Programs
Dominican Republic Beyond the Classroom
Program Introduction
Program Leader: Dr. Dina Martinez-Tyson
Celebrating 10 Years of Transformative Learning
Since 2016, over 220 Honors students have traveled beyond the walls of the classroom to experience the world 鈥 and come back changed. This fall, the Dominican Republic Beyond the Classroom program marks its 10th anniversary, and applications are now open.
About the Program
The Dominican Republic Beyond the Classroom is a geographical perspectives Honors course that combines rigorous classroom learning with an immersive, in-country travel experience. Over the course of the semester, students explore the deep connections between health and culture in the Dominican Republic 鈥 examining the social determinants of health, common health concerns of the region, and how they intersect with the rich histories and diverse cultures that shape everyday life there.
At the end of the semester, students travel to Sos煤a, Puerto Plata on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, where they spend ten days bringing their semester of learning to life through cultural immersion and hands-on involvement. From sharing meals with host families to volunteering in mobile health clinics, students finish the semester with an unforgettable experience abroad.
This program is a culminating international experience for Honors students interested
in the intersections of culture, social sciences, and health as well as for students
looking to practice or enhance their Spanish language skills. Course application is open to students of all levels and majors.
Note: Dominican Republic Beyond the Classroom will only be offered in Fall 2026 for the
2026鈥27 academic year.
Program Details
Travel Dates: Dec. 12 - 22, 2026 (Dates subject to change)
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open: | Now Open |
| Priority Application Deadline: | TBA |
| Applications Close: | August 1, 2026 |
| Course Dates: | Fall 2026: Monday, Wednesday 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. |
Attendance at pre-trip planning meetings may be required prior to the commencement of travel.
Program Cost
- Program cost: TBD
- Note: Program cost does not include airfare.
Ready to Apply?
Applications for Fall 2026 are open now through August 1, 2026.
Questions? Contact Dr. Dina Martinez-Tyson.
Our Community Partner: The Kerolle Initiative for Community Health
While in the Dominican Republic, students work alongside the staff of the Kerolle Initiative for Community Health 鈥 a nonprofit community health organization dedicated to providing holistic health interventions that improve quality of life and access to medical care in rural communities.
Student involvement includes:
- Mobile medical clinics serving medically underserved areas
- Sustainable gardening projects designed to increase local food security
- Wellness education programs for community members
- Lectures on global health from Dr. Reginald Kerolle, founder of the Kerolle Initiative
- Physician shadowing during mobile clinic sessions
- Language exposure 鈥 gaining insights into both Spanish and Haitian Creole
Living and Learning in Community
Students stay together in host family homes, creating opportunities for genuine personal connection with members of the local community. All meals are prepared by a trained chef who accommodates dietary needs while introducing students to the true flavors of the Dominican Republic through traditional dishes.
Practical notes for prospective students:
- Daily access to basic WiFi is provided
- Host family homes do not have air conditioning or hot water
- Rolling power outages can occur
- Students should be prepared to embrace a different pace of life
Accessibility
This program involves significant physical activity in a tropical environment. Prospective students should be aware that participation will include:
- Abundant walking and hill climbing
- Climbing into and out of vehicles
- Navigating rough, uneven, and possibly muddy surfaces
- Exposure to extreme heat and humidity
- Eating and sleeping in tropical temperatures
- Adapting to schedule changes with little notice
Students with accessibility questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the program coordinator before applying.
What Students Have to Say
The following are direct quotes from past program participants.
鈥淚 got to take that step forward and see what it was like to be in the shoes of a physician and it made me realize that it's exactly what I wanted, exactly the path that I want to take.鈥 鈥 Nusheen Immen, program alumna
鈥淭he Honors College did a great job of preparing us both culturally and in the language sense. Our host families could not have been more welcoming and warm. We were clearly in a very different environment, which was challenging for many of us. However, the host families, the kids, and the people in the community made it feel like home.鈥 鈥 Aakash Vijeesh, program alumnus
More About the Program
Want to hear directly from a student? Listen as Honors student Lana Almukhtar shares her experience in the Dominican Republic Beyond the Classroom program.