Arriving in Santo Domingo

THE ORIENTATION

Once you arrive in the Dominican Republic, and have gathered your luggage and pass through customs, 1 or 2 members of the personnel of the IERC will be waiting to transport you to the hotel where you will spend your first night in the country. When you arrive at the hotel you will be given instructions required for your stay the first night, dinner the first day and breakfast the second day will be included.
 
The second day of their arrival, the students will participate in a mandatory orientation sponsored by the program, where they will be given information on the life, culture, and the society in the Dominican Republic. Also they will be informed of the requirements of the academic program. Our personnel and staff will be available throughout the semester to help assist our participants with whatever concerns they may have.

HOUSING ACCOMODATIONS

Students will be placed in host family homes with middle class Dominican families. The homestay arrangement reinforces Spanish language skills learned in class and fosters cross-cultural relationships. The host families are a part of the strong support system that we at the IERC have developed for students while they are overseas. Students receive two meals a day and laundry services once a week.

On the weekends, students receive three meals a day. Homestays give the students the opportunity to formulate life-long friendships and see Dominican culture first hand as well as teach others about American culture.

HEALTH INSURANCE

The students will have, included in the program package, medical insurance. The insurance will include all medical check-ups and emergencies to them. Nevertheless, the program does not cover the expenses incurred for prescribed medicines. The students will receive a medical insurance card that is accepted in some places. Please ask the IERC personnel about medical services which are included.

TRANSPORTATION

The IERC includes, along with their services, transportation to and from the airport for their students. In addition, the program includes the transportation for field trips. Each student will cover the cost of public transportation from the educational institution to their homes, as well as from the place of internship to their homes and vice versa.

ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS

One of the main parts of any study abroad program is the activities and excursions that enhance the participant’s learning and their knowledge of the country’s attractions, geography and history. Each semester and summer the students participate in a great variety of cultural immersions, as well as recreational activities. These include trips to different cities of the country, museums, local attractions like the zoo and the aquarium, significant historical places, and internationally renowned beaches. Participating in these excursions is not obligatory. Nevertheless, we encourage all the students to participate, or they will miss out on this important experience.