Dominican Republic: A little island, big experience Past Review
By Matthias M (International/Global Studies., Westminster College, MO) for
ISA Study Abroad in Santiago, Dominican Republic
It was absolutely worthwhile. I achieved everything I wanted to- from gaining competency in Spanish, from satisfaction with the coursework and getting to travel on a weekly basis.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was very happy throughout the whole experience with the work load. It wasn't too much to the point that I couldn't enjoy and appreciate my surroundings, but it wasn't too little where I felt that I wasn't learning anything. The grading system was the same, and the professors were all very helpful and accommodating. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrators in the host country were extremely efficient and reliable. They really play an integral part in ensuring that the program runs smoothly. The program size was also agreeable...approximately 20 American students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Everything was provided for me in terms of living arrangements. 3 meals per day, laundry once a week, etc. They definitely submitted to the old Spanish adage "mi casa es su casa" and they did their best to make me feel at home. |
| * Food: |
The food was good for Dominican standards; however, on the whole Dominican food is not the best aspect of the country. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Dominicans are very friendly people and interacting with them is very easy going and fun. As I mentioned, the program provided us with excursions that were all very enjoyable. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
In any developing country safety is always an issue. It is my opinion that is the responsibility of the student/traveler to be acquainted with the unsafe areas of the host country. But in terms of healthcare, there was a health services office on the campus of the university and the program advisors were very helpful in assisting with any health problems students had. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced my spanish with my host family, at the university and through my travels within the country. I absolutely needed to use the host country language in everyday interactions, and the only time I used English was with other American students (whom I didn't always see on a daily basis) |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are confident in your Spanish, you like warm weather and don't mind the inconveniences of a developing country, go for it! |
