Santiago Service Learning: A Semester of Accomplishment Past Review
By Margaret F (International Development & Social Change, Clark University) for
CIEE: Santiago - Service Learning, Dominican Republic
It was extremely worthwhile. I am going to continue my studies in Community Development, with a focus on advocating for Latinos in the United States and/or Hispanic countries abroad. Dominicans gave me a new perspective on life and how to truly enjoy it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The system was much more lax. Students were expected to do a lot of their learning independently and to seek individual help from the professor outside of the classroom. The homework assignments weren't very rewarding, and a lot of times the classes were out of sync with the work we were doing in the community. The fieldwork we did was awesome and was my main source of learning on this program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Expectations were exceeded by the host country staff. They were extremely personable, patient and inspiring. They prepared us as much as they possibly could, especially for our community work. They helped us grow personally, professionally and academically. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my host family and they gave/provided me with anything and everything I could have possibly needed. I was treated as family. The neighborhood was safe and at the heart of the city, so there was great access to culture/nightlife. |
| * Food: |
Food was incredible. I ate too much. Advice to future students: eat at your host family's house- it's not worth it to buy worse-tasting food in a restaurant. If you are craving American food, eat at Square One (right across from the University). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The field trips led by the program were great- especially the rural stays. There were lots of cultural events to go to, but there wasn't so much time to go to them because of the work to be done on the Capstone project. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It's a city- always be conscious of where your bag is and that your money is in a front pocket. Getting healthcare was easy and relatively inexpensive. The farmacies carry all of the medication that you would need and deliver to your house. |
| 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 primarily with my host family and at my host organization. As a program, we tried to speak Spanish with each other as much as possible as well. It was absolutely necessary to speak Spanish every day. My Spanish improved tremendously. |
| 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? | The program is intense but highly rewarding both academically and personally. It requires a student that is a people-person, who is a good time-manager, and who is interested in community development. The student will excel especially if he/she is at a proficient level of Spanish upon entry into the program. |
