Studying in the Dominican Republic, a charming Caribbean destination in the Greater Antilles, is an opportunity to study in paradise. With its multicultural identity, stretches of white sandy beach, fertile valleys and massive mountain ranges boasting the highest peak in the Caribbean basin, the Dominican Republic presents many opportunities for study abroad students interested in archaeology, history, geography and the natural sciences.

The Dominican Republic, which comprises two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, shares its western border with Haiti, lending itself to a richly diverse culture of Spanish, African and French influences. Students who study abroad in the Dominican Republic should expect classes to be taught in Spanish, though a significant number of programs offered in conjunction with U.S. institutions are taught in both Spanish and English. Typical course offerings include Latin American studies, Spanish language, engineering, business administration, science, history, religion, anthropology, agriculture and tourism.

Ecotourism is a quickly developing industry, and tourism and agriculture are the staples of the Dominican economy. Due to the ever-increasing role of tourism in the Dominican Republic, the economy has improved in recent years. Still, in contrast to the beautiful surroundings, there is a great divide between the urban and rural areas, and tremendous poverty exists. Through organizations and institutions including the Dominican Foundation, internship, volunteer and community service placements are available for study abroad students of all levels in areas such as education, healthcare, nursing and community development.

Santo Domingo and Santiago de los Caballeros (Santiago) are the largest cities in the Dominican Republic, as well as the centers of culture, education and industry. The capital of the country, Santo Domingo, a bustling port city, was the gateway to the Caribbean in the time of Christopher Columbus. It boasts the first cathedral (Catedral Primada de America) and the first hospital (San Nicolas de Bari) in the Americas.

Education has been reformed in recent years. The Dominican Republic had a struggling system of education, but between the '60s and '80s, higher education enjoyed significant growth, which continues today. Dominican universities are renowned and competitive, and most are situated in the larger cities. Established in 1538, the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo (Autonomous University of Santo Domingo) is the oldest university in the Americas and offers programs in many fields of study.

Santo Domingo will captivate students of architecture, history and Latin American studies. Here, one can find the former home of Don Diego Colon, son of Columbus. Built in 1510, it is a mixture of Gothic, Spanish and Italian Renaissance styles, and Santo Domingo's "Colonial City" contains more examples of the stylistic fusions from this period. The city's Plaza de la Cultura plays host to several museums, as well as to the National Aquarium. The ancient aspects of the city are interestingly juxtaposed to Santo Domingo's lively nightlife scene and contemporary shopping.

The Instituto Techologico de Santo Domingo offers strong programs in the arts, humanities and technology, as well as in the natural sciences. Students interested in geography, ecology and the natural sciences will be enchanted by the Dominican Republic's diverse landscape, and the opportunity to explore its tropical, mountainous and semi-desert regions. Students of zoology will be drawn to the country, which is an important habitat for Atlantic humpback whales, cotica parrots, manatees, iguanas and many other species.

Santiago, often referred to as the "Heart City," is the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic. Nestled in the fertile Ciabo Valley, the city is adorned with architecture built in the colonial and Victorian styles. Santiago's Mercado Modelo on the Calle del Sol is the place to purchase unique hand-made crafts, and the city has countless cigar and ceramic factories.

The Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra, located in Santiago, provides students with a wealth of study fields from which to choose. Students who study abroad in Santiago can meet up with their friends at the city's famous Monumento a Los Heroes de la Restauracion (Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration), inside of which art students can marvel at the murals of Vela Zanetti. Students of Dominican culture and history in Santiago won't want to miss the Tomas Morel Folklore Museum or the Cultural Center.

Whether you decide to study abroad in either of the big Dominican cities or pursue an internship in a rural community, you will find spirited people who love celebrations and recreation. Baseball is more than the national sport in the Dominican Republic-it is a passion. Around 1866, American sailors taught Cubans the sport, which became a phenomenon across the Caribbean. Such famous Major League Baseball stars as Pedro Martinez, Manny Ramirez and Sammy Sosa hail from the Dominican Republic.

When it comes to tradition and pastimes, the Dominican Republic cherishes music and dancing. The merengue is the national dance, and is used as a mode of expression. Merengue dancers move to music made by such native instruments as the güira, tambora (small drum) and melodeon (accordion-type instrument).

The cuisine of the Dominican Republic is known for its "sofrito," a sautéed mixture of herbs and spices used in many dishes. Lunch is the largest and most important meal of the day, and "La Bandera," a dish of broiled chicken, white rice and red beans, is a colorful lunch favorite.

Natural wonders ranging from undersea gardens and offshore reefs to landscaped parks and flowing waterfalls entice students craving outdoor adventure. Parades and dancing in the street are commonplace, and the air is continually filled with sexy strains of merengue. Breathtaking scenery abounds, with rocky cliffs that give way to glistening waters and white sand beaches. The Dominican Republic has much to offer students, historians and adventurers in search of education in this cradle of the modern Caribbean.

Resources

IIEPassport.org: www.IIEPassport.org
Study Abroad Funding: www.StudyAbroadFunding.org
National Security Education Program: www.iie.org/NSEP
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: www.iie.org/gilman
Lonely Planet: www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/caribbean/dominican_republic/
U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo: www.usemb.gov.do/index.htm
Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism: www.godominicanrepublic.com
Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo: http://www.uasd.edu.do/
Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra: http://www.pucmm.edu.do/