you will find at Hogar del Nino in the Dominican Republic.
Working:
Q: Where will I be working?
A: Some volunteers work at Hogar del Nino, in La Romana, a daycare and school that serves more than 1,500 children each day. At the Hogar, volunteers may coordinate the after school program, work with the daycare or preschool, or work with the psychologists and social workers. In addition, volunteers may work at the PBO main office, assisting with website content development and grant-writing, others may work in the Clinic. In general, you will be working from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Q: What will I be doing?
A: That will be determined once you have met with the administrators of the PBO. They are looking forward to a collaborative relationship that combines their needs with your interests and talents.
Q: What is the dress code?
A: Casual. Jeans are acceptable, pants, skirts (please be mindful of length), dresses, capri pants, etc. NO shorts and no miniskirts.
Q: Is there internet access?
A: Yes. You will be able to use the computers during your break time to access the internet. There is also internet access provided in your rooms at the Club.
Q: Do I have to bring a lunch to work?
A: No, regardless of where you are working, you will have lunch provided for you at the Hogar.
Q: How will I get to and from work?
A: You will be picked up and brought home from work by a PBO driver.
Q: Are there vacations or breaks during the year?
A: The timing of breaks may vary depending on where the volunteer is working. Typically, there is a break over Christmas and a short break at Easter. Federal holidays are also days off.
Q: Can I travel during the year?
A: Volunteers are discouraged from traveling home during breaks. During this time, we encourage volunteers to explore other parts of the country. In fact, we provide volunteers with a $500 stipend to assist with in-country travel expenses. However, if there is a death in the family or other emergency, volunteers are permitted to return home for a mutually agreed upon length of time at their own expense.
Living:
Q: Where will I live?
A: You will live at Club de la Costa ("the Club"), a secure compound located about a 10-minute drive from Hogar del Nino.
Q: What is the dress code while living at the Club?
A: There is no dress code at the Club. It is very informal and casual.
Q: Is there internet access at the Club?
A: Yes
Q: What facilities are offered at the Club?
A: There are laundry facilities, a swimming pool, and a multi-use court, mostly for basketball. There is no fitness center.
Q: Will I be living with or near other Extension program volunteers?
A: The Extension program is provided with 2 rooms at the Club. Therefore, you will likely be sharing a room with another Extension program volunteer and the other volunteers' room will be located nearby.
Q: How do I get my meals?
A: During the week, you can eat breakfast and dinner at the restaurant on the grounds of the Club. Breakfast and dinner is included (free for each volunteer), except for any tobacco or alcohol. On the weekend, all three meals are provided at the Club. The administration of the Club will set up a personal account for each volunteer (each room) where they could charge any incidental or additional charges.
Q: Am I able to leave the grounds of the Club?
A: You are encouraged to leave the ground of the Club. However, we recommend that you not travel into town alone. You will be able to purchase a bicycle when you arrive. The administrators at Hogar will provide you with a list of approved taxis and car services.
Medical Care:
Q: Will I have access to medical care while I'm there?
A: Yes. All medical issues would be taken care by the CR hospital (located on the grounds of the Club). It is important that if you take any medicine on a regular basis, that you bring it with you, because you may not be able to procure it in the Dominican Republic.
Q: Will I have access to dental care while I'm there?
A: The dentist at Hogar is a pediatric dentist, so he cannot treat you. However, if you have a dental emergency, there are dentists in La Romana that can treat you very inexpensively.