Program Site
Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) is located in the capital city of Santo Domingo, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas. With a population of over 2.2 million, the city is on the island's southern coast, and it has been proclaimed by UNESCO as the city of "Cultural Heritage of the New World," offering the first cathedral, fort, monastery, hospital, and university. The Catholic university campus in Santo Domingo has 4,200 students, and offers a broad range of undergraduate programs. It also hosts a special Spanish language institute.

Academic Program Highlights
The primary objective of this program is to provide students with the opportunity to develop oral and written Spanish skills, and to learn about Caribbean society and culture. This objective is advanced through university courses, home stays, and a community service program which places students directly within the mainstream of Dominican society. Students with beginning to advanced Spanish language skills can be accommodated. The academic program is 15 weeks in length for both the fall and spring semesters. For students entering with zero to intermediate level language skills, nine credits of Spanish will be offered. At least two other courses, taught in English, are available. Students with advanced Spanish language skills will have a modified program which will allow them to attend a selection of regular university courses over the full semester. All courses are taught at PUCCM. No previous Spanish language is required.

Program Duration
August 20 - December 15 (Fall
January 8 - May 16 (Spring) (approx)

Application Deadline*
May 1 (Fall)
November 15 (Spring)

*Note: Contact Rio Salado College for exact dates.

Transcripts
For all courses taken at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra where there are equivalent courses in the MCCCD, the official record for those credits will be posted on the MCCCD, Rio Salado College, transcript.

Eligibility
This program is open to students with at least a 2.5 GPA, 3 letters of recommendation.

Student Life
All students are placed in homestays where they will have single rooms. Students will be provided two meals per day.

Costs
The cost of a semester may vary as changes occur in the economies and currencies of the U.S. and Dominican Republic. The factors listed below are used to calculate program costs.

  • Tuition at Rio Salado College (assessed according to the student's residency status).
  • Program costs in Dominican Republic, including instruction, housing, application and orientation fees, insurance, books and field trips.
  • Transportation to Dominican Republic.
Financial Aid
Any financial aid for which students are eligible during the course of their study at Rio Salado College, including Pell Grants, can be used toward the cost of the program in Dominican Republic.

For More Information
Office of International Education
Rio Salado College
2323 W. 14th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 517-8416
(480) 517-8849 Fax
Contact: Erma Abeyta, Director of International Programs
OIE@riomail.maricopa.edu