Spring Break in the Dominican Republic

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Dominican Republic | Healthcare Service Learning

Statue in a squareDates: March 4-13, 2027
Location: San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic
Cost: $2,800
Included: airfare, accommodations, in-country transportation, meals, program events and activities, and study abroad fee
Application deadline: October 15th
Deposit: $575 November 1st (non-refundable)
Final payment deadline: $2,225 with spring tuition and fees deadline
Course information: SPN 253S/SPN 353S/CSL 210 – Service Learning: Spring Break in Dominican Republic

Requirements: In order to attend a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program, students must have a 2.5 or higher GPA. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to Bryan Johnson (johnson_mb@mercer.edu).

This one credit hour course will allow students to experience Dominican culture through local study visits and cultural activities, service-learning opportunities and bilingual on-site support. Included are lectures with local health experts, service-learning opportunities, a visit to Simulation Center (Medicine UCE), a trip to Santo Domingo to visit Zona Colonial and a trip to Isla Saona.

For more information about this program please contact Dr. Jose Pino (pino_jh@mercer.edu, 478-301-5345) or the Study Abroad Office (studyabroad@mercer.edu, 478-301-4444).

What You'll Do

During this one-week program, students will:

  • take a day trip to Santo Domingo to visit Zona Colonial.
  • have guest lectures from Universidad Central de Este (UCE) faculty members
  • participate in medicine simulation learning activities at UCE
  • engage in service learning in local Hispanic communities to identify and analyze issues related to health
  • take part in a Merengue dance class
  • visit the Cueva de las Maravillas national park
  • go to a children’s home for a pedagogical activity
  • tour the Mueso del Ron
  • embark on a day trip to Isla Saona

*These activities are subject to change based on availability when booking.

Application Process

To apply: Please click on the “Apply Now” button in the overview section and fill out all of the information requested.

Application deadline: ​​​​​​​October 15th
Decision date: October 16th
Deposit: $575 (non-refundable) due by November 1st to hold your place in the program.
Final payment deadline: $2,225 by spring tuition and fees deadline

Academics

SPN 253S/SPN 353S/CSL 210 – Service Learning: Spring Break in Dominican Republic

1 credit hour

Course Description

This course fulfills the international experiential requirement and is highly recommended for SPN majors, including SPN-327 MED SPN II. The course includes two components: 1) a one-credit 50 minute/week classroom-based course that will introduce students to Dominican culture, including politics and economics, and the healthcare system; 2) a week-long guided tour of healthcare facilities and the SRV component.

This one-credit course uses experiential learning, seminar-based learning, and Service Learning to enhance medical Spanish skills, and to study the healthcare system in Dominican Republic.

The Service-Learning component provides an immersion opportunity/experience in the Hispanic community in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, a direct connection to the learning goals, and an understanding of the Spanish culture, especially in the health area, and language.

Besides the direct Service-Learning opportunities & work at Bateyes, students have meetings and/or visits to Alternative Medicine Organization, a local hospital, and to UCE’s School of Medicine Centro de Simulación & Skills Laboratory.

Budget

What is included in the program fee: 

  • Airfare
  • Meals
  • Lodging
  • Transportation in country
  • Entry fees and required activities
  • Study Abroad application fee
  • International Insurance

What is not included in the program fee:

  • Tuition*
  • Souvenirs
  • Transportation to and from the ATL airport

*Tuition is dependent upon your current enrollment and your colleges tuition fees for the semester of your program. If you are enrolled as a traditional undergrad on the Macon campus, the 1 credit for this program will go towards your overall 12-18 credits for the semester and will not create an increase in tuition cost as long as your overall amount of credits (including this 1 credit course) does not go over 18 credits. For a current list of tuition costs, please visit the Bursar’s office at The Office of the Bursar.

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities:

*Please contact Bryan Johnson before applying to the asterisked scholarship opportunities at johnson_mb@mercer.edu.