Academic Trips

Students will participate in three academic trips throughout the course of the semester abroad:

1. Santo Domingo and the East
• Visit a manufacturing facility and cocoa farm and hear about the impact of fair trade and its effects on workers' lives
2. Cien Fuegos
• Visit an inner-city neighborhood in Santiago and learn about the realities of life for the people who live there
3. The Border at Dajabón
• Visit the Dominican-Haitian Border divided by the Massacre River to appreciate the complexities of relations and trade

Immersion Trips

Students will participate in two immersion trips throughout the semester in the Encuentro campo working side-by-side with the local community on a development project. 

Previous projects include: 

• Building an aqueduct
• Constructing a greenhouse
• Building cement floors and latrines
• Repairing a school

This program has limited spots - only two students per semester. Therefore, students must complete the following steps in advance if they would like to be considered:

1. Meet with Kathy Hansen, the Assistant Director of Overseas Studies & Exchanges in the Center for International Education (GAC 119)
• If applying for an internship, students must also meet with Emily Marchese, the Assistant Director in the Internship Program (GAC 109)
2. Once deemed eligible by Kathy Hansen and Emily Marchese:
• Apply online through Creighton University 
• Complete and obtain necessary approval signatures for the Study Abroad Course Approval and Posting Form.

Additional forms are required for students who plan to obtain internship credit while participating in this program. 

Students pay Nazareth tuition, plus room and board.

All expenses are paid for in the Dominican Republic, including academic trips.

Students are responsible for paying for airfare, in-country transportation costs to service sites and personal expenses such as souvenirs. 

Required Encuentro Courses:

• SPN 111-999 (Spanish taught at student's level): 3 credits
• Naz Equivalent: Will be determined by assigned level
• EDP 362 The Dominican Republic in Context: 3 credits
• Naz Equivalent: HIS 108Q
• EDP 461 The Power of One: Poverty, Sustainable Development & Social Justice Discernment: 3 credits
• Naz Equivalent: RES 360 or RES 381 (cross-listed with PAJ 201)

Elective Opportunities for Spring 2020 (may vary by semester):

• SPN/HIS/PLS 330 Cuba and the US: Revolution & Restitution: 3 credits
• Naz Equivalent: PSC 307G or SPN 306
• SPN 340 Culture and Society Through Cinema: 3 credits
• Naz Equivalent: SPN 309
• PHL 270 Philosophical Ethics
• Naz Equivalent: TBD
• Service/Social Work Clinical*: 3 credits
• Naz Equivalent: SWK 384

               *social work students only; must receive advisor approval

Course descriptions may be viewed on Creighton University's site. After selecting courses, each student must meet with and obtain approval from the following Nazareth faculty and staff:

• Academic Advisor
• Assistant Director for Overseas Studies & Exchanges, Kathy Hansen, GAC 119
• If applying for course credit for an internship, the Assistant Director in the Internship Program, Emily Marchese, GAC 109

Students will live and eat most meals at the Centro de Educacion para la Salud Integral (CESI) located in Santiago. The Centro is also known as the Institute for Latin American Concern (ILAC Center).

The Centro is a non-profit Jesuit institution that houses volunteers to serve in rural areas. 

During the immersion trips, students will live with a host family in a humble rural environment. The immersion trips are great opportunities for students to experience the authenticity, simplicity, and rawness of the Dominican Republic!

The application deadline for the Fall 2020 semester is May 1, 2020.

To stay up-to-date with current application deadlines and program dates, please visit the Creighton University application site. 

If applying for an internship, notify Emily Marchese in the Internship Program and submit the required documents:

• Application and Advisor Approval Form
• Site Agreement Form