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Discover the Dominican Republic
Established in the Dominican Republic in 2005, Servicio Para la Paz (Service For Peace) has worked towards promoting the development of more than 14 communities. Service For Peace’s unique community empowerment model depends on the stewardship of community councils, made up of community members who advocate for the needs of each individual community and direct Service For Peace’s engagement there. Past infrastructure projects have ranged from constructing a classroom and river flood protection wall to planting trees.
This team will collaborate with local volunteers and community council representatives on Service For Peace’s Project LLUVIA, which supports local communities by constructing rainwater harvesting systems for community members’ homes that connect to water storage tanks. These rainwater harvesting systems can be a resource for when intermittent tap water supplies fail or are not available.
Be immersed in the vibrant culture of the Dominican Republic while engaging with an organization that puts community empowerment first. Come prepared to engage in the construction of rainwater harvesting systems and practice your Spanish communication skills!
Water quality research project
Rainwater harvesting systems are a critical primary water source for many households in the Dominican Republic and around the world. As a non-profit organization in the Dominican Republic, Servicio Para la Paz (Service For Peace) plays a crucial role in community development initiatives and has launched Empowerment H2O, a project that engages community councils to construct, teach, and provide resources for building rainwater harvesting systems. In 2024, NC State established a collaborative research project to study the quality of water using the rainwater harvesting systems.
During ASB Dominican Republic (Spring Break 2027), our team will begin the next phase of the collaborative research project and collect samples. The project will focus on homes with a rainwater harvesting system installed by Service For Peace and NC State in El Batey, La Privada, and Arroyo Pomo.
Meet your Team Leaders
Our student Team Leaders are chosen in a competitive process to lead our ASB Experiences and have spent extensive time prior to the trip engaging with our ASB Team Leader Development courses. Team Leaders co-create the trip experience alongside professional staff in Student Leadership and Engagement. They learn how to plan all aspects of an ASB Experience, from the trip itinerary and reflection activities to risk management procedures and meal planning.
What’s included in the participant cost?
Program fees vary by trip, but are designed to cover most major travel and program expenses.
Included
- Meals
- Lodging
- Airfare
- Ground transportation
- Cultural immersion activities
- ASB swag
- Program and administrative fees
Not Included
- Required immunizations or vaccinations (primarily for international experiences)
- International health insurance (only for international experiences)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Travel Insurance
- Personal snacks and additional meals
What are the participant expectations?
- Attend all required ASB All-Community and Team events
- Reveal Night
- Teambuilder Night
- Pre-Trip team meetings
- Reorientation Night
- Meet financial and program deadlines
- Receive all required immunizations
- Respect community partners and local cultures
Application Competitiveness
Physical Intensity
Take the next step
The application process and timeline can vary depending on which ASB Experience you are applying for. As part of the application process for all ASB Experiences, interested students are required to attend an ASB Information Session. To set yourself up for success, we recommend reviewing the application information online, viewing our Frequently Asked Questions, and attending the required ASB Information Session. Contact our team if you have any specific questions or concerns.
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Last Reviewed On: 9/23/2026