DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

CIEE Study Centers, Santiago and Santo Domingo

The Dominican Republic Program addresses those students who have an interest in Latin American Studies. It provides students with the opportunity to take courses at several Dominican universities as well as engage in service-oriented, active-learning projects.

Because the program has a number of independent components, Clark strongly recommends that students are self-starting and motivated to participate in the program. All instruction is in Spanish. Clark is supporting the program primarily for students with majors in, for example, International Development, Spanish, Sociology, Government and Geography, but students with other majors may find appropriate course work as well.

Clark offers three different programs that may be combined together or done separately: Santiago Language & Culture Program (fall-only); Santo Domingo Internship Program (spring-only); and Santiago Service Learning Program (fall or spring). Each program requires extensive experience in Spanish.

A relatively high degree of cultural immersion is best achieved with a full year of studying abroad. For that reason, we encourage you to combine the programs into a year-long study abroad experience.

Santiago Language & Culture Program (fall only)

This 16-week semester includes an orientation, 15 weeks of language and area studies and an evaluation/exam period. Students are required to take two language courses as well as 2-3 electives, chosen from either specialized courses for foreigners or direct enrollment with Dominican students. The program also includes an extensive agenda of educational excursions and chances to engage or volunteer with the local community. Courses are hosted at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Meastra (PUCMM); subjects include economics, sociology, and international relations, among others. To apply for the program, students must have completed at least two years of college-level Spanish.

Santo Domingo Internship Program (spring only)

The Santo Domingo program is geared towards advanced studies of the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean, and the Spanish language. Students have the opportunity to enroll in courses at four different Dominican universities, specially hosted by the Facultad Latinamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLASCO), a prestigious faculty consortium. In addition, students will work in a supervised internship with a local grassroots development organization, produce a final project, and write a research paper under consultation with a Clark professor. To apply for the program, at least three years of college-level Spanish is required (or successful completion of one of the Santiago programs).

Santiago Service Learning Program (fall or spring)

The new Clark Service Learning Program is designed for students with an interest in, and experience with, service-oriented and volunteer projects, specifically in Latin America. Research courses, language study and practicum service work are integrated and specially designed for study abroad students, culminating in a final capstone project. All courses are taught in Spanish, and at least two years of college-level Spanish is required to apply.