Spring Break in the Dominican Republic

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Spring Break in Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic | Healthcare Service Learning

Dates: March 1 – 8, 2025
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: SPN353S/CSL 199 – 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 Emily Dunn (dunn_ea@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, 478-301-5964).

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.

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

SPN 353S/CSL 199 – 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.