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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Program Name
Caribbean Culture & Spanish Language
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Location
Santiago
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Host University
Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra
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Term
Summer 1 2020
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Program Dates
Jun 01, 2020 - Jul 09, 2020
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Program Length
Summer
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Application Deadline
Mar 25, 2020
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Credit
90 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$3,950
- Apply Now
Program Description
Get credit toward your Spanish major or minor, learn about Caribbean culture or improve your Spanish proficiency by taking Caribbean culture courses in English or Spanish with Dominicans or studying Spanish language.
Spanish language courses are available at the intermediate and advanced Spanish language levels. Courses in English are available in areas such as development and international relations. You will complete an on-site placement exam to take courses at the intermediate and advanced Spanish language level. All courses are taught by host university faculty at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Site Specialist will assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to book your flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Site Specialist will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Meals and Laundry Service
Meals and Laundry Service
The amount of meals and possibility of laundry services vary per location. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Program
Bridging Cultures Program
The Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) encompasses the ISA on-site orientation which will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. The BCP is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the BCP, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions
Excursions
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, and some summer sessions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
Contact Hours
90
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
6
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
9
Academic Information
- Course Selection
- Students will take two courses for a total of 6 recommended U.S. semester credits (9 recommended U.S. quarter credits).
- The courses below reflect the most current list of courses released by the host university.
- Beginning level Spanish students must take the two culture electives taught in English as Beginning Spanish is not available.
- Course availability and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
- Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Dominican Republic Program Manager.
- Course Credit
- Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy, students must maintain full-time enrollment status as determined by their home institutions for the duration of the program.
- Credit transfer is ultimately determined by the student's home university.
- Language Placement
- All students must take a Spanish language placement exam upon arrival in Santiago. Language level will be determined by the on-site placement exam administered by the PUCMM.
- Please note that your performance on the placement exam may not reflect the number of semesters of language instruction you've already completed at your home university.
- Transcripts
- Upon program completion, students will receive an official transcript issued by Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM). Transcripts will reflect PUCMM credits for all courses taken. The contact hours will not be reflected on the transcript but are listed below to assist with credit transfer. Please be in touch with your home university regarding credit transfer for this program.
Courses
select allclear all
Course Disclaimer
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Support & Funding
U.S. Team
Alan Thompson
Program Manager, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic & Peru
Alan grew up on a dairy farm in southern Minnesota. He earned a B.A. in journalism and Spanish from Augustana University and spent a semester studying alongside Dominicans in Santiago. Alan lived two years in Colombia, where he taught English and coordinated the Colombian Ministry of Education's bilingualism program for public schools. He also produced safety publications for Fortune 500 clients for one year. Alan has visited Belgium, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and South Africa. He encourages students to live like the locals to gain deeper cultural understanding. In his spare time, Alan enjoys hiking, trying to cook new dishes and planning his next adventure.
SANTIAGO TEAM
Eliesset Sepúlveda
Resident Director, Dominican Republic
Eliesset Sepúlveda
Resident Director
Eliesset studied business administration at the Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago. She received a master's of business administration from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, where she also worked in the registrar's office and coordinated recreational group activities. She has supported ISA students for more than 14 years as resident director. Eliesset likes sharing her culture with students to help them adapt and learn to life in the Dominican Republic. Her hobbies include exercising, watching TV shows, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Funding Your ISA Program
As an ISA participant, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad programs. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Scholarships and Grants page.
View all Funding OptionsHousing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Dominican lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor to the Dominican Republic. With an open-mind and flexibility, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations, however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Homestay
Host families are best if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner every day and laundry service once a week. While students typically have their own room, you might share a room with another ISA student of the same gender.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Jarabacoa * Optional
Enjoy the temperate climate of the Central Mountain Range and visit Baiguate waterfalls, a coffee plantation and go horseback riding.
Jarabacoa
Enjoy the temperate climate of the Central Mountain Range and visit Baiguate waterfalls, a coffee plantation and go horseback riding.
La Romana
Marvel at the artist community Altos de Chavón, observe picture writing by the Taíno indigenous group at the Cave of Wonders, and unwind on the white sand of Isla Saona, known for its clear blue waters inhabited by starfish.
La Romana
Marvel at the artist community Altos de Chavón, observe picture writing by the Taíno indigenous group at the Cave of Wonders, and unwind on the white sand of Isla Saona, known for its clear blue waters inhabited by starfish.
Puerto Plata
Visit Puerto Plata and the 16th century Fort of San Felipe, relax at Cabarete beach and ride the cable car to the Isabel de Torres Peak for a panoramic view of the city.
Puerto Plata
Visit Puerto Plata and the 16th century Fort of San Felipe, relax at Cabarete beach and ride the cable car to the Isabel de Torres Peak for a panoramic view of the city.
Santo Domingo
Wander down the cobblestone streets of the country's capital, which was the first city in the New World established by European explorers in 1496. Notable pitstops include Catedral Basilica Menor de Santa Maria, Columbus Park, Museum of the Royal Houses, Columbus’ Fortress and the National Pantheon.
Santo Domingo
Wander down the cobblestone streets of the country's capital, which was the first city in the New World established by European explorers in 1496. Notable pitstops include Catedral Basilica Menor de Santa Maria, Columbus Park, Museum of the Royal Houses, Columbus’ Fortress and the National Pantheon.
Cultural Activities in Santiago
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Santiago. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Santiago special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included dance classes (bachata, merengue, salsa), Concho city tour, learning about Dominican identity and Dominican-Haitian relations, visits to the Centro Cultural Eduardo León Jimenes Museum and to the Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración.
Cultural Activities in Santiago
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Santiago. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Santiago special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included dance classes (bachata, merengue, salsa), Concho city tour, learning about Dominican identity and Dominican-Haitian relations, visits to the Centro Cultural Eduardo León Jimenes Museum and to the Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración.