I'm spending my summer in the DR for several reasons. First, I desperately needed to study abroad - while the United States is a fabulous place, I don't think one can have true appreciation for the country without seeing things from the perspective of another country. In my case, I chose to come to a developing country to better understand the people, their culture, and their government and policies - more specifically health care. Considering the possibility of imminent health care reform in the US, I couldn't have chosen a better time to look at a different system in action.
Second, I want to improve my Spanish skills; and there is no better place to do that than in a Spanish speaking country. Since the Dominican Republic is so close to the US, I thought I would be more likely to encounter their accent and dialect in Spanish speakers in the US than an accent from a country that is farther away (i.e. Spain).
Last, as I have already touched on, I have always had an interest in the medical field. Once upon a time I wanted to be a doctor, then a psychologist. Now I think I would like to work for the government in health policy. The program I am a part of here in Santiago, DR is focused on public health on an international level - specifically the differences between here and the US.
Regardless of what I decide to do with my future after this trip, I am certain that the trip will be fulfilling, educational, and eye-opening. I can't wait!
Here are a few pictures from my first weekend in the Dominican Republic.
This is our villa at the Casa Club for orientation night! The four boys stayed in the one side and Moira, Diana, Charisse, and I all stayed in the other side. We actually had another house guest...
We named him Oscar. There was another spider there too. I named him Don Pepe.
This is the monument that honors the restoration of the city from Spain. The Dominican Republic won its independence from Haiti years before the restoration, and I'm pretty sure they are the only Latin American country that won its independence from a country other than Spain!
One of my favorite things about this country is that I see my last name everywhere!!
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