CIEE Summer Community Public Health in Santiago

I would recommend this program to my peers because I think it was really valuable to understand health experiences and systems outside of our own community. I thought it was great to deeply envelop ourselves in the dominican experience and combine academic and cultural activities. I also think study abroad in general is an amazing way to improve intercultural awareness and become a more well rounded person

I would be likely to recommened the study abroad program to a friend simply for the shear breadth of experiences and growth that it offers. Never have I ever felt so supported in my journey to learn about health and better my spanish. Everyone, from the instructors to the communities that I worked in to my peers, were amazing! I'm sad to leave the program behind but I will forever be grateful for the confidence and world views that it has left me with, and friendships that I've made in my time here

CIEE has so many options for whatever people are looking for. Different countriees, program lengths, areas of study, and monetary options. Genuinely something for everyone, and my program did a great job of exposing my group to the culture, filling time with amazing experiences, while still alotting free time to enjoy what we chose.

I loved this trip I had the time of my life! One key problem was that we were promised SIM cards for our phones before our trip and never received those. Other than that I loved the chance to help others. I will forever remember my roommate and family I stayed with! I still talk with them! We talk on whats app and snap daily I will forever be changed by them. One more thing to add before I move on is what all I learned from my homestays niece. She taught me about all kinds of sterotypes and social class standards and culture in their country. Her and I are still good friends. The kids we worked with were so amazing and showed me so much about privilege and how to help, learn, and teach those in need. One key experience i had with a little girl was when we were playing and i told her how beautiful her hair was she then looked at me and said, "no I have bad hair your hair is good hair", In the DR I learned that many people experience a lot of colorism and many little girls hate their curly or frizzy hair, I made sure to assure her she was beautiful and she gave me the biggest hug. That was a key experience for me. Also I learned a lot from the language. I did feel that the classes they had us in were a bit too easy but my family, the community, and our program leaders were all very good at keeping us immersed. Also my program leaders were the most kind Godly people I've ever met. They loved on us like nobody has ever before. I cried so much before I left knowing I would have a long time if I ever came back. I came here completely free on scholarship and wouldn't have gotten such an opportunity if it weren't for my amazing community collaborating with CIEE. Unfortunately my family just doesn't have such funds, but thankfully I had one of the greatest experiences I think I will ever have.

CIEE Study Abroad has allowed me to experience connections with community members I usually wouldn't interact with! I've had a great time not only expanding my point of view outside of the United States but was also able to practice a language that is not native to me.

I would recommend the program to a peer if they were interested in learning about public health in another country. I would not recommend it if they were looking for more medical experience from a program.

I would recommend the CIEE Study Abroad to a friend or peer because of the variety of activities and opportunities that were provided during our program. I also really appreciate the support from the CIEE team from before and during our program to ensure everything was running smoothly.

Loved my time abroad. Learned so much, was challenged in my Spanish speaking ability, and gained a sense of understanding for a new and different culture. Appreciated our weekend trips, the CIEE Santiago staff (shoutout to Will and Lucia!), and the clear care demonstrated for my cohort.

I think CIEE provided me with a wonderful opportunity to ingrain myself within another culture along with 20 other students from all across the United States. This journey together made it all great to learn and enjoy my time here in the DR

I think CIEE provided me with a wonderful opportunity to ingrain myself within another culture along with 20 other students from all across the United States. This journey together made it all great to learn and enjoy my time here in the DR.

I enjoyed the program very much but it was very pricy. I had to spend more money out of the 10,000 I had already paid to explore the country. More museum visits or culture visits should have been included.