At Escuela Caribe we believe all our students will grow and develop spiritually, socially, emotionally, educationally, and physically. In the Dominican Republic we offer what other American placements cannot: atmosphere, culture shock, and distance.

Atmosphere:

It is necessary to have a sound and wholesome atmosphere to re-establish order in one's life. The tranquil, quiet setting of Escuela Caribe is far away from the less desirable influences of American society: materialism, social ills, negative peer pressure, family power struggles. Students are able to work, play, and grow in an enriching atmosphere.

Culture Shock:

Culture shock is a form of psychological disorientation produced by a sudden and complete change in one's cultural environment. The effect is proportional to the contrast between an individual's normal cultural milieu and that in which they are subsequently immersed. A change in climate, ethnic diversity, geographical surroundings, mode of transportation, diet, friends, daily routines, coinage, and language all tend to make adolescents remarkably more dependent upon our Christian staff for direction and emotional support, while also rendering them more malleable and capable of new perspectives. Culture shock in a highly structured setting greatly enhances meaningful communication, offering young people extraordinary occasions for making enriching discoveries that inspire personal growth.

Distance:

For a hurting family, time apart is very beneficial. Although it is a painful decision, parents soon realize this time is needed in order to recoup and heal from all the turmoil they have experienced. While living in another country in a structured environment, teens start to appreciate their parents and all the things they have taken for granted. Eventually, students begin to share their parents' dream of being a united family again.

PROGRAM DYNAMICS

Social Development:

Students live with house parents in large, well-organized homes. Social development occurs naturally as students learn to share their lives in daily house-group interaction and from regular instruction in social skills by our carefully selected, prepared, and supervised staff members. Experienced students are also very instrumental in this process. They have already begun their journey toward more Christ-centered lives and are ready to help others.

Cultural Enrichment:

Broadening effects of travel, Peace Corps-type service projects serving poor Dominican families, projects around the student's residence, work projects including construction techniques, overnight camping experiences, and the climbing of the Caribbean's highest mountain peak, all significantly impact the adolescent's self-esteem.

Therapy:

Crises and problems are necessary for growth and are seen as opportunities. As they arise while your child is in our care, he or she will be taught proper conflict-resolution techniques and problem-solving skills. Group therapy sessions and individual counseling are integrated as needed with Christ-centered approaches.

Academics:

Escuela Caribe provides close student supervision and individual instruction. This intensive program not only gives fulfilling success experiences that lift self-esteem, but also greatly enhances the prognosis for future academic achievement. Escuela Caribe is accredited by ACSI and the North Central Association and is proud to have what many of our parents call an extremely dedicated, experienced, and professional teaching staff. Many students achieve educational goals and grades that they and their parents previously believed were impossible.

Role Modeling:

Students are provided with unique relational opportunities by our dedicated Christian staff who are North Americans willing to serve on a foreign field. The staff's solid moral character and caring attitudes make them positive role models for the students. With a staff-student ratio of nearly one-to-one, influence and respect build quickly.

Spiritual:

Our campus includes weekly church services in our chapel and bi-weekly youth group meetings that help lift the spirit and give hope for the future. The student houses provide a Christian atmosphere with devotional studies and daily scripture memorization. Bible lessons and courses are taught to integrate biblical truths. All community projects are focused on service to others as Christ instructed.

Parent Visits:

Parental visits can be a therapeutic part of our ministry. As teens are away from family, the feelings of wanting a renewed relationship are restored, and the students look forward to the long awaited visit with their parents. It is good to see your child in this environment and meet the staff who work diligently with him or her. Hope is often restored during parent visits as both the parents and the adolescent see changes in one another.