Dominican Republic: Social & Cultural Foundations of Education
SANTIAGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - This program is designed to give graduate students in the College of Education (COE) an opportunity to learn about social and cultural differences and apply their learning to systems of education in the U.S. while visiting the Dominican Republic. The EDF 672 Social and Cultural Foundations of Education course is one of two courses (EDF 671 & ED 672) that graduate students are required to take in the COE Foundations unit. EDF 672 will be offered as a study abroad section in the Dominican Republic. Students will enroll for the spring session at GVSU and spend two of those six weeks in the Dominican Republic. Three pre-departure meetings will take place while in the U.S. For distance students, these meetings will be available via Skype. Additionally, a web-enhanced component will be available for students to complete some course work prior to leaving for the Dominican Republic.
Program excursions include trips to Centro Leon Museum, the capital Santo Domingo, local cultural excursions, and Sosua beach. An emphasis on higher education will be included in the curriculum. Students will visit two very different universities in Santo Domingo and in Santiago. They will learn about the structure, organization, and student experiences (school persistence) in both the private and public university system in Dominican Republic.
Program Highlights:
· Learn about structure, organization, and Dominican student experiences in public and private schools
· Visit public and private universities
· Meet with Dominican grassroots community organizers and educational activists
· Participate in a service learning opportunity (optional)
· Program excursions include trips to Centro Leon Museum, the capital Santo Domingo, local cultural excursions, a museum of Dominican/Haitian relations, and Sosua beach.
3.0 Graduate
Program Dates and Application Deadline
(2 weeks)
Courses

Students will register for a total of 3 credits:
EDF 699: Dominican Republic: Independent Study (3 credits) OR
EDF 672: Social and Cultural Foundations of
Education* (3 credits)
*This course is one of the two education
Foundation courses from which all College of Education graduate level
students must choose
*This program does not fulfill the General Education Global Perspectives requirement or the General Education Issues requirement
Language of Instruction: English
Housing
Program participants will live with host families. Host families will provide three meals per day and laundry services. All students will have private rooms.
Cost and Scholarships

2019 PROGRAM COSTS:
Program Fee: $3,000
Includes
- Round-trip transportation from Grand Rapids
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Field trips and entrance fees
- All ground transportation
Other Expenses
- GVSU Tuition - 3 credits ($2,031)
- Passport ($150)
- Personal expenses ($100)
- ISIC card - optional ($28)
- Additional Meals ($40)
TOTAL PROJECTED COST (Program Fee + Other Expenses) = $5,349
SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS:
Students may fund study abroad by using financial aid, scholarships, grants and personal funds. A study abroad adviser can help you create a funding plan.
FACULTY-LED PROGRAM GRANT (Up to $1,500): All degree-seeking students who apply to their faculty-led program by the priority deadline are automatically considered for a grant of up to $1,500 from the Padnos International Center. Students must have a current FAFSA on file to be eligible. No application required.
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS: Students with Graduate Assistantships (or other programs that offer tuition waivers/discounts) should check with their supervisor to see if they can apply that benefit to this program.
Visit www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad/scholarships for additional information on grants and scholarships.
FINANCIAL AID:
To contact the Financial Aid office, email [email protected] with “Study Abroad” in the Subject line. Include your G Number and Total Projected Cost of the program in the e-mail.
Non-GVSU Students: Non-GVSU students admitted for study abroad are not eligible for Financial Aid from GVSU. Check with your home school’s study abroad and financial aid offices for details on applying for financial aid from your home school toward study abroad program costs.
Eligibility
Open to all graduate students.
3.0 GPA required.
Spanish language ability is not required.
GVSU is happy to extend this opportunity to Non-GVSU students.
Additional Information
Excursions
Trips to:
- Centro Leon Museum
- The capital Santo Domingo
- Local cultural excursions,
- A museum of Dominican/Haitian relations
- Sosua beach
Contact Information
Still trying to find a program? Use the program search to find the perfect opportunity for you.