Study Abroad Programs in Santiago, Dominican Republic

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.