La República Dominicana: Visitando Mis Hermanos Past Review
By Megan Y (VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS., Towson University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Santiago, Dominican Republic
My study abroad experience was most definitely worthwhile. I learned about the people, the language, and the culture. My future plans have not changed, but my love and concern for my latino brothers and sisters has deepened.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was manageable and fair. The professors understood that we are foreigners and were not meticulous graders. We truly had to put forth effort, complete all of our assignments, and participate in class. All of the professors were nice, encouraging, and ready to help you whenever you needed it and encouraged you to seek them out. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The three people that work at the ISA office in the Dominican Republic are the best! They are warm, caring, helpful, fun, and encouraged us to speak in Spanish (because that is what we were there for!). |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I did not need to buy any items to settle in. I stayed with a host family and they provided a room, a bed, sheets, a desk, and ALL meals for me. Whenever I was hungry, I had food. The neighborhood was normal. You have to be smart: don't walk by yourself at night, etc. The apartments had a gate, so you had to have a key or remote to drive into our apartment complex area. I was treated like a family member by my host family and all of the guests they had over. My host mom and dad were genuinely good people and I and forever grateful for their love and kindness. Honestly, they helped to bring me back to Jesus, and for that I am eternally grateful. For these reasons and many more, they will always have a special place in my heart! |
| * Food: |
My host family accommodated all of my dietary restrictions, which were just I did not eat scavengers (catfish, shrimp, lobster, crabs, etc) nor did I eat pork. I also could not have too many dairy products because I am lactose intolerant. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
27 Charcos was definitely the most memorable excursion! we climbed up, and jumped and slid down waterfalls! It was physically demanding, but exciting and thrilling. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just because you might travel to a third-world country doesn't mean things are cheaper. The world is Americanizing, and so are they're prices. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 102 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I could practice Spanish with whomever I wanted, but I conversed most with my host family. I learned ALOT of words just from listening in class, completing the assigned readings, and from everyday life and interactions. A lot of Haitians that I came in contact with spoke French, Creole, Spanish, and English, so communication with them was often done in English. At Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), the students were required to learn English. Also, many Dominicans have family or have visited New York City. Because of this, I encountered Dominicans who could speak English or wanted to practice their English with me. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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