DU in the DR

Our professor, Dr. Gabriella Ibieta, Associate Professor of Comparative Literature, has led student groups in several Intensive Abroad Courses at Drexel. This is the only course that combines academics with civic engagement.

Our CIEE leader, Xavier Ringer is an artist and muralist. She organized and led our mural painting project at the school.

muralist, art student, Xavier's colleague

Entertainment and Arts Management, Senior The DR was overall an amazing experience, it was one of the best study-abroad trips I've attended. One, I had a great group of peers, who were not afraid to expand their knowledge, be involved and mingle with the crowd. I also had an outstanding tour guide and professor, who taught us a lot of the language, cultural norms and the substantial DR history that we may have not learn on our own. I'll miss the people and the children we worked with.

International Business, Junior Meeting great friends… immersing ourselves into a new culture… exploring a new part of the world… this was the perfect learning experience.

Biology, Freshman My experience was honestly life changing, especially for it being my first study abroad trip. The highlight was definitely being able to paint the mural with the children.

Global Studies, Junior Best part of the trip? Tostones. Just kidding, the best part was that it was an amalgam of civic engagement, history, art, and beach time. I’m convinced that there’s no better way to spend your spring break than exploring a new place with a group of strangers who are sure to become your friends.

Psychology, Senior My favorite part of the trip was working together to create a work of art that is meaningful, beautiful, and everlasting with the most spirited, talented, intelligent children I have ever met. This trip also opened my eyes to cultural differences, which I will take with me into my occupation as I will be able to be a more multiculturally competent counselor as a result of this experience.

Global Studies, Freshman What I loved most about this trip was our engagement with the locals. Between dancing merengue with the town people amongst the ruins to spending two days working on the mural with the children, we got incredible insight into the inviting personalities of the Dominican people and their love for music.