The experience of an internship in the Dominican Republic (DR) can be very enriching. Actually, many students and young professionals from all over the world chose to undertake their internship there to acquire expertise and get to know and enjoy the culture of this beautiful country even better.
What types of internships are there in the DR?
Most internships in the country are in the tourism industry, usually in smaller hotels. You are unlikely to be paid, but you usually will get free room and board. Interning in the DR is an excellent way to learn Spanish, experience the culture, and enhance your guest service skills.
You will find internships working as a volunteer for charitable organizations, which can be very rewarding. These projects include building homes for people or building and digging wells so that they have regular access to water. Running water is still not a given for everyone in this country!
If you want to dive into environmental internships, which involve surveying specific areas, looking for endangered species, etc., you can also find something in the Dominican Republic.
Fans of underwater activities such as diving can find diving schools around the coast to provide internships for those wishing to qualify as Dive Masters again. Little or no pay is given, but accommodation and free diving opportunities are provided.
Last but not least, some international schools offer internships for English teachers. You may or may not be paid, but they do usually provide accommodation but no food. The YMCA helps students find internships in schools.
What do you need to get accepted to intern in the DR?
The basic requirement is to speak a basic level of Spanish and to be over 18 years old. Some companies may also insist that you complete a course of study related to your business. You should check with your hotel before you arrive to ensure it provides health insurance; if it does not, you should get travel health insurance.
Additionally, you also have to be aware that several internships, especially in communities, are located in poor areas. You may not have access to constant hot water or electricity. In fact, the only water source may be the local river! However, learning to live as the people do in these communities can be a very enriching and mind-opening experience.
How can you find an internship in the DR?
As always, networking is one of the most helpful search tools while looking for an internship in the Dominican Republic. If you are not sure where to start, you can just browse offers on specialized training and job websites, as well as on professional social networks (such as LinkedIn) and other online platforms. Word-of-mouth may also help if you have friends or contacts in the country. Facebook groups can also give you valuable insights about the Dominican Republic and forums such as DR1 or starting a discussion on the Expat.com forum.
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