ISA in Santiago

  Dominican Republic

• Santiago: 
Santiago

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Summer, Winter 

Description: ISA programs in Santiago, Dominican Republic, are all-inclusive (with the exception of airfare). Various programs are offered with the opportunity to earn college credit. Students at all levels of Spanish proficiency are eligible. Program participants will study at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra, which is accredited and issues all transcripts. Students can choose from the Language, Culture, and Environmental Studies Semester/Year program or the Spanish Language and Culture Summer program.

Santiago (pop. 1,000,000) was founded in the late 15th century by members of Christopher Columbus' expedition. The Septentrional Mountain Range is visible from most points of the city. The Yaque River flows through en route to the Atlantic Ocean, a mere one hour bus ride to the north.

The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola. The diversity of the geography includes tropical rain forests, coral reefs, mangrove swamps, white-water rivers, waterfalls, impressive mountain ranges, deserts, saltwater lakes, and miles of white sand beaches. Both the highest and lowest points in the Caribbean are located in the country, with the Pico Durante mountain at 10,319 feet, and the saltwater Lake Enriquillo at 139 feet below sea level. Students will be enchanted with the varied architecture, colonial museums, vast natural areas, and varied ecosystems. Whether visiting the Samaný Bay, breeding ground of over 25,000 humpback whales, exploring ruins over 500 years old, learning about the influences of Spanish, Haitian, Cuban, and African cultures, or watching the national sport of baseball, the country is filled with opportunities for everyone.

Highlights:

* Tuition: Includes all tuition at the host university. All classes are taught by faculty from the host university.
* Academic Credits: Please refer to the ISA website for detailed credit information.
* Resident Directors: ISA Resident Directors are available 24 hours a day to assist students with all aspects of their study abroad experience.
* Tutoring: Students have the opportunity to receive up to 2 hours of language tutoring each weekday.
* Excursions: Please see the ISA website for a complete list of excursions. Ground transportation and entrance fees are included on all excursions. Hotel accommodations and breakfast are included on all overnight excursions.
* Room and Board: The family homestays include three meals a day (excluding ISA excursion days) for the duration of the program. The homestays also include laundry service once a week. Students not wishing to live with a host family are welcome to set up their own housing arrangements.
* On-site ISA office: The ISA office, conveniently located in the city, offers student computers with internet access, language resources, travel information, and more.
* Airport Reception: Provided to and from the airport for students who arrive and/or depart during the specified times.
* Medical Insurance: Medical insurance is provided for the official period of the program. Medical insurance extensions are available for an additional cost.
* Cultural Activities: ISA Resident Directors will arrange cultural activities throughout the program.

Cost in US$: Please refer to the ISA website

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to Dominican Republic Independently

Scholarships are Available. - Thousands of dollars in ISA scholarships are available! Please visit the ISA website for scholarship information.

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

ISA (International Studies Abroad)'s Mission Statement: ISA's mission is to provide high quality education abroad opportunities to American and Canadian college students at an affordable price. We recognize that we play an important role in the worldwide effort of international educators to increase individuals' awareness of cultures and societies outside of their own national boundaries. Our programs are designed to maximize our participants' learning abroad, and we understand that most college students need support and expert guidance before, during and after their time abroad. ISA is a Global Partner of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and supports NAFSA's efforts to advance international education and exchange.

Year Founded: 1987