Leadership & Service in Public Health
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
Explore
Have fun discovering island life in the Dominican Republic.
Network
Meet new friends and healthcare professionals. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Launch your future today! Gain hands-on leadership skills assisting with local health initiatives. Come home ready to take action.
The Destination
Welcome to Santiago de los Caballeros, the commercial and cultural heart of the Dominican Republic.
Santiago de los Caballeros, or simply Santiago, is affectionately known as Ciudad Corazón—“Heart City.” Tucked between two mountain ranges in the center of the fertile Cibao Valley, Santiago is the second-largest city of the Dominican Republic and boasts the country’s largest hospital—Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago.
Even though it was founded in 1495, Santiago is a modern metropolis, thriving on industry and vibrating with culture. As the arts capital of the country, it houses a world-class collection of paintings, a carnival museum, renowned urban murals, and countless cultural exhibits.
Away from the touristic hotspots, Santiago is a perfect place to experience Dominican day-to-day life. Here you will surround yourself with the contagious happiness of the Santiagueros, the syncopated rhythms of bachata, the national obsession for baseball, and the pride of home cooking inspired by African, Spanish, and Taino flavors.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Santiago de los Caballeros.
Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Hospital Universitario Jose María Cabral y Baez and Clínica Corominas Visit
Get ready for a first-hand experience through two different worlds of healthcare in Santiago. At the busy Hospital Universitario Jose María Cabral y Baez, you see what it's like in a public hospital where resources are tight but care is free for everyone. Local medical students will show you around and share their stories. Just a short walk away, you get to visit the Clínica Corominas, where doctors and high-tech facilities are available to those that can afford their service.
This day is not only eye-opening but also impactful. As you walk between these two medical facilities, you have deep conversations with your new friends and Program Leader about the differences you've seen and what they mean.
These shared experiences will bring your group closer and spark discussions that could shape your future. Whether it's writing your college essays, deciding what you want to study, or inspiring a career in global health or public service, this experience will definitely leave a mark.
Outdoors Adventures at Rio Mao
Embark on a day trip to Monción and explore the breathtaking Dominican countryside, where culture, nature, and adventure come together. After an early breakfast, take a scenic ride through the mountains of Santiago Rodríguez.
The adventure sets at Glamping Vista del Río, an eco-friendly retreat surrounded by pristine nature. After a delicious Dominican lunch, cool off in the Mao River. Float down gentle currents in a tube, take an adventurous jump from the river swing, or relax on the shore with a book. The stunning scenery and Instagram-worthy spots make the day unforgettable.
This fun, enriching outdoor experience fosters bonds with peers, and inspires reflection on how these moments shape your perspective on community service, global issues, and future career goals.
An Unforgettable Overnight Trip in Puerto Plata
IT'S FRIDAY, and the excitement in the air was palpable as we embarked on our much-anticipated overnight trip. We started our journey by gathering all the students from their homestays... keep reading
7 Things to Know About High School Summer Abroad Housing
High school summer abroad is not just about teens exploring a topic in an exciting location. It’s also about finding a temporary home away from home. Read the 7 things you should know about our housing options.
7 Things to Know About High School Summer Abroad Housing
High school summer abroad is not just about teens exploring a topic in an exciting location. It’s also about finding a temporary home away from home. Read the 7 things you should know about our housing options.
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $4,950 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $4,950 |
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and 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.
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
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