Dear Glimpsers,
This is TEAM Jarabacoa sending a personal Bienvenida your way! We are very excited about your visit to our site in the Dominican Republic this summer and wanted to send some helpful tips and information so that you are better prepared for your upcoming trip. We’d like to start by providing you with personal introductions:
Halle Jackson:
My name is Halle Jackson. I am originally from Sabana de la Mar, a small fishing town located in Hato Mayor. I love the outdoors and enjoy adventure activities. I graduated with an English degree in 2012. My first time working with high school students was in 2013 and I had no idea how much they would change my life! I’ve watched as many of them have gone on to graduate college and do amazing things and I feel grateful that a small seed was planted during their time with me in the Dominican Republic. When I’m not working in the travel industry, I am also an R&B singer so you might hear me singing around. I was certified as a guide and nature interpreter by the Ministry of Environment when I was just 17. I am also certified as a national tour guide by the Ministry of Tourism, where I specialize in bird watching, whale watching, and national tours which are my biggest passions. I’m looking forward to making sure you learn, feel supported, and have a great time in the Dominican Republic!
Tiffany Brown:
My name is Tiffany Brown. I’m from Georgia and I’m 26 years old. While a Spanish major at the University of Georgia, I fell in love with Latin America after studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Over the past four years, I’ve lived and worked in Colombia and the Dominican Republic as a language educator, nonprofit administrator, and experiential learning facilitator. I’m excited to continue working in the Dominican Republic with Global Glimpse this summer and promote something that I believe in– experiential learning and cross-cultural connections!
One of the activities that have us really excited is our Living Like a Local day. You will get to meet the members of Paso Bajito, a rural community surrounded by mountains about 45 minutes outside of Jarabacoa, and spend a day in their homes. You will get to experience their joys and the things that they hold dear to their hearts. They cannot wait to see you and welcome you into their family!
We can’t wait to hear your critical perspectives unfold after our Immigration Day. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from legal experts with both personal and professional experience in the area. We’ll learn more about Haitian-Dominican relations, documentation, and other issues of immigration in the Dominican Republic.
You’ll also have the chance to work on your Community Action Project alongside community members of Barrio Balaguer where you will be engaging in projects that will support the local public school! They are so excited to collaborate with you all and give back to their community and the children under their care through the project we will take on together!
In addition to the packing list that you have already received, we also wanted to highlight a few OPTIONAL, but highly ENCOURAGED recommendations for you to bring:
- Sometimes, it rains heavily and unexpectedly. So, bring a poncho and/or umbrella and rain boots or shoes that you would not mind getting mud on.
- Bring plenty of bug spray!
- Bring allergy medicines. Lots of rain means lush flora and fauna!
- Bring light clothing because it’s can get very hot here.
- Bring your curiosity, flexibility and an open mind (perhaps filled with some background knowledge on the Dominican Republic).
This is also a great time to have everyone begin introducing themselves with a Spanish greeting (let us know how comfortable you are with speaking Spanish to help us plan)! We can’t wait to finally have you here and show you such a beautiful part of the world.
Sincerely,
Halle and Tiffany