Buffalo State INE Course
During the semester before departing for the Dominican Republic, accepted participants are required to attend an evening course led by the project directors approximately twice a month. Through this course participants will develop a broad understanding of Dominican life and culture, complete a comparison-focused research project, prepare classroom lessons and activities, complete online modules, plan trip details, and build relationships and cohesiveness with their cohort members.
During the semester before departing for the Dominican Republic, accepted participants are required to attend an evening course led by the project directors approximately twice a month. Through this course participants will develop a broad understanding of Dominican life and culture, complete a comparison-focused research project, prepare classroom lessons and activities, complete online modules, plan trip details, and build relationships and cohesiveness with their cohort members.
3 Mariposas Montessori
Each morning, participants will observe, assist, and teach at 3MM, a non-for-profit school dedicated to providing quality education that ensures a positive future for Dominican families and communities. 3MM facilitates an infant-toddler program, early childhood education for 3-6 year olds, home education for parents, and teacher training for volunteers. Participants will develop curriculum and activities to share with the students and teachers. Each will be paired with a 3MM student and will join that student's family in the nearby community for daily lunches.
Each morning, participants will observe, assist, and teach at 3MM, a non-for-profit school dedicated to providing quality education that ensures a positive future for Dominican families and communities. 3MM facilitates an infant-toddler program, early childhood education for 3-6 year olds, home education for parents, and teacher training for volunteers. Participants will develop curriculum and activities to share with the students and teachers. Each will be paired with a 3MM student and will join that student's family in the nearby community for daily lunches.
Cabarete Language Institute
Participants will learn the Spanish language each afternoon through interactive and conversational instruction at CLI. Lessons will link language structure and grammar with practical content so that Buffalo State students will be prepared to communicate with children and families at the school, and to navigate within the community.
Participants will learn the Spanish language each afternoon through interactive and conversational instruction at CLI. Lessons will link language structure and grammar with practical content so that Buffalo State students will be prepared to communicate with children and families at the school, and to navigate within the community.
Santiago de los Caballeros
Participants will spend a full day in the historic city of Santiago de los Caballeros, located 2 hours west of Cabarete. They will begin the day observing and assisting at local schools. They will then participate in a round-table discussion with international teaching students and attend an education, poverty, and development seminar facilitated by a professor at a nearby PUCMM campus. The students will also spend free time in the city and will visit el museo de Centro Leon, see historic monuments, observe murals and frescos, and enjoy the cultured downtown area,
Participants will spend a full day in the historic city of Santiago de los Caballeros, located 2 hours west of Cabarete. They will begin the day observing and assisting at local schools. They will then participate in a round-table discussion with international teaching students and attend an education, poverty, and development seminar facilitated by a professor at a nearby PUCMM campus. The students will also spend free time in the city and will visit el museo de Centro Leon, see historic monuments, observe murals and frescos, and enjoy the cultured downtown area,
Excursions & Community Engagement
Ample time will be set aside for participants to engage in the Dominican culture, community, and environment. Students will choose from a variety of activities available in the area including visiting an organic coffee and cacao farm, kayaking, snorkeling, beachfront horseback riding, hiking in El Choco National Forest, kite boarding, surfing, swimming, and walking the miles and miles of pristine beaches located just outside their hotel. Additionally, participants will be able to walk to town to shop, dine, and interact with Cabarete locals (using their newly gained Spanish-speaking skills!).
Ample time will be set aside for participants to engage in the Dominican culture, community, and environment. Students will choose from a variety of activities available in the area including visiting an organic coffee and cacao farm, kayaking, snorkeling, beachfront horseback riding, hiking in El Choco National Forest, kite boarding, surfing, swimming, and walking the miles and miles of pristine beaches located just outside their hotel. Additionally, participants will be able to walk to town to shop, dine, and interact with Cabarete locals (using their newly gained Spanish-speaking skills!).