Learning Beyond the Classroom.
El Retorno connects high school students with storytelling, arts, history, and community-based learning through thoughtfully curated experiences in New York City and the Dominican Republic. Through creative workshops and cultural exchange, students explore identity, strengthen their voices, and connect classroom learning with the people and places behind it.
Our Educational Approach
Our programs invite students to learn through participation, conversation, and creative practice. Experiences can be developed with educators to connect with classroom themes and learning goals.
Storytelling & Student Voice
Explore whose stories are told, who tells them, and how students can document their own experiences through writing, interviews, and multimedia.
Arts & Cultural Heritage
Engage with Dominican artists and cultural practitioners through visual art, mural-making, and traditional creative practices.
History & Identity
Examine migration, belonging, and Dominican history while making connections to students’ lives and communities.
Sustainability & Community
Learn alongside local organizations exploring food justice, environmental stewardship, and community-led solutions.
Leadership & Collaboration
Practice communication, teamwork, reflection, and creative problem-solving through shared projects.
How the Program Works
01
Prepare
Before traveling, students participate in workshops and classroom activities that introduce cultural context, develop questions, and prepare creative projects. Activities may include storytelling, mural planning, interview preparation, and discussions about respectful community engagement.
02
Experience
In the Dominican Republic, students connect with local artists, educators, and community organizations through hands-on workshops, cultural visits, and collaborative projects. Learning takes place through meaningful interaction with the communities hosting us.
03
Reflect & Share
After returning, students can bring their learning back to their school community through writing, presentations, artwork, or multimedia projects. Reflection connects the experience abroad with questions and possibilities at home.
Sample Activities
Below are sample activities that illustrate the kinds of learning a program may include. We curate the itinerary; each experience is shaped with educators and community partners.
STORYTELLING
Creative writing, storytelling, and community interviews.
ENVIRONMENT
Guided exploration of protected lagoons and caves.
ARTS & HERITAGE
Collaborative mural-making and Muñeca Sin Rostro painting.
HISTORY
Cultural and historical visits in Puerto Plata.
CULTURAL WORKSHOP
Dominican Carnaval workshops using recycled materials.
LITERACY
Community literacy projects and visits to local libraries.
SUSTAINABILITY
Food justice and sustainability learning with community organizations.
Our First School Collaboration
El Retorno is developing a cultural immersion experience with Middle College High School at LaGuardia Community College in Queens. The planned program connects preparation in New York City with experiential learning in Cabarete and Puerto Plata, bringing together storytelling, arts, environmental education, and community engagement.
Learning With Communities
Our approach centers the knowledge, creativity, and leadership of the Dominican communities who welcome us. We prioritize local artists, educators, businesses, and community partners, creating opportunities for students to learn alongside people whose lived experiences deepen and enrich their understanding.
Let’s Build an Experience for Your Students.
Interested in connecting your classroom with storytelling, culture, and learning beyond school walls? Contact our team to explore a collaboration shaped around your students and educational goals.
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Sign Up Here for Office Hours
Curious about El Retorno? Join our weekly office hours to learn about our 2027 retreats, ask questions, and connect with the team. Whether you’re ready to register or still exploring, come find out the answers you need to decide if you will answer the call to return.
Tuesdays, October 27–December 8, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET
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