Study Abroad in the Dominican Republic
Explore everything the Dominican Republic has to offer by living with a host family and experiencing a warm, colorful way of life. Discover the highest mountain and deepest valley in the Caribbean, as well as rainforests, deserts, and white sand beaches! The Dominican Republic boasts a strong industry of ecotourism and provides many opportunities to connect with nature through hiking, birdwatching, and exploring national parks.
Dominicans are welcoming people with a great sense of humor who are happy to share all the things they consider to be “muy dominicano.” They are proud of their heritage and are welcoming to those who want to visit and learn more about the things that mean most to them – which is often family! As a former Spanish colony, you’ll find traits of traditional Spanish culture are still present on the island, often with a twist. African and Taíno cultural influences are still prevalent throughout Dominican culture as well. You’ll find a wide range of foods incorporated into meals, as recipes in the Dominican Republic are known for their dynamic flavors, reflecting the rich history of the island.
Things to Know
Dominican culture is a mixture of European, African, and Taíno cultural elements. This is most apparent in Dominican food, family structure, religion, and music. Dominican people are generally warm, friendly, and direct. You’ll find people you encounter to be very expressive, speaking loudly and quickly in conversation with strong body language and facial expressions. In Dominican culture, people generally prefer to stand close to one another while speaking – eye contact is also important in Dominican culture to show interest and demonstrate trust.
Dominicans are very fond of dancing to merengue and bachata. Merengue is the musical genre most often associated with the Dominican Republic and has been part of the Dominican musical repertoire since the mid-19th century. Dominicans often go out to dance or organize parties in their homes, where dancing is the main activity. Baseball is the most popular sport and a unifying force for the country – the Dominican Republic is home to some of the world’s best players!