CIEE-Santiago: Summer Community Public Health

Program Details

Program Location Santiago, Dominican Republic
Sponsor CIEE
Program Type Co-sponsored
Course # SA 31005
Duration Summer
Upcoming Program Dates
Summer 2025 06/16/25 to 08/16/25
Page Links
Click here to apply for this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Overview

Examine the complexities of healthcare in developing nations by studying in the Dominican Republic this summer. With classroom instruction plus fieldwork in urban and semi-rural settings, you’ll get a close look and new perspective on the social and health issues facing one of the Caribbean’s fastest-developing countries. Courses are designed and taught, in Spanish, by a top-ranked Dominican Republic university and CIEE’s partner school, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), and complemented with immersive co-curricular activities designed to increase intercultural understanding.

This intensive eight-week program includes orientation, six weeks of language and healthcare courses, a ten-day rural clinical field rotation, and a five-day urban stay. Students participate in a semi-urban community service practicum in an underserved area in Santiago while classes are in session. During this time, students will learn about public health with a focus on the health/illness process and its relation to health management, policies, and coverage. They will also explore mental health, preventive medicine programs, primary healthcare administration, and learn relevant medical Spanish terms.

Founded in 1495 by 30 caballeros (knights) from Columbus’ early expeditions, Santiago is a growing, modern city with a population of more than 800,000. Despite its sprawling size, Santiago retains many small-town features. Traditional merchants ride burros loaded with baskets of goods and call out their wares in a musical chant. Street vendors balance large baskets of fruit and vegetables on their heads. People are friendly and crime is scarce. The people of Santiago like to play dominos, listen to merengue and bachata music, and talk about baseball.

For more program information, please visit the program website. This program is sponsored by:CIEE.

Eligibility

The program is open to Purdue students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.

GPA Requirement: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: 4 Sem Spanish


Purdue Credit

Direct Credit available from the following: [College of Liberal Arts] [College of Health and Human Sciences]
Specifically from: HK, PSY, PUBH (HHS)

Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.


Academic Program

Students enroll in three required CIEE courses, and earn 9-10 credits. Courses are taught in Spanish and are with other CIEE students on the program.

For more information on courses, please see the CIEE website.


Excursions

As part of the program, complete a ten-day rotation at a semi-rural medical clinic and
support the efforts of health promoters in marginalized urban neighborhoods.

Housing

Living with a Dominican family is your ticket to immersion into every day Santiago life. Your Spanish-speaking host family provides housing and three meals a day. All homestays are within walking distance of Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM). During the rural and urban stay, students live with host families with support from local medical staff and leaders in each communit

Estimated Program Costs

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.
 
Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

The program fee includes tuition, orientation, and excursions.

The housing fee includes accommodations and meals.

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Summer 2024

Costs per term to be billed by Purdue and Co-sponsor
Program Fee $7,303.00
Study Abroad Fee $609.40
Housing $1,250.00
Insurance $197.00

Approximate additional costs per term
To be paid by the student.
Round-trip Airfare $630.00
Local Transportation $70.00
Visa $75.00
Books and Supplies $55.00
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $0.00 - $160.00
Travel Documents (passport, photos) $175.00

Financial Aid

CIEE has scholarships available, more information can be found HERE.

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.


Application Deadlines

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

Program Application Deadline
Summer Programs Mar 1



Returnees Information

Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.


Resources

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.


For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383 or email studyabroad@purdue.edu.