Study Abroad in Santiago de los Caballeros
College Study Abroad
Explore Santiago, DR with CIEE
When you study abroad in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, you'll be immersed in a culturally rich city that blends heritage, natural beauty, and urban development. It’s an ideal location for students interested in exploring the natural wonders of Hispaniola Island while living in the center of one of the D.R.’s fastest growing cities. Explore the unique history, social issues, and sustainability efforts of the region. It's undeniable that Santiago's vibrant atmosphere and focus on community development create an ideal setting for students seeking personal growth, cultural immersion, and a deeper understanding of the Caribbean's diverse wonders.
While abroad, students may complete a part-time internship, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including agriculture, business, education, science, hospitality, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Top Activities in Santiago de los Caballeros with CIEE
Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural activities and an overnight excursion, uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Santiago de los Caballeros, past activities and overnight excursions have included:
- An unforgettable weekend expedition to the growing eco-paradise on Samaná Peninsula and Los Haitises National Park, where lush landscapes, hidden caves, and vibrant wildlife await
- Experience Carnaval magic in La Vega on a day trip to the town of La Vega where you'll experience an explosion of color like you've never seen before
- Go on an epic eco-adventure trip to the renowned 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua and hike through tropical trails, swim in crystal-clear pools, and slide down natural rock chutes
About CIEE Santiago de los Caballeros
Situated on the Dominican Republic's Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) campus, CIEE Santiago DR is proudly hosted inside the most prestigious university on the island as per The QS World University Rankings. The CIEE DR study center sits on PUCMM’s campus, the ecological lung of the city and botanical garden, promoting study, leisure, and well-being.
Inside the study center, students will find classroom space, a student lounge for themselves, complimentary Wi-Fi, A/C, and printer access. The CIEE center is within walking distance of homestays and just a 15-minute drive from downtown Santiago DR where students can access ATMs, banks, restaurants, bookstores, cafés, and more.
Where You'll Study in Santiago de los Caballeros
CIEE Santiago de Los Caballeros
Located on the PUCMM campus, just 30 minutes from Santiago Cibao international airport, a 15-minute drive from downtown Santiago, and within walking distance of most homestays.
Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM)
Founded in 1962, PUCMM is one of several colleges in the Dominican Republic dedicated to serving the social and economic development of all Dominicans. It has been ranked by Unirank as the best academic institution in the Dominican Republic and enrolls about 8,000 students.
Internships & Volunteering in Santiago de los Caballeros
Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or service-learning placement. Students interested in interning abroad in Santiago de los Caballeros may be able to work with local public or private organizations in a variety of areas, including social justice studies, communication, sustainability, and more.
Students looking to do service in Santiago may be able to engage with underprivileged children and youth, help young boys at a baseball academy, assist elementary school teachers, and more. In addition, students will have unique opportunities to work hand-in-hand with health promoters, social workers, and educators to learn how local organizations tackle structural challenges and difficulties.
Study Abroad Programs in Santiago de los Caballeros
- Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
- Study Program
Spend your summer in the Dominican Republic learning about the complexities of healthcare in developing nations.
- Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
- Study Program
Take your Spanish language skills to the next level while immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Dominican Republic.
- Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
- Study Program
Study in the DR this January and immerse yourself in the daily life of a vibrant developing Caribbean Island, where fascinating historical, commercial, and ecological treasures intersect.
- Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
- Study Program
Raise your strong Spanish language skills by living in Santiago, Dominican Republic, immersing yourself in its rich culture, dynamic economy, and warm hospitality in an off the beaten track study abroad experience.
- Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
- Study Program
Spend your semester in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, where stunning beaches, rich history, and lively music create the perfect setting for an unforgettable academic and cultural adventure.
Currency
Dominican peso
Spoken Languages
Spanish
Available Transportation
Taxi, bus, cable car
Famous Local
Juan Luis Guerra – singer and composer, famous for popularizing merengue and bachata
Climate
Tropical climate with a warm and humid year-round temperate averaging 78°F
Places to Explore
Calle Benito Monción, also known as the Artists Boulevard, a hub of bars, theaters and cultural centers in downtown Santiago
Airport
Cibao International Airport (STI)
Social Norms
It is considered good manners to say "a buen tiempo" when you are eating and someone enters the room
What to Pack
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals, mosquito repellent, shorts, beach towel, sunscreen, water shoes
Frequently Asked Questions
With a complex history, vibrant biodiversity, Spanish language studies, and more, Santiago de los Caballeros is a good place to study abroad for students looking for adventure. The second-largest city in the Dominican Republic, Santiago de los Caballeros offers students a tropical destination where they can advance their studies and learn about Dominican culture.
Santiago is regarded as one of the safest places in Latin America that is welcoming to everyone. As with any study abroad city, we recommend that students travel in groups when possible, keep their belongings secure, and stay aware of their surroundings.
Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, is located in the northwest region of the country in the heart of the Cibao Valley. Nearby attractions to Santiago include the town of Jarabacoa, Pico Duarte trail, Parque Nacional Valle Nuevo, and the Armando Bermúdez National Park.
Santiago, Dominican Republic, offers a variety of activities for students, such as visits to the Centro Cultural Eduardo León Jimenes art museum, Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración, Puerto Plata beach, Duarte Park, Jardín Botánico de Santiago Profesor Eugenio de Jesús Marcano Fondeur, and more.
In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Santiago de los Caballeros.
For more detailed information on diversity in Santiago de los Caballeros, visit our Diversity in Santiago de los Caballeros page.
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Santiago de los Caballeros. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Santiago de los Caballeros to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
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