Semester at Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Every class was taught in Spanish, allowing me to learn more and be exposed to more Spanish, however this is really the only thing I got out of my classes. We took five classes, but they were all pretty much the same class, I even used similar essays for all five of them, thus I think that they could be combined into one class, allowing us more time to be in the community. I realize that the program is the way that it is, because otherwise the colleges wouldn't give students credit for doing this program if it only involved one class.

On-site administration of your program

Elaine Acacio is the craziest woman alive. I had some issues with her in the beginning of the program, based on her relationships with the students and the fact that I felt like I couldn't go to her for any kind of help because she was always so busy with other projects that had nothing to do with the program. But after some chats near the end of the program I realized that she was one of the best program directors there is. She genuinely cares about her students and only wants the best for them. She's young enough to relate to us on all kinds of levels for better or worse. If you're open to her, she'll be open with you and it could potentially be a beautiful relationship.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family in their house. Because of this, I had to only speak Spanish with them, which was amazing because they would help me with my language skills. But they were more than a host family, they became my family. They helped me with my homework, as well as my personal issues with being in a new country. They've been hosting families since the early nineties, so they pretty much know the drill when it comes to new students in a foreign country. HOwever they were extremely accepting, patient, and fun. I felt extremely comfortable in their house. Also, because I was living with a typical Dominican family, I was able to experience typical Dominican life, everything from wonderful food, to schedules, to family to news programs. They were a wealth of info for me, and I appreciate every minute I was with them.

The food in the Dominican REpublic can be described as a huge salty grease ball. But it was ridiculously delicious. I always had home cooking to come home to, and Rosa, my mom, would always be wanting me to learn how to cook and prepare Dominican food. I was a vegetarian coming into the program, and the Dominican diet is based mostly around meat, but my family was very accommodating. Of course I tried everything be it chicken or beef, but if I didn't want to continue eating it, they didn't push me. There was always plenty of food, and since I lived in a house, if I wanted to snack or eat something else, I had the freedom to do that. I never cooked anything by myself, but I didn't ever need to. If I wanted something, it was there. The restaurants are kind of pricey, but I rarely ate out because there was always so much food at home. The empanada stands on the street however, were a frequent place to visit for me. Every kind of food in the DR is absoluteley delicious.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

During my program, we had classes in the morning and then went into the community to work in the afternoon. This allowed us to not only experience the richer side of the DOminican life but also to work side by side the beautiful and creative people who lived in the barrios. We were also required to do a semester long investigation for the community that we worked with, which forced us to delve deep inside the poverty and learn what 'development' really means. It was the perfect balance of a comfortable life with worthwhile work, in my opinion.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Santiago is a safe city if you don't set yourself up. I was robbed once, but that was because I was walking on a side street at midnight, where there was nobody around. Obviously I set myself up. The safety level is the same safety level as say New York City. You have to have street smarts and be aware. Freak incidences occur, but they also occur in NYC. I didn't really like to walk alone at dark, but there are always conchos and taxis (public transportation) available. Just be smart and you'll be fine. I was robbed, but I wasn't raped murdered or hurt. If you find yourself in that position with two guys shoving a gun and machete in your face, just give up your stuff and keep your life. It's cliche to say, but so true.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Practice, practice, practice. It's really easy to fall into speaking only English within your group of friends, or with Dominicans or Haitians who know English, however speak as little English as possible. There was one guy in our group who decided to speak only Spanish, no matter who he was with or where he was, and he ended up speaking the best Spanish out of all of us. If there's one thing I regret, it's not utilizing the Spanish more. Out in the city, you absolutely need to use Spanish, and most host families don't speak English, thus Spanish is necessary, especially in the community in which you work. So you're going to be forced to speak it, but it'd be easier to learn if you just gave up on English all together, but without giving up on your personality!

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