Description:
An Interim experience or Gap Year abroad offers individuals an incredible way to explore the world. We provide our students and the Kalinago community an opportunity to broaden their hearts and minds, while fostering both independence and interdependence while gaining self-knowledge. It allows students an opportunity to explore new landscapes, develop leadership and connect with others across cultural and geographic differences.
Spending a semester or more living communally while volunteering at Crayfish River Preschool, St. Cyr Health Clinic, or developing programs with or through the Committee of Concerned Women allows students to immerse themselves in every aspect of the Territory. It is during the motions of this daily living that relationships are developed and nurtured - that both students and the community begin to make connections. Day and weekend trips and other cultural adventures will provide another important dimension to understanding the geographical and social contexts of life in this unique region.
Highlights:
Communal living with the Kalinago people, the original inhabitants of the Caribbean, on the Commonwealth of Dominica.
Meaningful service work and internships focused on important development initiatives in the Kalinago Territory
Outdoor adventure and exploration to sites such as the Boiling Lake, numerous waterfalls, fishing, swimming and hiking.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
Must be a high school graduate or the equivalent.
Individuals must demonstrate, through the application and interview process, their flexibility, maturity, adaptability and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture and community.
Minimum Education: High School
Language:
English
Cost in US$: $4900.00
Cost Includes:
Excursions,
Food,
Housing,
In-country orientation/Training,
In-country staff support,
Travel while in host country,
Written materials abroad
and Written materials pre-departure
- Housing and meals (at various and short lengths of time this will occur with families)
- Community service placements
- Arrival Orientation
- Background information about Dominica, the Kalinago Territory, its people and their history, critical to understanding and becoming a part of life in the Territory
- Supervision and support throughout your stay
- 24-hr. emergency support
- Trips and adventures to important historical, cultural and recreational sites
Salary / Pay: None
Experience Required: yes
Basic computer literacy is suggested.
Typical Volunteer Projects:
adult education,
agriculture,
AIDS,
arts,
childcare/children,
clerical and office work,
community centers,
community development,
community health,
community organizing,
computer training,
consciousness-raising,
conservation,
culture,
eco-tourism,
economic development,
education,
elderly,
environment,
family planning,
health,
health care,
health education,
housing,
literacy,
marketing,
micro-enterprise,
microcredit,
natural resources,
office work,
organizational development,
primary education,
public education,
renovation,
repairs,
reporting,
research,
sea turtle protection,
social services, social work,
solar & hydro projects,
teaching,
technical assistance,
volunteering,
writing
and youth development
Typical Volunteer: A typical volunteer is someone who is curious and interested in asking questions. Relationship building is central to being an effective volunteer. Our volunteers should come with an open heart and mind and big ears to listen. Community work and development requires our volunteers to be flexible, innovative and self-starting.
Age Range: 18-100
This Program is open to
World Wide
Participants.
This Program is also open to
Families, Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangements:
Group living
and Home-stays
Participants Travel to Dominica
Independently
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Scholarships Are Available. - We are able to off set some of the tuition costs for our Interim/Gap Year Program.
Application Process Involves:
- In-Person Interview when Feasible
- Phone Interview
- Physical Exam/Health Records
- Resume
- Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time Is 1 month
Post Services Include:
- Alumni Network
- Exit DebriefingAbroad
Longe Dominica's Mission Statement: Longe Dominica is a volunteer-based community development initiative based in the Kalinago community of the Carib Territory in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Longe seeks to increase tangible resources through fundraising and by creating dynamic educational experiences for Kalinago and non-Kalinago young adults.
Year Founded: 2007