High School Study Abroad in the Dominican Republic

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea lies the island nation of the Dominican Republic. Although relatively small in size, the Dominican is home to over 10 million people, many living in its capital city. The rest of the population is spread out amongst rural areas, where many high school programs take place. 

Located on the southeast coast of the country, Santo Domingo, the oldest European city of the New World, holds approximately 2.2 million people. Throughout the past few decades, the city has grown greatly. It has become the industrial and financial center of the country due to the construction of hydroelectric dams and the tourism industry boom. The city is perfect for exploring history, through beautiful old buildings, and also for quick trips to the beach. Santo Domingo is ideal for young, curious explorers; from its museums to street art, the city breathes a unique Caribbean culture.

Santiago de los Caballeros, otherwise known as Santiago, is the nation’s second largest city and considered to be more traditional than Santo Domingo. Much of the city’s economy depends on exports of processed foods, furniture, and leather goods. Home to San Luis Fort, the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration, and several palaces, this city is ideal for high school students with a heart for history. The true city experience doesn’t end there, but can be found in the street food pastelito, a fried pastry filled with meat, onions, olives, tomatoes, and a variety of seasoning.