What recommendations do you have for clothing?

Respectable women in the Dominican Republic do not wear shorts in public. As a result, we require that volunteers wear pants, crop pants or skirts that fall BELOW the knee. Also, shoulders are to be covered. Therefore, tank tops/strapless tops are prohibited. Bras must be worn at all times. No see-through clothing is allowed. No spandex pants, no bare midriffs. Bring a one-piece bathing suit AND one pair of shorts (shorts are to be worn over your suit while in and out of the water) for any possible trips to the beach with the kids. If you plan to attend church—please bring a long skirt and blouse or dress. No bare shoulders.  You'll receive Outreach360 tee-shirts to wear in the D.R.

Bring sandals, tennis shoes, plenty of underwear (there may be a time you'll sweat a little :-)). The environment will be dusty; we suggest not bringing new expensive tennis shoes or other expensive clothes. They will get dirty. If you are with us for more than a week, your laundry will be done. However, it will be mixed with other volunteers clothes, so colors may run, etc. Don’t bring your best clothes. 

Guys—bring a couple of pairs of Dockers or similar pants. If you plan to attend church, also bring a polo shirt or dress shirt. You’ll receive Outreach360 tee-shirts in the D.R. to wear.

Tattoos and Jewelry - The areas in the Dominican Republic where we work are old country, conservative areas.  Reputation in the areas where we work is very important. We want our volunteers to be respected as an American Peace Corps worker or local school teacher would be. Therefore, we ask that you cover any tattoos if possible, and minimize the visibility of any piercings, and minimize jewelry.  We request especially that guys minimize the visibility of earrings. We thank you for going out of your way to respect the local culture in which we are working.  

When are funds due?

Please review the schedule and costs page here.

How much money should we bring?

We recommend bringing $100 USD cash and an ATM card or credit card. You will need $10 to enter the country and $10 to exit the country. You may decide to buy snacks, sodas, ice cream, etc. You may need to buy personal toiletry items, insect repellent, etc. if you forget to bring them or don't bring enough. You will need cash to call home (about 40 cents a minute). We recommend an ATM card or credit card primarily in case the airlines have difficulty getting you to or from the Dominican Republic, and you need to rent a hotel room, etc. 

Should I bring travelers checks?

No. They are difficult to exchange.

Will I have access to an ATM?

Do not plan on it.  

Should I change money before leaving?

No, wait until you get to the Dominican Republic. 

Many people are willing to donate lots of clothes and other items; how can we get those things to the Dominican Republic?

On some airlines, you can each bring two 50 pound suitcases on an international flight (check with yours). Shipping items to the Dominican Republic is very expensive. Suggestion - be straight with people who want to help and tell them the number one need is financial - for our programs. And tell them how much $ you are committed to raising. And the 100 pounds you can bring down will be well used.

Should I bring sheets/towels?

If you have twin sheets and a towel that you are willing to donate, please bring them. If you don't, there will be sheets/towels available for you there.

Are we provided with a mosquito net when sleeping?

Yes. 

Will I have access to e-mail?

Probably not. Do not plan on having access to E-mail. Volunteers who are staying for more than one week should have access during the week-end.

Will I have access to do Laundry?

One week volunteers should bring clothes sufficient for the entire week; longer term volunteers will be assigned a day each week that their clothes will be washed once/week. Your clothes will be mixed with other volunteers; don’t bring your best clothes.