Location The Dominican Republic occupies two thirds of Hispaniola, making it the second largest archipelago in the Antilles. It is located to the west of Puerto Rico and to the east of Cuba and Jamaica, sharing the island with Haiti.
Dominicans refer to the island as “Quisqueya,” the name the indigenous used to refer to Hispaniola.
For more information concerning the history, geography, and cultural activities of the Dominican Republic, as well as latest news stories, please visit: www.dominicanaonline.org
Airlines American Airlines, Jet Blue, Continental Airlines, Spirit, Delta, Iberia, Air France and Air Europa all have flights to the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic has 5 airports through which 2.5 million visitors enter the country each year. All InteRDom students should fly into the Aeropuerto Internacional Los Américas (AILA).
Do I Need a Visa to Enter the Dominican Republic? All United States citizens must present a valid passport and purchase a tourist card (US$10.00) upon arrival, which allows for a 60 day maximum stay.
For all other information pertaining to visas and tourists cards please refer to the official website of the Dominican Consulate.
From the Airport to Downtown Santo Domingo A representative from InteRDom will meet you at the airport exit and bring you to the student residencies. When you fill-out your application form, make sure to specify that you will need this service.
How Does the Transportation System Work in the Dominican Republic? There are many different transportation options available to InteRDom students. The best option for you will depend on your budget, the amount of time you desire to spend traveling, and the type of experience that you would like to have. The following list contains transportation options that vary by cost:
Public Transportation: In general, there are 4 types of public transportation available in almost all areas of the country.
Public Cars: Popularly known as conchos, these vehicles adhere to specific routes and transport between 4 and 6 passengers. The cost of a one-way trip is approximately 12 pesos (US$0.37). They do not have specified stops and drop passengers off at locations close to their destinations.
Buses: Also referred to as OMSAS, buses in the Dominican Republic are run by the Oficina Metropolitana de Servicios de Autobuses (OMSA – Metropolitan Office of Bus Services). Bus routes run throughout the capital. They have specific stops and do not circulate as frequently as the public cars do. The approximate cost of a one-way trip is between 12-30 pesos (between US$0.30 and US$1.00).
Motorbikes: Motorbikes accommodate one passenger, and can be rented to travel across short distances within urban zones of the city. InteRDom does not recommend that students rely upon this form of transportation, given the high risk of accident.
Metro: The newly created metro system in Santo Domingo will soon be up-and-running, alleviating transit problems in the most congested zones of the capital
ACCOMODATIONS InteRDom offers modern and comfortable student residencies with WiFi Internet, strategically located minutes away from the historic and cultural zones of the city, within walking distance to public transportation.
INTERNSHIPS The InteRDom program consists of 60% professional experience with a private, public or non-governmental organization, and 40% academic study at a local university.
What is an Internship? An internship is a professional training program that allows university students to apply knowledge related to their field of study while working for an organization in the Dominican Republic. The duration of the internships can vary. InteRDom offers 8-48 week opportunities.
Interns typically are not paid. However, InteRDom has encouraged the affiliated organizations to provide some sort of assistance, such as transportation, meals or medical insurance. Upon completion of the internship, the business or organization will evaluate the interns overall performance.
The interns’ schedule is usually similar to that of the organization or business’ employees. Interns are able to work a maximum of 25 hours per week.
Minimum Age Requirement InteRDom offers opportunities to students 19 years of age or older that have completed at least 60% or their academic program at their university.
INTERDOM’S ACADEMIC PROGRAM The academic program includes specialized seminars about relevant themes pertaining to the Region, such as the free trade agreement, DR-CAFTA, Latin American Business, Tourism in the Caribbean and Caribbean Art, and intensive Spanish language programs that offer students the possibility to obtain the DELE (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language).
Starting Dates
Academic Semester – 14 weeks
Combine your internship with interesting classes in your field of study, exchange possibilities, and contact with Dominican students.
2008
January 7 – April 22
May 5 – August 16
Caribbean Summer – 9 weeks
Participate in seminars specializing in Latin American business, tourism in the Caribbean and DR-CAFTA, amongst other subjects.
2008
June 9 - August 9
Spanish and Research – 8 weeks
Develop an academic project, and improve your Spanish language skills and advance them to the next level taking the DELE.
2008
Throughout the year
InteRDom Film – 1 week
Become part of the Dominican Republic Global Film Festival Staff and get to know international industry professionals.
Do I Need to Buy Books?
No, didactic materials utilized in class will be provided.
Will There Be Dominican Students in the Classes?
During the academic semester you will have the opportunity to meet student of different majors, interests and backgrounds. Regular classes with Dominican students may be taken during the January-May and September-December semesters. If you are interested in receiving a list of courses available, please send a request to interdom@interdominternships.org and we will send you a list of courses available through our affiliate universities, Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) and Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM). In order to register for these classes, you must first meet the minimum Spanish proficiency requirements.
Payments
Certified checks or money orders may be sent to:
Global Foundation for Democracy and Development
780 3rd Avenue, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10017
United States
