Snapshot

Minimum GPA: 2.50

Terms and Dates:

  • Fall 2019
  • Spring 2020
  • Fall 2020
  • Spring 2021

Advisor:

Kristen Grace

Cornell Affiliations:

Global Learning

Off-campus partner:

CIEE

This Opportunity is Currently in Draft

Overview

Opportunity Description

Raise your already strong Spanish language skills to new heights while you experience student life – and rural life – in the developing Caribbean nation in Santiago. With a homestay, excursions, coursework, and unique opportunities to connect with community members, you’ll look deeply into socio-economic issues, and be part of the fabric of the Dominican Republic – while it becomes part of you.

What is unique about this program?

  • Interact at multiple levels of Dominican society through homestays, university courses, rural and urban volunteer activities, language partners, and activities with Dominican and Haitian support students
  • Consider an optional Community Service course or optional Teaching English as a Second Language course (earn a TESL certificate from PUCMM), both with hands-on practicums
  • Contrast the daily realities of the Dominicans and Haitian who share the campus and the city
  • Learn outside the classroom on class trips ranging from visits to local Santería altars to the Free Trade Zone; trips to sites of ecological and historical-cultural importance; and weekend excursions to the Samaná Peninsula and mountains of Constanza

What is unique about this place?

Founded in 1495 by 30 caballeros from Columbus’ early expeditions, Santiago is a growing, modern city with a population of more than 800,000. Despite its sprawling size, Santiago retains many small-town features. Traditional merchants ride burros loaded with baskets of goods and call out their wares in a musical chant. Street vendors balance large baskets of fruit and vegetables on their heads. People are friendly and crime is scarce. The people of Santiago like to play dominos, listen to merengue and bachata music, and talk about baseball.

How do I choose among programs?

  • See the Office of Global Learning’s “Selecting a Program” page for information on program types and considerations
  • Use the search features on the Experience Cornell  Opportunities page to filter for programs approved by your college, and by particular subject areas
  • Go to the “Get Advice” page for information on drop-in advising hours, scheduling an advising appointment, returned student contacts, and college advisors for study abroad
  • Find out about upcoming events, check out FAQs, and read stories from returned study abroad students

How do I apply?

Applying to study abroad is a two-step process. You may complete both steps simultaneously, but the Cornell approval process must be complete before your program advisor in the Office of Global Learning can submit any approval or nomination to the program.

  1. For Cornell Approval, click on the "Apply" button on this webpage. Applications are approved by the Office of Global Learning on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this page.
  2. For Program Admission, complete an external application directly on the program’s webpage, using the link in the “Snapshot” section. (Note: This deadline may be in advance of the general Cornell deadline for approval. Many programs fill by rolling admission.)