The Dominican Republic: Another World Past Review
By Katherine M (French, University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) for
ISA Study Abroad in Santiago, Dominican Republic
I definitely learned more than just Spanish in the DR... I'm glad I chose the DR as opposed to, say, Spain... just because the DR is so completely unlike anything I'd ever known.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Helpful, supportive... they were Dominican, so they knew the country/city well. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My apartment was in a fairly safe location, it was right in front of the university, which was convenient. I didn't have to buy anything... my host family was very nice and I enjoyed talking/spending time with them. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
3 overnight excursions and other day-long excursions around the country... 2 1/2 hours and 5 USD to get to the beach, which was great. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The staff worked hard to make sure we understood what we should/shouldn't do in Santiago- where/when we should avoid going out... but things happen. |
| 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? |
Other students at the university, host family... most people did not speak English. |
| 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? | Be ready to leave behind everything you know from home and start over for 4 months. By the end, you won't mind showering in cold water. |
