Spanish Language / Volunteer Programs in the Dominican Republic

ALPI Spanish School:
Since 2003, ALPI has been the most recognized name in Spanish language cultural immersion programs in the Dominican Republic. Founded by a team of university professors, we are an educational institution registered with the Dominican government, and are affiliated with and maintain close cooperative relationships with several North America Universities, American and Dominican governmental organizations, international charity and non-profit organizations and foundations worldwide. Our reputation and high standard of quality is the result of over a decade of travel-study programs in the Dominican Republic as well as abroad. ALPI currently hosts some 1,500 Dominican learners of English (all ages), and receives hundreds of participants each year in our Spanish language cultural immersion programs from countries around the world.

For pre-med and medical students, doctors, nurses, and all medical professionals and support staff working in nursing and healthcare occupations who need to increase their effectiveness with Spanish speaking patients, this program is designed as an “immersion language course” organized around the needs of today’s medical professionals. This program teaches relevant Spanish medical vocabulary, sentences, and phrases that will immediately facilitate vital communication with your patient. Program participants will immediately learn how to cross the cultural barrier and interact with actual patients and their family.

Classroom practice focuses on the listening and speaking skills while providing a basis in grammar. Unique to our program is the class “outside” the classroom. Online courses and conventional classroom programs fall far short of accomplishing what you will experience with our faculty who are also medical and pre-medical students. Hands-on practice and participation is an essential part of this program. Daily visits to private and public hospitals and clinics along with discussions with the faculty, staff and patients are organized and included in your schedule.

"My time at ALPI has been unforgettable. I have learned so much in just a few short months, and have had fun doing it. Everyone of the staff here has been patient with me, even when I kept asking the same question, and were always willing to help me improve. I had an excellent experience at ALPI and am sad that I have to say goodbye." - Catilin V

"Loved it! the experience was unforgettable, and the atmosphere is great. The Spanish lessons were awesome. The instructors at ALPI made the experience so unforgettable. The people at ALPI are amazing!"  - Kelly C

"This was an amazing opportunity that went above and beyond my expectations! The ALPI and my host family made me feel like I was really home. Amazing."  - Lisa B

"The teachers here are amazing. They make learning fun. Also, all the places they took us were amazing and things I would have never seen if it weren't for this program."  - Sarah B.

"I enjoyed interacting wtih the Dominican students and teachers who were my age, especially Lisbeth and Eliana as fellow med students. The clinical experiences were also extremely valuable in gaining insight into the health care system here. Everyone was so welcoming! From the directors helping me make international phone calls and navigate the conchos, to Yuly giving us an impromtu lesson in Dominican culture, everyone was so hospitable and accomodating."  - Beth A, (Medical Spanish Program)

"I really enjoyed the excursions and being able to ask lots of questions about Dominican culture.  Everyone was also nice to my father during his stay. I really liked the hot seat exercise where I got to practice my Spanish and help the Dominican students with English. I enjoyed everything."  - Lauren H.

"My homestay family were absolutely wonderful! Saying goodbye was very hard for me. They treated me as if I was their own. Yuly and Junior were great! They made class fun and I learned a lot about the culture from Yuly. Getting immersed in the culture was great. Not many people get to do this. The experience was incredible. I highly recomend it."  - Jamie G.

"The experience with my host family was amazing. The teachers were so fun and energetic. I learned a lot of Spanish in just one week. It was an amazing experience to stay with a host family and learn Spanish, as well as the culture. I am so happy that I signed up for the immersion program. Staying with a host family and learning the language was an amazing and highly rewarding experience. Thank you to the fantastic teachers Yunior, and Yuli, and Jesson"  - Kathryn B

"I liked the dance class the most. For my first experience abroad without my parents, it's been the best trip ever. There is so much stuff to do and the week goes by so fast sadly. Loved every bit."  - Faryal A.

"My host family was incredible. Supersweet and willing to accept our differences. My teachers were very encouraging and I love how excited and communicative they are. I couldn't have asked for a better set of teachers. I could use what was taught in the lessons as soon as I got home. So I consider that very effective. I would recommend this program to others because it shows you the true meaning of traveling to another country. You're in a new place with new people and a new language. Without the familiar all you can do is adapt. You learn the most about yourself, too. This trip introduced me to the most amazing people. With the support of the staff at ALPI, I've learned about another culture and I won't ever be the same afterwards."  - Stephanie T. 

"It was an incredible experience and I loved getting to know the teachers, my host family and the group. I'm so glad I chose to do this! The Spanish classes provided me with a great mixture of fun and learning. It was a perfect way to learn about and be immersed in the culture."  - Rachel F.