Comunidad Connect offers an immersive field placement experience for social work students seeking meaningful, community- rooted practice in the Caribbean. Based in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, students spend several months to a full year embedded alongside local organizations, gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of international development, public health, and community empowerment. Placements are tailored to each student’s academic focus and professional goals. Practice areas include monitoring and evaluation, marketing and communications, education and awareness, project design, research and data collection, policy and administration, nonprofit leadership, and grant development. Students work directly with Comunidad Connect staff and a network of trusted community partners, building bicultural competencies and a deep understanding of sustainable development in action. Housing options include homestays with local Dominican families — offering a rich cultural immersion experience — or independent apartment living for those who prefer greater autonomy.
- Spanish Classes Available
- Safe and Efficient Public Transportation
- Local mobile and data plans $15/month
- Check with your US carrier, as many offer roaming in DR
- Work in community and/or clinical settings, including:
- Health and Wellness
- Education / Deaf Education
- Social Enterprise / Economic Development
- Data Collection / Community Organizing
- Outreach / Advocacy / Communications
Lodging
Homestay
Experience Dominican life from the inside. Homestay students enjoy a private room and shared living spaces within a welcoming local family’s home, with three meals a day prepared fresh, as desired. Centrally located and ideal for shorter placements, this option is perfect for students looking to deepen their Spanish fluency and cultural proficiency organically, every single day.
- Homestay
- $250/month
- Private room with shared bathroom in a home with vetted local family (English/ Spanish/ASL)
The Guest House
The Guest House offers a comfortable, fully furnished living experience in the heart of a traditional Puerto Plata barrio, giving interns and students the opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic local culture. With amenities like Wi-Fi, shared and private living options, a rooftop terrace with ocean and mountain views, and easy access to beaches, shops, and transportation, it’s an ideal home base for a long-term stay.
- The Guest House Shared Kitchen Room
- $350/month
- Individual rooms with shared kitchen
- The Guest House Independent Apartment
- $480/month
- Full apartment with own bathroom, kitchen, and living area
Estimated Monthly Budget
- Lodging
- $350–$500
- Food (~$25/day eating out)
- $750
- Local Phone Plan
- $15–$20
Total Estimated Monthly Cost
- $1,115–$1,270
About Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata is one of the oldest cities in the Dominican Republic, founded in the late 1400s during the early Spanish colonial period and later developing into an important port for trade in the 19th century. This history is still visible today in the historic center, where colorful Victorian-style architecture and a lively central square reflect both its rich past and vibrant present.
Puerto Plata is the Dominican Republic’s third-largest city — navigable, welcoming, and alive with possibility. A major cruise ship destination, the city pulses with tourist energy and vibrant local commerce by day, then settles into a warm, small-town rhythm by night. Currently experiencing significant revitalization and growth, Puerto Plata is an exciting place to live and work, offering students a dynamic, evolving community to call home.
Culture
Puerto Plata offers a rich cultural experience shaped by music, local traditions, and strong community ties. Daily life is social and welcoming, making it easy to build connections and feel part of the environment. It’s a great place to gain real-world experience while being immersed in authentic Dominican culture.
Lifestyle
Life in Puerto Plata is pretty laid back and simple. People don’t rush much, and daily life tends to revolve around basic routines, spending time outside, and being around friends or family. The warm weather and beach setting make it easy to relax, and overall the pace of life is slower compared to busier cities.
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