PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA MADRE Y MAESTRA
Pontifica 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, homestays, 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. This program is open to students with at least a 2.5 GPA. No previous Spanish language is required.
Student Life
All students are placed in homestays where they have single rooms. Students often have access to kitchen facilities. Students who arrive on the required date are met at the airport and taken to the homestays. For students with special needs, apartments can be arranged.
There is an extensive orientation for students upon arrival on campus and the International Education Resource Center is available to handle students' concerns and questions.