Trip Logistics
From Boston to Constanza : We will fly out as a group on a nonstop flight to Santo Domingo. Tickets are purchased as a group. We will usually take a morning flight so that we can get to Constanza on the same day. If you live outside Boston, ideally, you’ll fly into Boston the night prior to departure. If you would like to make other arrangements, feel free to contact Greg at gregory.marc.rudolph@gmail.com.
Once on the island : We will rent vans once in Santo Domingo and drive up the mountain to Constanza, stopping for lunch along the way.
Accommodations : The Hotel Constanza is located slightly outside the center of the city. It is about 10 min away from both our partner headquarters (Puente Headquarters) as well as our clinic site. It is clean, secure, and convenient. We use the hotel on every trip and have never had problems. The grounds of the hotel are safe and monitored. You will have a roommate (unless otherwise arranged). Food and water at the hotel is safe to eat and drink as well. Contact Info: 809-563-5048
The Hotel Palacio is a beautiful hotel located near the center of the capital, Santo Domingo. We will stay here when we return from Constanza. We have stayed here previously and know the area around the hotel well. Hotel Palacio is situated in the colonial district which provides lots of great opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, and dinning. Contact Info: 809-573-9797
Breakfast : Breakfast is offered every morning at the hotel (both in Constanza and Santo Domingo). Usually a variety of foods are available including fresh cut fruit, eggs, toast, coffee, etc. The food is safe and delicious.
Lunch : We usually eat at the clinic with our entire group of providers, volunteers, interpreters, etc. It provides a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange and to take a break in our very busy days. Food is provided by local donas who are specially trained to cook for us.
Dinner : We will usually go to a restaurant or order in from a local restaurant. These are restaurants either we or local partners have visited before and know are safe.
General Rules for Food Safety :
While we take precautions with the food we provide, it's always helpful to be mindful of food safety. Here are some general guidelines to help you make safe choices:
Avoid eating unwashed, whole food; peel your own fruit. This is especially important for fresh fruit and vegetables that are not peeled or cooked.
Be cautious about meat; only eat meat from sources you trust. We work closely with local donas to ensure the meat they prepare is safe for us. Street vendor food may look tempting but could pose risks.
Always drink bottled water from a freshly sealed bottle—listen for the seal snap!
Avoid beverages with ice.
If you have any concerns, just ask! We’re happy to help you navigate food safety issues.
FAQs
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Yes! If you have particular questions feel free to email Greg (gregory.marc.rudolph@gmail.com) and/or Emma (emma.v.miles@gmail.com) or the form on the contact page.
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No! One of the fundamental principles of our program is that every member of the team can make important contributions. It doesn’t matter if you’re a doctor with 30 years of experience, a Ph.D. with a plethora of publications, or a student who just finished introductory chemistry - your help is important! You can help make a substantial difference in the lives of real people.
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No! The vast majority of the patients only speak Spanish. Peace Corps volunteers work as translators for us. Please do not be embarrassed if you are not fluent; many patients have reported that they appreciate our efforts to speak their language. If you'd like to practice your Spanish, Duolingo.
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Yes, this helps us keep the total cost of the trip down. If you would like to discuss this arrangement, please email trip leader, Greg Rudolph at gregory.marc.rudolph@gmail.com to arrange a single room.
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We do not make medical recommendations regarding malaria prevention drugs or other immunizations. You should discuss options and health concerns with your physician. Here’s a link to the CDC information about Dominican travel.
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The cost of the trip is meant to be all inclusive. This includes accommodations, food, and travel for the entire trip.
Since room and board are included, you will only need enough money for:
Airport necessities (gum, snacks, etc.)
Spending in Santo Domingo (including dinner in the big city)
Adult beverages
Souvenirs for yourself/people back home
Dominican pesos are the only acceptable currency in Constanza, but you can use US dollars in Santo Domingo. The exchange rate is roughly 1 dollar/50 Dominican pesos. Here’s a website with up to date information on the exchange rate.
You can change money at the airport. There are a number of ATMS in Constanza and Santo Domingo as well. You should check with your bank to see if your card works in the DR (and if they have any associated fees.)
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Dinner is provided by cooks in the local convent and breakfast is provided by Hotel Constanza. The food is delicious, well-prepared, and safe. It is highly recommended that you only consume food provided by Hotel Constanza or Sor Juana. If you are ever concerned about eating something, ask!
We will provide bottled water; it is available both at the hotel but we will also bring water with us to the operativo. You can purchase other beverages at local shops. General rules of thumb include anything prepackaged (bottled Gatorade, bottled juice, etc.) or boiled (coffee).
Lunch is provided at the medical clinics, and we also bring snacks. Food is prepared by locals who are trained specifically to cook for foreign volunteers. In the past, volunteers have not mentioned the need for more food. If you have any dietary restrictions, please mention them to us so that we can safely accommodate you.
“The trip was life-changing. It highlighted the need for small, evidence-based interventions with a big impact. It reminded me that in pre-med, the journey isn't the destination—there are communities in desperate need of caring physicians now. Constanza, nestled among fields of fresh flowers and vegetables, is a place where you can make a real difference.”
— Christopher G., HOF Volunteer