The Dominican Republic is in the tropics. Its national territory covers roughly two-thirds of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. Most of the country is green, and filled with palm trees, tropical plants and flowers. The houses are painted with bright colors, such as pink, turquoise, yellow, blue and purple. In addition to the gorgeous coastlines, there are also mountainous areas where you can go rafting, horseback riding or swim in the waterfalls.The Domincan people are very friendly and love to talk. They are outgoing and enjoy spending time with family and friends. While you're there, you can enjoy the tropical rhythms of merengue or bachata, two distinct types of music often heard in the Caribbean.The D.R. is a great place to pick up some new dance moves as well!There are some subtle differences that you will notice between the United States and the Dominican Republic, such as roosters and hens walking freely through the streets. Other differences will be more striking, such as the somewhat chaotic driving practices! There are cafes, night clubs, museums, monuments, artisan shops and many other cultural activities in Santiago. One of the city's most famous cultural activities is celebrating the famous Carnival during the month of February. Students can experience true Dominican culture with the locals during this colorful, lively tradition.Perhaps the most gratifying part of living in the Dominican Republic will be the thrill of learning to communicate in another language. The ability to comprehend ordinary speech and participate in conversations is usually the main goal of students going to the Dominican Republic. The entire country will, in a sense, serve as a classroom and you will learn from the people whom you see and with whom you interact every day.You will find that most Dominicans will appreciate your efforts to speak their language. Although some do speak English, it is considered rude to assume this is so. Put some effort into approaching the Dominican students that you see at the university regularly - you can practice your Spanish while at the same time learning about your host country’s culture and meeting a new friend! It will also help disperse some of their ideas and stereotypes of the sterile, self-involved American. The formal language courses you take will deepen your understanding of what you hear, see, and read around you, and teach you various strategies for communicating with others. You have chosen the absolute best way really to learn a language - living it! ¡Felicidades!

Monumento a Los Héroes de la Restauración:
Perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the city, the Monumento a Los Héroes de la Restauración (Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration) towers over the entry to the city at an altitude of 60 meters. Inside you can find murals by the painter Vela Zanetti. The monument is a meeting place for younger and older people alike when it gets hot. It is also a public area for the celebration of artistic and other types of activities. From this spot, you have a beautiful view of the city.

Gran Teatro del Cibao:
Across from the Monumento is the Gran Teatro del Cibao (Grand Theatre of the Cibao), which presents performances by artists of national and international standing. It is composed of two main halls: La Restauración (the biggest and most important in the northern region) and the Julio Alberto Hernández hall. The building is a replica of the National Theatre in Santo Domingo.

Catedral Santiago Apóstol:
The Catedral Santiago Apóstol (the Cathedral of St. James the Apostle) was constructed from 1868 to 1895. Its towers demonstrate a mixture of the Gothic and Neoclassical styles. Inside, among other interesting features, the beautiful altar carved from mahogany stands out.

Fábrica de Cigarros:
Visiting the Fábrica de Cigarros of the Grupo León Jiménes (Cigar Factory), you can observe the process of making cigars by hand. The city of Santiago is well-known for its cigars and tobacco.

The Mercado Modelo on the Calle del Sol:
This is a commercial center composed of artisan shops and handmade items native to the region. More local color, though of a slightly different type, can be found just down the road at the Centro de la Cultura de Santiago (Cultural Center of Santiago), on the corner of Calle Benito Monción. This is the place for cultural events and activities related to the fine arts. There are usually showings of paintings, sculpture, plays, ballet, concerts, and jazz, among others. It also serves a center for teaching art, along with the Instituto de Cultura y Arte (ICA), also on the Calle del Sol. There is a venue for scenic art on Calle Benito Monción, La 37 por las Tablas, where they offer cultural presentations, jazz, ballet, capoeira, yoga, and more. On the same street, find the Casa de Arte, a local hangout for artists with their own cultural and artistic offerings.

Museo Folclórico Tomás Morel:
At the Museo Folclórico Tomás Morel (Tomás Morel Folklore Museum), on Calle Restauración, you can admire objects related to the city’s celebration of Carnaval, folklore, and aspects of the daily life of the inhabitants of Santiago from the colonial era through to 30 or 40 years ago. It contains a collection piglet masks, a representation of Santiago’s Carnaval.

In Jacagua or Pueblo Viejo are the ruins of the first Santiago de América dating from the year 1495. It was here that the city of Santiago was first built.

Last but not least, there are movie theaters, gyms, internet cafe's and many more forms of entertainment around the city.

¿Dímelo?: How are you?
A su orden: Think nothing of it; if you say you like something, the Dominicans might use this phrase to mean you can borrow it whenever you like.
Bandera Dominicana: Dominican meal: rice, beans, and meat
¡Que chévere! ¡Que chulo!: Cool!
¡Jevi!: Cool
¿Tú ves?: You know what I mean?
Colmado or Pulpería: corner store that are family owned and located within the neighborhoods making it easy to pick up a small food item or calling card without having to go all the way to the main supermarket.

Sample Dialogue:

AL LLEGAR A LA CASA
Estudiante: Buenas tardes. Me llamo.... Acabo de llegar a Santiago. Muchísimo gusto en
conocerle.
Señora: Encantada! Pasa, pasa. Le voy a presentar a mi familia. ¿Quiere tomar algo?
Estudiante: Sí, por favor. Tengo mucha sed. Quisiera un vasito de agua. ¿Y dónde puedo
poner mis maletas?
Señora: Déjelas aquí mismo en la habitación. Luego se las subirá mi hijo. ¡Huy! ¡Cuanto pesan!
Estudiante: Es que traje muchas cosas.
Señora: ¿Qué tal el viaje? Estará muy cansado(a).
Estudiante: Sí. Me gustaría echarme un ratito si no le importa.
Señora: Bien, hijita(o). ¿Quiere que le llame a una hora determinada?
Estudiante: Sí, por favor. A las ... que tengo una cita en el centro.
Señora: ¡Qué duerme bien!
Estudiante: Hasta luego, gracias.