By Eleanor B., guest blogger and Dominican Republic Study Abroad student

I made it! After a flight to Miami and then another one to Puerto Plata, I am finally in Sosúa. My apartment is tiny, but it's not like I need much space. The only thing I'm wondering is if there's a stove somewhere where I can cook meals. I'll get a tour tomorrow when the school is open and figure things out.

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By Eleanor B., guest blogger and student at AmeriSpan's Sosua Spanish school

Hi everyone! My name is Eleanor and I'm an 18 year old who has a passion for traveling and Spanish. Next year I'm going off to Auburn University to study Spanish and International Trade. This summer I really wanted to go someplace to practice my Spanish. I spent four months this year living in Panama as an exchange student. When I got home, I found that I started to lose my speaking skills. It's really hard for me to practice because theres a very small Latino population in the area. I decided it was important for me to get my speaking skills back up to for college. I went on a massive online search and found Amerispan. They're a safe company, ran out of the United States and have decent prices. Can't beat that!

Officially in less than two weeks I will be shipping off to Sosúa in the Dominican Republic. The program has apartments on campus, so I have my own school studio apartment for a month. The best part is that the school is close to the beach! I have the feeling most of my afternoons after Spanish classes with be spent on the beach. It's free, fun and I'll get a tan. Is there anything else more perfect?

This summer is absolutely PACKED with all kinds of trips and fun things. I will be going to California, taking a red eye back, flying to Alabama the next day, flying home, and then going to the Dominican a day after (does that even make sense?). Basically I'm in a different state/country or I'm traveling there/home. I just graduated yesterday and I only have one day (today) off to do absolutely nothing. To be honest, that's the way I like it. I cannot stay still for very long. There's something about being in a new place, especially a new country with a new language. I love learning about different cultures and attempting to speak Spanish. I've found that I haven't been running out to buy all kinds of things for my trip to the DR this time. I've traveled to Latin America so many times that I've finally learned to buy toiletries and other necessities down there. I'm notorious for over packing, so that leaves some room in my suitcase for more clothes!

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Meet Dhara K., Fundraising participant getting ready to study SALUD Medical Spanish in Santo Domingo

What is your background?
I am 20 years old, a senior undergraduate student,  dual majoring in International Studies and Biology, pre-med at Virginia Commonwealth University.  I currently live in Virginia Beach.

Do you travel abroad often? 
I was born in India and came to America at the age of 7 months.  I’ve been back almost every summer during grade school to visit family, and I developed an interest in international healthcare since shadowing a pediatrician in Surat, a major industrial city in India.  After two service trips to El Progreso, Honduras last year, I caught the travel bug—and it just won’t let me go!  I’m looking forward to serving our Spanish-speaking Central and South American neighbors as a physician one day.

Have you studied abroad? 
On Semester at Sea in Fall 2010, I completed coursework on a ship, the MV Explorer, with fellow American and international students, while traveling through Spain, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, Mauritius, India, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong

Which languages do you speak or have studied? 
I speak Gujarati, my native language of India, and have studied Spanish for nine years.

Tell us about one of your biggest challenges you’ve encountered abroad.
Reverse culture shock—coming back to the United States and perceiving your society, peers, and family differently from the way you viewed them before—is really difficult to face.  They may not understand where you’ve been, the experiences you’ve had, the people who have touched your life so profoundly.  But have faith that there are people who will understand, who will help you make a difference in the world.  It’s really hard to realize that I am only one person and I can’t help everyone or fix all of the inequalities of the world.  Some say that my efforts are just a “drop in the bucket,” but I believe that as a future physician and educator of fellow healthcare providers and students, I hope that I can make a broader impact on my fellow Americans by sharing my traveling stories, and bringing others on my journeys abroad.

Why did you choose an AmeriSpan program?
I found the SALUD medical Spanish programs online and they struck my interest as an opportunity that would fit with my interests, so I decided to apply.

How are you fundraising? 
I am getting my previous high school, my current university, and my Virginia Beach community involved in my fundraising campaign.  I am setting up presentations and writing letters to local businesses and professional organizations to request donations. 

Do you have any tips for other fundraisers? 
The sky’s the limit!! Just get creative and don’t let anyone tell you that your dreams are not possible!  Believe in yourself!

Do you have any tips or advice for others planning to studying abroad? 
No matter how much planning you do, you’re simply going to have to dive in, head first, and take the experience as it comes.  Remember to bring pictures of your friends and family, of important events—graduation, parties, etc.—from home so that the people you meet and the friends you make abroad can know your story as well.  Realize that you make just as big of an impact on them as they do on you.

Are there any fundraising activities that you want us to help promote? 
Not yet, but I will let you know!

See Dhara's Fundraising Story

Learn more about AmeriSpan's Fundraising Program or make a donation

By Candice S., guest blogger studying Spanish and Latin Dance in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

So yesterday Chris and Gabriel, guys from school, showed us how to use the carro public to get to school (Gabriel is in the middle and Chris is on the right by the window). Basically, the cars run the same route all day long, you just have to know which car to get into. So we walked to the area where the cars are that go to Zona Universidad and got in.. little did we know that the 4 of us would be sitting in the back together while Bob sat in front…. And this is normal.

Actually, there are usually 4 passengers in the back and 2 passengers in the front.. not including the driver! Did I mention that the majority of the cars are 90’s model Camry and Accord looking vehicles, and most are standard! Then on top of that the drivers drive wherever they deem worthy.. which usually means the middle of the road. Most of the roads and side streets are one-way, so its just a huge mesh of cars weaving in and out. It's crazy! However, it is much more time and cost efficient. My first day of class on Monday, I took a taxi. He didn’t even know how to get to the school so it took about 30 minutes because he had to keep stopping and asking people on the street for directions, and on top of that it cost me 150 pesos! Which, really isn’t bad to get across town unless you compare it to the total discomfort of the carro publico, which is only 20 pesos, and it only takes 15 mins. You tell me what you would choose.. 

My host mother (mi madre postiza) is a fantastic cook! Dominican food is so flavorful! I try to remember  to take a picture of my dinners but I always get greedy and forget! She has made me some variation of potatoes and chicken, or chicken, rice and beans. She always makes me homemade juices sometimes papaya, or mango. The lemonade was the best I have ever tasted my life!! I know what you’re thinking, it’s just lemonade but, no, it was so much more! The fruit is amazing, too. So sweet! DR is a sugar producer and so even the sugar tastes better.

Our guide, Vlad, took us to this disco/restaurante called Olympico across town on Tuesday night and we had so much fun! Just sitting around talking and dancing! Yovani, one of the teachers at the school came. He sings and dances everywhere he goes, so I knew he was the best person to teach me the Bachata! We had a great time. There is a small grocery store on the corner down the street from my house that always has music coming from inside! There are like 5 entrances to this small corner store so the music comes from everywhere, and it's loud! But it's beautiful! It's like a party there every second of the day. I love passing by there on my way to school or on my way home. It just makes me happy. It seems that life here is in the music and dancing. It makes people come alive.

We made it to dance class and I love it! Apparently I’m a natural! The instructors don’t speak any English and I speak VERY little Spanish as of now so its been difficult but its still fun. The instructor put me right onto the floor to start dancing right away as soon as he could see that I was getting it. Poor Heidi had to stay and learn the steps a little longer, but now shes a dancing queen too! 

You know, I think Im gonna like it here!

Find out more about AmeriSpan's Spanish schools in the Dominican Republic

See all of AmeriSpan's Language and Fun programs

Read all of Candice's blogs from Santo Domingo

By Candice S., guest blogger studying Spanish and Latin Dance in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

So yesterday went rather smoothly.. I caught my flights on time, and there were no delays or problemas. I tried to follow the Amerispan packing rules and only take a carry on suitcase… haha! Unfortunately, the only part of the rules I followed was the “carry-on suitcase”.  I didn’t really follow the packing guide, so my suitcase was bulging at capacity and the lady was like, “I’m sorry ma’am, but you’re going to have to check that bag. It has to fit in this,”..then she pointed at that little rectangular stand about half the size of my suitcase!! Haha! What’s funny is that I was really stressing at home thinking I was going to take that 40lb bag on the plane with me and trying to make sure I could lift it over my head to put it in the overhead compartament! I literally laughed out loud at myself.

When I got here, I exchanged my dinero and went through customs, which is always fun (..thats sarcasm). Then, I went to the salida to look for my airport pickup and there he was, holding my name, and looking like, “Really, chica. The last one out huh?" (Side note: Gracias Jesus for taking me to my host family’s house, it would have really sucked to have taken a taxi!) We had to wait a while because there was another girl who he was taking to her host family’s house, but she was having trouble in the baggage area.. Heidi es su llama, and she is my new best friend. She is from the Farro Islands.. near Iceland??  …and she still doesn’t have her luggage! Anywho, Jesus dropped us off at our houses, which are down the street from each other. What a blessing, she's super sweet and I don’t really know what I would be doing without her!

My host “mother” es muy simpatico! She sat and tried to talk to me even though it was like 1am when I arrived at her house! I say tried because I speak little espanol and she doesn’t speak a lick of English! But she is patient and kind. Its very interesting the way the homes here are set up. There is very little house indoors. When you first come in there is a living room and you keep walking and there is a dining room or something but then you come into an open courtyard and the rest of the house is off the courtyard. I mean its open air. The door to my room goes into the courtyard as does Dona Angela’s, the bathroom, and kitchen. Es muy interestante!

Today was our first day of class. Heidi and I are in the same class along with two otra personas, Denis from Switzerland and Fabiana from Belgium. Our maestra is Victoria. She is very patient and explains things really well. After school, many of us, including a few from the more advanced class, took a tour of Zona Colonial led by Vladamir, who is an amazing guide!  We stopped and got lunch, rode a guagua, which is the main form of transportation here, where this large van with an open door comes speeding up and you hop on and tell the driver when you want to get off. It cost 20 DR Pesos. Just for some perspective its 32 DP to $1 US. So basically if you’re feeling adventurous it will cost you about  $0.75 US to get across town. Ours wasn’t packed too tight but I have seen some pass where it looked like there was at least 15 people inside! 

We walked all around Zona Colonial, which is the historic district. It had to have been at least 5 miles total (..maybe exaggerating). But we were walking for hours! Heidi is house mates with Bob, from North Carolina. I don’t know why that makes me laugh. He’s quite the gentleman. He helped me when I was struggling to get my backpack on, looking like a dork, and anytime a lady in the group stopped to take a picture or do anything he always waited so that we weren’t left behind or in the back of the group. He's super sweet . After the tour, I was exhausted and came home and slept for a long time! I missed my first dance class, but Ill definitely be there tomorrow! It rained this evening so Dona Angela put up a mosquitario for me so I don’t get eaten up by mosquitos whilst I dream. And now I feel like a pretty princess with a canopy! Haha!

Well, I guess es todo for my first entre. Wow! This is really long! Lo siento! Don’t worry, I'm sure once I get used to everything, these will be much shorter and much sweeter.

Find out more about AmeriSpan's Spanish schools in the Dominican Republic

See all of AmeriSpan's Language and Fun programs

Read all of Candice's blogs from Santo Domingo

AmeriSpan's Spanish school in Sosua is close to the beach, dancing, nightlife, and more!  The communities along Sosua's coast take work and play very seriously, and you'll find that Sosua is a sunny and unforgettable place for Spanish immersion!

Sosua Spanish School

What is your background?
I am a public relations consultant and worked in education as a Divisions Manager for Marketing and PR business trainings in Germany.

I am 41, originally from Germany where I have studied history, politics and languages and became later on a public relations consultant.

I have now been living in Sosua in the Dominican Republic for almost seven years. When I came here the first time, I went on holidays to learn scuba diving. Which I did – and I met my husband, who was my scuba diving instructor. He is from Luxembourg. Funny coincidences of life: In Europe we only lived 250 kilometers apart, but we both traveled 7,000 kilometers to actually meet here in the Caribbean.

Do you travel abroad often?
Whenever possible because I love to visit new places, meet people and different cultures.

Have you studied abroad?
Before entering university I was living in Canada for a year, which was a great experience.

Which languages do you speak or have studied?
I have studied German Linguistics and American Literature and I speak German, English, Spanish and basic French.

How and why did you get into the Study Abroad market?
Actually, I was just looking for a language school, as I did not speak a word of Spanish when I moved to the Dominican Republic. So my first intention was, of course, to learn the language. That’s how I got to know about the Sosua school.  I met the people here, loved the atmosphere and was offered a job with the school. It turned out to become my dream job and still is.

When did you join your organization?
I started working with the school in 2004.

What is your job or function at the organization?
I am the Managing Director of the Institute.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?
To connect people; people from around the world and of all kinds of backgrounds and ages who have one thing in common: They are curious about learning Spanish and meeting the people and culture of the Dominican Republic.

The second most enjoyable aspect of my job is the location of the school: within a beautiful tropical garden and just a stone’s throw away from the beach. It’s not only a great place to learn Spanish; it’s also a beautiful place to work at.

How did you and AmeriSpan begin working together?
Our collaboration with AmeriSpan started in 2006 and we rapidly developed a very close, professional and personal working relationship. It was great to know AmeriSpan when they visited us in the Dominican Republic. To put a face onto our collaboration intensified our relationship even further. The staff is always very helpful, information is thorough, sent quickly and highly supports us in satisfying our customers. This makes working with AmeriSpan an enjoyable experience on a highly professional level.

Can you tell us about your schools philosophy, specialty and/or why you think it is special?
People learn best through all senses and when they enjoy what they are doing. So, inside and outside the classroom, we encourage our students to discover Dominican culture and hospitality first hand to make their IIC Spanish program a full-immersion learning experience:

-All our teachers are native speakers, highly qualified and experienced in teaching languages.

-Students can choose to study at both IIC schools, located in two very different settings, in just one program and learn about the country’s fascinating contrasts.

-Our student facilitators organize every week several social events and excursions into the countryside. 

-The familial, personal atmosphere at both IIC schools creates thanks to our staff, the cafeterias, gardens and terraces the ideal setting to easily meet new people, learn & practice Spanish in a friendly and relaxed Caribbean-style environment.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Enjoy what you are doing and discover a New World with an open mind & heart

Check out AmeriSpan's Spanish School in Sosua

  Our extended specials are ending in exactly one week – and we mean it this time!  Check out last Tuesday's Specials post for a run down of all expiring specials, or have a look at our Specials and Discounts Page!

Sosua

 Sosua’s main attractions are its beach and its town center.  Our school is within walking distance of the beach and is very close to downtown Sosua.  You can enjoy outdoor classrooms, the sparkling ocean and sand, terrific weather year-round, and small, intimate classrooms.  And, for our water sport enthusiasts, we offer a Spanish and windsurfing program.

See: Sosua Spanish School
See: Spanish and Windsurfing

Santo Domingo

 The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is a bustling and culturally saturated city.  It’s one of the oldest European settlements and is seated beside the Carribbean.  There are tons of activities for everyone – swimming, diving, boating, surfing, visiting museums, shopping, etc.  Our school is close to the university part of the city and just a short distance from the beach.  We also have a great Spanish and Latin Dance program!

See: Santo Domingo Spanish School
See: Spanish and Latin Dance

See: Dominican Republic Spanish Schools
See: AmeriSpan Specials
See: Airfare to the Dominican Republic