Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: The Trip is Just the Beginning Past Review

By (Archaeology, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse: Dominican Republic Alternative Spring Break

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I travel a lot, and this ranks at the top of my experiences. This trip made me think about what it means to be a white American woman, the meaning of sustainability, and what development should be. I feel more aware of my identity, the world other people live in, and what it means to be a world citizen. While I had thought about these before, the ability to interact with members of my group and Dominicans in both formal and informal settings really allowed me to explore these thoughts. This trip needs to happen again. My experience was so much more than simply a fun, thought-provoking adventure for me. It has added a degree of clarity to what I want to do with my life professionally. It re-affirmed several of my interests, and taken me in new directions as well. I am graduating with a major in archaeology, but in the last year or so have gained an interest in cultural anthropology and development. The trip has strengthened a growing interest in the role of sustainable agriculture in community development. The question is not whether I, will go back, but when.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This was a trip through the university. Our coursework included completing a series of readings prior to the trip, keeping a journal of our experiences on the trip using a prompt question at the beginning of the day, and writing a final paper to sum up our experiences and what we have learned about the culture, history, development, etc. of the Dominican Republic. I love it. The learning felt wasn't stressed, and I was able to take a lot away from it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt very comfortable in the Dominican Republic. I think that our group was the perfect size, that we had excellent access to everything we needed, and that we were able to do everything we wanted to (within reason) without feeling stressed. The guides seemed to understand the kinds of things we needed as students very well too. I felt very prepared through the coursework for being in the Dominican Republic as well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Because we were traveling everyday, we stayed in hotels and cabins (at Rio Limpio). We were treated very well everywhere. I felt very secure- our hotel in the city even had a guard at the door. All of our needs were taken care of as far as food, bedding, etc. went. We were also fortunate enough to be close to restaurants, shops, and community events (such as outdoor concernts, dances).

* Food:

This was seriously the best food I have ever had! I think it was cooked fresh at every meal. The breakfast at the hotel alone was wonderful. I don't really remember where we went, because most of our meals were provided by the places we visited through our tour, but I don't think you can go wrong.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There is no way I can possibly summarize how amazing this was, and I travel a lot. Some of my favorites were seeing macadamia tree propagation,organic coffee production, an organic farm, visiting CREAR- an organic farming school and program that seeks to sustainably feed the community (really excited about that one!), somehow learning how to dance with a live bachata band, visiting a cane plantation and cane fields, and meeting a voodoo witch doctor. Our guide, Edwin, was phenomenal and made sure that we saw many things that related to the history of the country as well, such as old plantation buildings and the home of Christopher Columbus's son.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I am not aware of having to deal with any health issues on this trip, but I never felt like I would be unable to access health care at any point. When we visited the DR, it was the dry season, so malaria really was not a problem. I know that that is one that they worry about. I got most of the recommended vaccines from the CDC, but it seemed pretty safe. A lot of being healthy is being aware. I felt physically safe as well. We stayed in safe areas, had a guard at our hotel in the city, and were in groups.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cultural and historic experiences
  • Being able to meet and interact with Dominicans- there were just wonderful people on this trip overall
  • Experiences with sustainability and development
* What could be improved?
  • AIRPORTS! Trying to make our connections in Miami was a nightmare both ways. So I think larger layovers would be phenomenal.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just go on it. It's phenomenal. If you're flexible, interested in other people and cultures, and are looking for something that is fast paced, inspiring, and thought provoking, you need to go.