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CIEE Summer Community Public Health in Santiago
Spend your summer examining the complexities of healthcare in developing nations by studying abroad in the Dominican Republic. Between exciting classroom instruction and hands-on fieldwork in urban and semi-rural settings, you’ll get a close look and new perspective on the social and health issues facing the Caribbean’s fastest-developing country. Courses are delivered in Spanish by CIEE’s par...
Spend your summer examining the complexities of healthcare in developing nations by studying abroad in the Dominican Republic. Between exciting classroom instruction and hands-on fieldwork in urban and semi-rural settings, you’ll get a close look and new perspective on the social and health issues facing the Caribbean’s fastest-developing country. Courses are delivered in Spanish by CIEE’s partner school, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), a top-ranked Dominican Republic university. Your coursework will be complemented with immersive co-curricular activities outside the classroom designed to increase intercultural understanding.
Program Highlights
Get to know the hospitality of a Dominican family, the candidness of Dominican patients, and the service-driven work of medical professionals, while improving your Spanish language skills.
Explore different approaches to public and private health and discover the challenges of implementing effective public health interventions to improve community health.
Expand your knowledge on assessing the needs of a semi-urban community in the Dominican Republic and contribute to planning potential interventions to alleviate those needs.
Explore a historic location outside Santiago on a day trip to see the famous Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, which was Colon’s first settlement and where the first hospital in the Americas was built.
Live the experience of exploring the murals of Santiago, art and culture at Centro León, shopping for souvenirs at the iconic Calle del Sol, and much more.
Media Gallery
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Quick Details
- Santiago, Dominican Republic
- Summer
- Health Sciences
- All Nationalities
Awards
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Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
DR with CIEE
by: Audrey HuffordProgram: CIEE Summer Community Public Health in SantiagoI loved this trip I had the time of my life! One key problem was that we were promised SIM cards for our phones before our trip and never received those. Other than that I loved the chance to help others. I will forever remember my roommate and family I stayed with! I still talk with them! We talk on whats app and snap daily I will forever be changed by them. One more thing to add before I move on is what all I learned from my homestays niece. She taught me about all kinds of sterotypes and social class standards and culture in their country. Her and I are still good friends. The kids we worked with were so amazing and showed me so much about privilege and how to help, learn, and teach those in need. One key experience i had with a little girl was when we were playing and i told her how beautiful her hair was she then looked at me and said, "no I have bad hair your hair is good hair", In the DR I learned that many people experience a lot of colorism and many little girls hate their curly or frizzy hair, I made sure to assure her she was beautiful and she gave me the biggest hug. That was a key experience for me. Also I learned a lot from the language. I did feel that the classes they had us in were a bit too easy but my family, the community, and our program leaders were all very good at keeping us immersed. Also my program leaders were the most kind Godly people I've ever met. They loved on us like nobody has ever before. I cried so much before I left knowing I would have a long time if I ever came back. I came here completely free on scholarship and wouldn't have gotten such an opportunity if it weren't for my amazing community collaborating with CIEE. Unfortunately my family just doesn't have such funds, but thankfully I had one of the greatest experiences I think I will ever have.
Expand Your Point of View
by: Kristin F.Program: CIEE Summer Community Public Health in SantiagoCIEE Study Abroad has allowed me to experience connections with community members I usually wouldn't interact with! I've had a great time not only expanding my point of view outside of the United States but was also able to practice a language that is not native to me.
Recommended for public health students
by: Melody T.Program: CIEE Summer Community Public Health in SantiagoI would recommend the program to a peer if they were interested in learning about public health in another country. I would not recommend it if they were looking for more medical experience from a program.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Santiago, Dominican Republic
Types and Subjects
- Subjects & Courses
- Health Sciences
Availability
Years Offered: 2024, 2025, 2026
Age Requirement
Age Requirement Varies
Guidelines
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Solo
Cost per week
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- Some Program Activity Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Home-stays
Qualifications & Experience
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Written Application
- Letters of Reference
- Transcript
- Other
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