What activities do we do on this program?
On the Island Service Expedition, you spend a good deal of your time working on various community service projects and immersing yourself in the rich Caribbean culture. You also have the chance to do lots of adventure activities including hiking, scuba diving (optional), snorkeling and sailing for a week to nearby Caribbean islands. [Back to Top] |
What community service will I do on this program?
Students on this program participate in a variety of service projects. You’ll work alongside local youth volunteers with the Youth Development Division of the Ministry of Education on environmental projects such as tree planting, sand and beach watch projects and river restoration projects. You’ll also work with Peace Corps volunteers and local communities on environmental, historical, educational and eco-tourism projects. Specific projects vary but may include building flaura/fauna interpretive trails, training local volunteers, painting murals and anti-drug slogans, and mentoring primary students in literacy, environment and science camps. [Back to Top] |
Who is this program designed for and how is it different than your other trips?
The Island Service Expedition is designed for participants who have an interest in participating in meaningful hands-on community service projects, learning about the culture, and exploring the beautiful Caribbean islands. In addition to earning significant community service credits (55+hrs), students explore neighboring islands by sailboat and spend time with local families during a home stay. [Back to Top] |
How do I get high school or college credit for this program?
In the fall after program, Academic Treks will provide you with a transcript, as well as a letter detailing the course curriculum for your high school administrator. Most schools accept the credit after reviewing this course packet. Each academic institution has its own requirements, however, so we can't guarantee your school will accept the credit. We recommend asking for approval from your school administrator prior to program. You can also earn college credit for this course through Lesley University for an additional fee. To learn more about the school credit options, call us at 888-833-1908. [Back to Top] |
Is this program "all work, no play"?
No way! We learn a lot about the Caribbean and its culture, and we will work hard to provide a meaningful service to the local communities we visit, all the while having tons of fun. Whether it’s playing a game of soccer or cricket with the locals, snorkeling in the turquoise blue water, exploring the rainforest or living on a sailboat, there is no shortage of fun and adventure. [Back to Top] |
Where do we sleep?
For the first part of the trip, you stay in lodges or cabins. During the middle of the program, you and another Academic Treks participant stay with a local family in the Castle Bruce village, where we assist the community with various service endeavors. For the last week of the program, you live aboard a 50-foot sailboat as you explore Dominica’s coastline and nearby islands. [Back to Top] |
Can I call home on this program?
Yes. You will have the opportunity to call home about once a week. To pay for calls, you’ll need to use the staff cell phones, which cost $2/minute or look into calling internationally from your own cell phone – which works fairly well in Dominica. Calling collect is also an option, but it can be expensive. Look in your Travel Packet in the spring for more information on communication home! [Back to Top] |
What do we eat?
Meals on this adventure are well-rounded, including fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, meat and pasta. During the home stay, the food features more traditional Caribbean fare including curry, chicken and rice. Breakfast can include cereal, bread, fruit and eggs. Lunches are usually picnic style with sandwiches and fresh fruit. During the sailing voyage, students take turns preparing dinners from prearranged menus. Vegetarians can be easily accommodated on this trip. [Back to Top] |
What will the academics be like?
Because this program is accredited by Lesley University as a college level course, you can expect to participate in academic activities such as lectures and discussions and service work. This program requires daily participation, the completion of a research project, a final evaluation and a reflective journal with assigned topics and two service projects. The academic work is designed to include both experiential and traditional learning, so while you will spend some mornings in a classroom participating in a discussion, you will also spend much of your time working on your service projects. Students should be prepared to fully participate in the academics, regardless of whether or not you are pursuing school credit. All academic assignments are Academic Treks course requirements. [Back to Top] |
How will I communicate with the locals?
In Dominica, they speak English! They also speak a French patois which has its roots in the colonial history of Dominica. The patois is a combination of French, English and African dialects. While you’ll have a chance to hear the patois, everyone speaks English on Dominica. While in the Saints and Marie Galante, you will hear French primarily spoken. However, it’s easy to get around as many of the shop keepers also speak English. Or, if you study French, you’ll have a chance to practice in both places! [Back to Top] |
What if I’m not a certified diver… Can I still dive?
Absolutely! We only do one day of diving on Island Service Expedition. Already certified divers will have the opportunity to go on two different dives that day. Uncertified divers will have the opportunity to do a “Discover Dive.” This means you will take a short lesson on diving and get to practice with the equipment for about an hour before you get to head out and meet the certified divers for a deeper dive. Exploring the underwater world off the coast of Dominica is amazing! Some people say it’s one of the best dive spots in the Caribbean. [Back to Top] |
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