Dominican Repblic: A Great Place To Learn About Public Health In Developing Countries Past Review
By Mohammed M (Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services., The University of Texas at Austin) for
CIEE: Santo Domingo - Liberal Arts
I learned a lot during my time abroad. I learned about a different culture, I learned more Spanish and I learned how people function in developing countries. I was certainly impressed by some aspects of public health in the Dominican Republic, so much that I think we can learn a thing or two from them here in America. I also learned how to appreciate the diversity we take for granted in America.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes are not too difficult or too easy. Most of the work was based on completion, meaning that if you did the work you were likely to get a good grade. The exams were not too difficult and were something that covered only the most important aspects of the curriculum. The professors understood that the time to prepare for the final exams was a little short, so they included only the most important aspects of what was taught. Overall, I learned a great deal about health care in the Dominican Republic and its effect on the local inhabitants. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration staff was fantastic. The coordinators and people we interacted with in the CIEE office were great people who truly cared about our experiences in our country and wanted to make sure that we got the most out of our stay. They put together some really great excursions and parties for us. The despedida celebration in particular is tons of fun. If you're worried about not having anything to do don't fret. There's always excursions and trips planned and the staff is very easy to get along with. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was great. Your host family cares about you and by the end of the trip you will be considered family whether you want to be or not. They make every effort to make you feel welcome, and they are great people. CIEE hand picks host families and often has a long-term relationship with the families, meaning that the families are people you can trust. And be prepared to eat. A lot. Whatever you like, your host family will make it in bulk and make sure that you are never, ever hungry. |
| * Food: |
Food in the Dominican Republic is delicious, albeit slightly unhealthy. A lot of the food is fried and may seem a bit strange at first, but it really is great food. It may be difficult getting used to having lunch be the biggest meal of the day (it's so important that schools and businesses often have 3 hour lunch breaks!), but by the end you'll wish it was like that here in the US. Host families are always open to suggestions and will not force you to eat something you do not like. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Santiago is a pretty safe city. You really don't have to worry about being mugged or anything worse happening. Just don't be a really loud and obnoxious foreigner and don't trust random strangers and you should be fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
Finances
|
* 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The program cost was fair. There's nothing I would remove. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 312L |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
As much as a foreign language component may augment your skills in a language, nothing will come close to the interaction you will have between your host family and your friends in the country. Do not use the language class as the be-all-end-all of your language acquisition. Much more important than the language component are getting out and meeting locals, striking up conversations and immersing yourself in local culture. I know that everybody stresses this point, but it really is that important. It's absolutely pivotal if you wish to gain anything from your time abroad. Don't just be sheltered and refuse to adapt to your culture. Believe me, you'll only regret it if you stick with only Americans the entire time and refuse to get out there. I would not have learned so much from my trip if I had not taken advantage of being in a foreign country. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Sit back and enjoy the ride. Don't worry because once you're there you WILL have a great time. I promise you. |
