Global Health in Social Work and the Social Sciences - Dominican Republic

Join the Global Health in Social Work program this Spring semester for online course work paired with a week of study in the Dominican Republic. Students will spend the MSU 2022 Spring Break (travel dates - Saturday March 5th - Sunday March 13th) in communities around the San Pedro de Macorís area with lecture and hosting by the Universidad Central del Este (UCE). This is a 3 to 6 credit hour program that includes a program fee for travel.

Information Sessions

For this and other program information, please attend the Office of Education Abroad Fall Education Abroad EXPO! on October 7th, 2021, Thursday 1pm to 5pm at the Breslin Center.

Information sessions, specific to the DR program will be held this fall with in-person and zoom options on:

  • October 15th Friday from 11am to noon (in-person session)
  • November 12th Friday from 11am to noon (zoom and in-person)

Request Information Apply Now!

Individual meetings for questions and sharing are available by zoom - please write Karen Newman at newmankm@msu.edu

Group photo of students in Dominican Republic

Program Description

Global Health in Social Work and the Social Sciences - Dominican Republic, is a Spring semester 3-credit hour (minimum) hybrid study abroad program that combines in-person preparation meetings, online coursework, and a short-term education abroad experience in the Dominican Republic. In partnership with the Universidad Central del Este Medical School (UCE), students have the opportunity to study health and community care services in the Dominican Republic, San Pedro de Macorís area. Program emphasis is placed on the social and behavioral aspects of health incorporating examples from in-country professionals and the research, interventions, and local approaches that support community health. Leaders from the Universidad Central del Este Medical School host our participation in hospital, clinic, and community services visits. Students will enjoy cultural day trips to Santo Domingo and a local beach, to open and close their time in-country.   

Students interested in global health and international mental health topics are encouraged to apply! The program is open to all interested MSU students who meet program eligibility.  

Program and Travel dates 2022

Program includes:

  • Required face-to-face meetings pre and post travel
  • Enrollment in 3-6 credit hours of online course work
  • Travel abroad over the MSU 2022 spring break March 5-13, 2022, San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic
  • Maximum 14-16 students (University OEA COVID regs)
  • Vaccination and negative COVID test prior to travel required (DR and OEA regs)
  • Open to graduate and undergraduate students interested in global health and social justice

Student in Dominican Republic

Courses offered

Students enroll in a minimum of 3 credit hours, may enroll in up to 6 credit hours

  • SW 491 750 - 3 credit elective (travel preparation, travel, global health content)
  • SW 891 750 - 3 credit elective (travel preparation, travel, global health content)
  • SW 822 750 - 3 credit Advanced social policy advocacy course (MSW students only)

Program Partners

Student Experiences

Program Travel Calendar Outline by Dates

  • Saturday, March 5th: Students arrive at DR - Santo Domingo airport (SDQ)
  • Sunday, March 6th: Orientation day
  • Monday - Friday: Structured academic and community programming
  • Saturday, March 12th: Celebration and wrap-up day.
  • Sunday, March 13th: Students travel home - leave from Santo Domingo (SDQ) airport

Program Costs - pending

  • Program fee (includes - in-country instruction, housing, transportation, meals at hotel) 2020 cost $2000
  • Personal costs (includes - student's purchase flight, some meals, personal choice/ shopping) 2020 est $1350
  • Tuition 3 credit hours (MSU tuition is separate from the other costs - same as you would have for other classes)

Funding Support and Planning

  • MSU Office of Education Abroad (OEA) Funding Options page - Scholarship, financial planning, and Financial aid options are available (for most)

Past Years

Group of students in Dominican Republic
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Students & Faculty