Are scholarships available?

At this time, Cucuyo does not offer scholarships. However, many past participants have had success in raising the funds needed to participate. Often schools, churches and relatives are more than willing to contribute to an experience as unique as that which Cucuyo offers. Crowd-funding platforms such as Indie Go-Go are making these efforts even more convenient.  Cucuyo can also arrange to receive tax-deductible donations through our website in the name of a particular student. Please contact us if you'd like fundraising ideas and information.

Do I have to know how to speak Spanish?

Fluency in Spanish is not required, though you must have taken at least three years of Spanish classes in high school. Cucuyo offers a short Spanish class every morning that is designed to teach you only the Spanish you need to get by. Don’t worry about how much Spanish you know—you’ll find that every day you are better able to communicate with others. (Plus, Cucuyo staff members are proficient in Spanish and can help you whenever needed.)



Do I need any special medications or immunizations?

Cucuyo advises you to speak with your family and a travel physician about visiting the Dominican Republic. In the past, none of our participants have had problems with malaria, yellow fever, or dengue, which are common in many tropical environments. That said, there are many mosquitoes in Bonao and only you can assess whether or not you should pursue preventative vaccines or medications. We do recommend wearing long pants whenever possible, especially at night or in areas near water.



What will we do while we're there?

For two weeks Monday through Friday you will participate in two workshops of your choice (two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon). The day is broken up with a siesta of two hours where you are free to eat lunch with your family and rest. Evenings are filled with scheduled events that can range from a documentary screening to cooking dinner for your host family to visiting a river and waterfall. We also have a surprise weekend excursion to another location in the Dominican Republic!



What’s the housing situation like?

All participants live with host families. Sometimes students have their own room and sometimes they share a room with another Cucuyo participant. Your wonderful host mom, or doña, will prepare you authentic Dominican meals, and your host family will provide you with endless amounts of entertainment and love that you will carry with you long after you leave Bonao.