Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
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 2021
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Program Dates
Early Jun, 2021 - Early Jul, 2021
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Program Length
Summer
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Application Deadline
Mar 25, 2021
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Apr 10, 2021
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Credit
90 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
2.50 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$3,950
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Study Abroad 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

24-Hour Emergency

Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support

Airport Reception

Visa Support

Tuition at the Host University

Housing

Meals and Laundry Service

Bridging Cultures Program

Full-Time Resident Staff

On-Site ISA Offices

Internet Access

ISA Discovery Model

Excursions

Cultural Activities

Insurance

Official Transcript from the Host University

Professional Development Toolbox

Scholarship Opportunities
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
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Course Disclaimer
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Support & Funding
SANTIAGO TEAM

Eliesset Sepúlveda
Resident Director, Dominican Republic
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, you may visit the Scholarships and Grants page. Please note that some programs, including remote learning opportunities, are not eligible for scholarships.
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.

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.

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.