Semester in Santiago DR
Unique Experiences
Join Spontaneous Street Dance Sessions,
where the rhythms of son music invite everyone to take part
Connect with Host Families
to learn traditional recipes and form meaningful cultural exchanges
Experience Breathtaking Beaches and Mountains
plus unforgettable sunsets and awe-inspiring views, with every road offering a new adventure
Your Destination
Santiago de los Caballeros is the Dominican Republic’s vibrant second-largest city, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. Surrounded by mountains and filled with cultural landmarks, lively markets, and a thriving arts scene, the city blends rich history with modern energy. Whether you're studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Santiago is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
- Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Santiago de los Caballeros will open doors for you to explore the Dominican's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of past excursions and activities:
- Take on the challenge of hiking Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views
- Slide down or jump through the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua for an adrenaline-packed adventure in nature
- Visit Cayo Arena (Paradise Island), where you can snorkel in crystal-clear turquoise waters and relax on white sandy beaches
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Study Abroad Dominican Republic: The Ultimate Guide
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4 Best Dominican Republic Study Abroad Programs
Imagine waking up to the sound of ocean waves crashing against golden sands, the scent of fresh tropical fruit filling the air, and a day ahead that could include anything... keep reading
What are the Best Places to Study Abroad in Latin America?
If you’re reading this, you’re probably ready to take your college experience to the next level with an extraordinary study abroad adventure. What better way to do than by discovering... keep reading
Housing
Housing
CIEE Santiago de los Caballeros provides a range of housing options to ensure your comfort during your stay. Whether you prefer a homestay for a more immersive cultural experience or an independent studio for privacy, we strive to accommodate your preferences. All housing options are conveniently located in neighborhoods that offer easy access to both the CIEE office and PUCMM campus, all within a 20-minute commute. Your home away from home is just a step away from your academic pursuits!
Standard Housing: Includes a single room in a homestay. Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family, along with weekly laundry service. Although families may be able to communicate in English, most speak only Spanish. Some have been hosting for more than 25 years!
Select Housing: Includes single accommodation in a studio apartment with a private kitchenette and bathroom, within a 20-minute commute to the CIEE office and PUCMM campus. Select housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Homestays include three meals per day.
Meals are not included in independent studios. Estimated additional costs are noted in the “Fees & Housing” section.
Academics
CIEE Santiago DR: Study on the campus of Pontifica Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), just a 15-minute drive from downtown Santiago DR, where you can access restaurants, banks, bookstores, cafés, and more. CIEE Santiago DR sits on PUCMM's campus and boasts a classroom space and a student lounge.
Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM): PUCMM was founded in 1962 and is dedicated to serving the social and economic development of all Dominicans and has been ranked for about 60 years as the best academic institution of higher learning in the Dominican Republic. PUCMM is the number one university in the Dominican Republic according to the QS World Ranking 2024 and number 5 in the Caribbean, standing out for having the best citation per paper. It continues to be in first place in the Dominican Republic Webometrics Ranking from 2020 to 2024. Also, this institution is a leader in the offer of online master's degrees nationwide. Conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from downtown Santiago, PUCMM's nature-inspired campus offers academic degrees from four academic colleges – Social Sciences and Administration, Science and Humanities, Engineering Sciences, and Health Sciences.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Course Information
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses may change due to ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Health Professions and Related Programs
Social Sciences
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Health Professions and Related Programs
Social Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM)
The following list of courses constitutes a representative sample of course offerings through our partner university and is subject to change.
Courses in English:
- Poverty and Development: A case study of the Dominican Republic
- Dominican-Haitian Relations
- Gender and Society of the Hispanic Caribbean
- Contemporary Hispanic American Literature
- ESL Methodology and Practice
- Afro-Caribbean Culture
- Literature and Cinema
- Community Service Practicum
Courses in Spanish are offered from the following departments:
- Architecture
- Art and Culture
- Business
- Caribbean Studies
- Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Literature
- Medicine
- Natural Science
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Social Communication
- Sports
- Theology
Spanish Language Courses for International Students:
- Español Principiante I
- Español Principiante II
- Español Intermedio I
- Español Intermedio II
- Español Avanzado I
- Español Avanzado II
- Español Avanzado III
Not all courses listed are offered every semester, and some courses have prerequisites. The final list of courses is made available during the course enrollment process.
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Santiago de los Caballeros is one of the top economic hubs of the Dominican Republic. Key sectors include businesses across agriculture, business, education, science, hospitality, and human services, where students will discover a vibrant work culture emphasized by a healthy work-life balance and social interaction.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.
Architecture and Construction
Develop hands-on technical skills and responsible building planning while working for global architecture firms abroad.
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Hospitality and Tourism
Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
- Fall 25 or Spring 26 Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellowship
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2025 16 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $13,950 |
| Program Academic year 2025-2026 | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date * | End Date TBD* | |
| Program Spring 2026 15 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $10,456 ** |
| Housing | $3,000 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Visa Fees | $0 |
| Total Fees | $13,950 |
Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $800 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $0 † |
| International Airfare | $600 †† |
| Local Transportation | $45 ††† |
| Books & Supplies | $25 †††† |
| Visa Fees | $75 ††††† |
| Personal expenses | $240 †††††† |
| Total Costs | $985 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For students in homestays, families provide all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $290 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††Average round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure (Newark-STI)
†††Airport transfer a the end of the program. Participants stay within walking distance from Host University and CIEE Center. (Uber transportation to move around the city is not being considered).
††††Participants usually do not buy the books as they are available in the library or online, and supplies are minimal.
†††††Paid upon departure at the airport
††††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Lucía Agüero
Center Director
Lucía Agüero is a passionate educator and lifelong learner with over fifteen years of professional experience.
Randolp Valenzuela
HSSA & College Program Coordinator
Randolp Valenzuela has a degree in electrical technics and has taken numerous courses in business administration and media communication. He has more than a decade of experience coordinating youth camps...
Dr. William Rey
Program Coordinator
Will graduated from the medical school at PUCMM and has gained extensive experience working within the Public Health system, collaborating with both urban and rural communities to improve healthcare access and outcomes.
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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