Santo Domingo Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

On-site administration of your program

This is a truly fantastic program. The staff are all passionate, approachable, and it is evident that they really know what they are doing! Their offices are centrally located, and do a fantastic job of placing students in homestays close to the offices as well as close to other students. Another aspect I really appreciated about the program was their knowledge of what it is like to be an american in the DR, and all of its intricacies.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was treated as nothing less than family by my hosts. They were helpful, caring, and outgoing but still gave me privacy and freedom. I was about a 10 minute walk to the CIEE offices, and a bus ride away from El Bono, the other university I attended. However, in general Santo Domingo is not the safest place, and personal safety was an issue. It is not for the weak! It is imperative to keep all your senses about you at all times, evoid travelling places alone, and only going out at night with a big group. That being said, having a close group of friends from my program in my apartment complex was such a blessing as we were able to find safety in numbers and explore the island! Those to like to be very independent will find that Santo Domingo is a difficult place to explore alone.

My host family was extremely accomodating and cooked me exactly what I liked. However, this was not hard because I am not very picky, but as long as you like rice and beans you won't have a problem living in the DR!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program organized a few trips for us, and it was great as they took us to many corners of the island.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program is very willing to help with safety and heath issues, however Santo Domingo is not the safest city and I did feel like I needed to watch my back at all times.

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

As in most study abroad programs, a huge portion of your language aquisition is up to you! Where I learned the most Spanish was in my homestay and with my dominican friends. The more you practice with your peers, teachers, and host family, the stronger your language skills will become. However, hanging out with other gringos in free time and only speaking English is an easy trap to fall into.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family