Spanish is the official national language, and by far the most common choice for language study in the Dominican Republic. However, the exact type of program that will prove most beneficial for language skill development in the Dominican Republic will depend upon an individual student’s study habits, language preference, and desired experience.
University Study Abroad. Whether utilizing study abroad programs through your home university or directly enrolling in a local university, students do have the ability to earn credit through language study in the Dominican Republic. Generally offered for a summer, semester, or occasionally year-long durations, students with intermediate and advanced Spanish language skills can supplement their education with language learning alongside a variety of other course options. Through this form of language study in the Dominican Republic, students will also have the chance to take courses taught by local professors and also study alongside local students.
Language School. Students serious about their language skill acquisition, or those looking to study languages outside the nation’s primary language, will most likely take classes at language school in the Dominican Republic. Language programs and courses offered at language institutes generally begin on Mondays and offer a range of lessons per week, and for varying lengths of time. Additionally, because the focus at language schools in the Dominican Republic is solely on Spanish language learning and immersion, classes are usually taught by experienced native speakers and feature a variety of teaching techniques, immersion activities, cultural lessons, and goals, such as conversational skills versus personalized training. Some language programs even offer volunteer or job opportunities for interested students, which can provide additional benefits when it comes to learning Spanish in a natural setting.
While Spanish classes are, of course, the most common language offered by language schools in the Dominican Republic, alternative languages offered may include English, French, German, Italian, and more.
Language & Immersion Programs. For individuals not currently in school who are seeking a more well-rounded learning experience, there are numerous opportunities for language study in the Dominican Republic that combine Spanish classes with immersion activities. Program options range from scuba diving and surfing to dancing and horseback riding to volunteering in local communities. Language instruction in these programs usually includes more intimate class sizes (ex. no more than ten per class) or even private tutoring, and students can also choose their intensity of study and hours per week more freely. Additionally, cultural excursions are normally included.
Diploma Certification Course. For students specifically seeking a Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) certification, both Santo Domingo and Sosua offer all you will need to be successful. The three week course takes place in local schools and consists of an initial placement test with six different levels, ninety total group lessons, study materials, and accommodation provided for an extra fee.
