Santo Domingo: "A life changing experience" Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My overall education experience was great! The learning environment was very suitable and appropriate. The work load was a little intense because it was entirely in Spanish however, this pressure garanteed advancement in thee language. The classroom enviroment seem a little casual and sometimes teachers were adressed by their first name and it was quite normal, however respect for the professors had to be maintained at all time during the class session. I can honnestly say that a great emphasis was placed on learning and the only way one could have been successful is to do what was required of them. It was a great program designed with learning in mind. I encourage everyone who has intentions of learning spanish to utilize this wonderful opportunity.

On-site administration of your program

Upon arriving at the airport in Santo Domingo, the CIEE staff was present to meet and greet each student as promised at orientation. They were uniformed and easily identified in the airport. When were were taken to the orientation site, we were greeted again with a kiss on the cheek, which is a significant part of the Dominican culture. The staff were easily accessible throught the entire program and they were very helpful and supportive in every way. Every gathering, no matter how intense was a comfortable one.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was satisfied with my housing situation. The best part about it, I stayed within walking distance from my some of the schools. The enviroment was quite comfortable as well and the people tried to help in anyways they could to make sure that I was learning the language.

The program accomodated every dietary restrictions however choices were somewhat limited due to expense of the product. I am not a fan of eating out as I prefer to make my own meal but all the supermarket provided everything that I need from home, so even if something could not be provided I could buy it. The food was different from what I was used to and it took alittle getting used to but if you are not a picky eater, this can be the best part of your trip.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were taken on excursions to different places in the country. This gave us the opportunity to see our peers and learn about the history and culture in the Dominican Republic. This was one of the best part of th trip. Travelling throughout the country is always fun.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

If there was ever a health issue, it was dealt with efficiently and satisfactory. Your saftey however depends on you and what you do. It is extreemly important to pay attention to your enviroment and the people around you. It is easy for someone to detect that you are a foreigner and you automatically become a target. There were just a few cases where people got robbed but not hurt. This was not so much because they were in a bad area but because they were easily targetted and might not have been paying attention nor applying themselves accordingly. Many people become too comfortable in their environment but you have to remember that you cannot be too trusting of anyone especially when you are in a foreign environment.

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

The program encouraged and improved my language acquisition by first placing me with a host family that spoke spoke entirely in spanish. There was no other means of communication but through the use of Spanish. The offices were the same, everyone spoke spanish and encouraged you too do the same however, there were people present at all time to help you in English if there was a specifi need to do so. The classes weretaught entirely in spanish which was great. Total immersion in the language was promoted!

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• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family