Santiago, Dominican Republic

Offered in Spring Break: International Health & Hispanic Culture.
Directed by Dr. Arelis Moore and Dr. Graciela Tissera

This project will focus on the interrelations between health and culture in the Hispanic countries and their impact on individuals and communities. Students will have the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic and participate in health-related service learning activities.

Program abroad: ELAP

ELAP, or Experiential Learning Abroad Programs, is a division of International Studies Abroad (ISA). For 25 years, ISA has provided quality immersion study abroad programs and in 2002, ELAP was developed to meet the needs of an increasingly globally-minded student population. ELAP provides service learning and internship placements throughout the world, specializing in programs in Latin America. Students gain professional development experience through working with local organizations and are supported by an ELAP on-site staff which provides orientation, placement assistance, and logistical support.

Course-related activities

The Clemson University group will assist medical staff at various clinics throughout the city of Santiago, Dominican Republic. In addition to their service at medical clinics, Clemson students will also volunteer at a local Children’s Dining Hall or Blind Institute.

Activities designed for cross-cultural experiences

All participants will be able to experience the unique culture of Santiago by living with host families during the week-long duration of their stay in the Dominican Republic. In addition to having an opportunity to be immersed in the language, participants will view aspects of the Dominican lifestyle that are inaccessible to most visitors. Participants are usually housed two to a room. The families will provide 3 meals per day. In addition, participants will take a guided tour of the city upon arrival and visit Centro Cultural Leon, Fábrica de Cigarros, and Museo Folklórico Tomás Morel. The participants will also spend the last day of the program on an excursion to Puerto Plata, located on the northern coast of Hispaniola with 11km of nearby beaches and Victorian casitas. Off the malecón, or seawall, one can also visit the 16th century Fort of San Felipe or the Amber Museum.

Program Directors

Dr. Arelis Moore
Center for Community Services
864-688-2218
ared@g.clemson.edu

Dr. Graciela Tissera
Department of Languages
864-656-3493
gtisser@Clemson.edu