santiago dr cable car view
Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic

Semester in Santiago DR

Study Program

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

TBD

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

15 weeks

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Semester in Santiago de los Caballeros program lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Dominican culture. Live and learn in Santiago!

CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellowship 

Apply to become one of 100 students to receive a fully-funded CIEE Study Abroad program in Latin America for fall '25 or spring '26!

Learn More

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

Experience
  • santiago dr boat group

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.

festival float in santiago de los caballeros

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. 
santiago dominican republic waterfall students

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

From CIEE

Study Abroad Dominican Republic: The Ultimate Guide

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Envision this: Colorful streets alive with the sounds of merengue, the aroma of mouthwatering street food wafting through the air, and a warm Caribbean breeze that makes every day feel... keep reading

From CIEE

4 Best Dominican Republic Study Abroad Programs

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

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

From CIEE

What are the Best Places to Study Abroad in Latin America?

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

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
Academics

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. 

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Immigration/Entry Requirements

Visa Required: No 

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Semester in Santiago DR students take courses at the host institution only or a mix of host institution and CIEE courses, for a total of 12-18 credits, with 15 recommended.

  • Students are required to enroll in a minimum of 2 courses (6 credits) at PUCMM  
  • Students can further choose from:  
    • Additional PUCMM courses
    • CIEE courses  
    • Up to 2 ASU online courses (up to 8 credits), in Sessions A and/or B

Students with 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent as determined by a placement assessment is required to take courses in Spanish at PUCMM  

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-18 U.S. semester/18-27 quarter credits

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours  
  • CIEE experiential learning courses (Service-Learning, Internship, and Directed Independent Research Projects): 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 placement or research hours
  • University of PUCMM courses: 1-6 U.S. semester/1.5-9 quarter credits; 15-90 contact hours (typically 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6.0 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours)
  • ASU online courses: typically 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement. CIEE courses are typically delivered Mondays through Thursdays during office hours and are solely for CIEE students. Canvas is the Learning Management System platform for course delivery. Experiential Learning courses, such as Service-Learning Projects, Internships, and Directed Independent Research, balance weekly class meetings with independent work in the form of placements at organizations, institutions or businesses, and personal research.  

PUCMM classes tend to be more lecture-based and students are expected to work much more independently than in the U.S., thus more time may be required for studying than students are accustomed to at their home campuses. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of Santiago de los Caballeros when classes are in session and plan trips for the long weekends.

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

Class Format

Courses taught at the CIEE Center are for CIEE students only. Host Institution classes include both local and international students (mainly from Haiti, but also other U.S. exchange students). A typical class schedule includes a combination of both CIEE and Host Institution classes, and will span from Monday to Thursdays, and occasionally Fridays. Classes at both CIEE and the Host Institution meet 2-4 times per week, for anywhere from 2-4 hours per class session, depending on the course. Attendance in CIEE classes is strictly enforced, both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Instruction is supported and augmented online by CIEE’s learning management system, Canvas. At the HI, instruction is supported by the PVA platform (Moodle).  

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.

Grading

CIEE reports all final course grades to students’ home institutions using a U.S. letter grade equivalent scale of A-F. For CIEE-administered courses, students’ grades are based on attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.  

PUCMM courses are graded using a 100-point grading scale, which have an equivalent scale of A-F. Primary assessments are held as written examinations, and final exams are typically worth 50% of the final grade for the course. Attendance is compulsory in Host Institution classes. Students must attend a minimum of 80% of all class sessions. 

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English and/or Spanish

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

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

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Health Professions and Related Programs

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Health Professions and Related Programs

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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

 

Program Options
Program Options

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.

Internships

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.

A female intern picks crops from a field

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.

An intern works on a design in a workshop

Architecture and Construction

Develop hands-on technical skills and responsible building planning while working for global architecture firms abroad.

Business Management and Administration Internships

Business Management and Administration

Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

A restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

Hospitality and Tourism

Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.

Two female interns work on an engineering project

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

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

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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 Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $13,950
Program Academic year 2025-2026 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.

See Scholarships

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.

See Scholarships

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.

See Scholarships

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

Staff

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 Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

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.

Request Info