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Dominican Republic

beach in the Dominican Republic

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LAS TERRENAS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

This trip is for students who want to dive deep into the fascinating intersection of politics, sustainability, and real-world environmental challenges!

Traveling to the Dominican Republic with the Honors College offers an exhilarating chance to study the lush natural wonders of Las Terrenas — from its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to its tranquil mangrove wetlands and powerful natural springs. You'll engage in hands-on, community-driven research, exploring how local environmental issues collide with political and economic forces, both on a national and global scale.

It’s an unforgettable opportunity to work directly with local communities, discovering firsthand how they balance immediate needs with the long-term survival of their natural resources. Ready to be part of an experience that fuses environmental science with political change in one of the most stunning, ecologically rich places on Earth? This is your chance!

RESERVE YOUR SPOT! - LINK COMING SOON

NOTE: This page is currently under construction

 

TESTIMONIALS

 

 

Bronze Cougar from E Cullen Building

"Traveling abroad to the Domincan Republic is not just about giving back but about learning from the vibrant culture, forging deep connections and embracing the shared humanity that trancends borders" -Weidy Rodriguez-Castro

 

 

"Studying abroad in the Dominican Republic was an unforgettable journey that broadened my perspective and introduced me to a world beyond what I ever imagined."-Rex Kidd

 

"I feel incredibly fortunate to have traveled with the Honors College. My trip to the Dominican Republic was a transformative experience that helped me grow both academically and personally. Traveling alongside newfound friends and knowledgeable professors made the journey even more meaningful. The deep connections we formed with the local community, along with the breathtaking sights we encountered, are memories I will carry with me long after my college years." - Alex Ellis

 

"Studying abroad in the Dominican Republic was an amazing experience that opened my eyes to a vibrant culture and a whole new way of seeing the world.

 

 

Dominican Republic beach

 

TRIP ITINIERARY

Drs. Jonathan Williamson and Nicolas Jacobsen will lead this unforgettable trip to the Dominican Republic, blending cultural exploration, service learning with academic learning. Their expertise will guide students through community service projects and local traditions, offering a unique, immersive experience that promises lasting memories.

 

students in the dominican republic

 

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

colonial zone in DR mangroves in the DR placeholder DR trees on beach
The Colonial Zone Mangroves Local Community Beaches
Tour the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, the home of the first permanent European settlement in the New World. Work with local partners on long-term research projects seeking to reestablish mangroves that protect the coastline. Meet with community leaders to explore ways help local families and communities.  Enjoy the picturesque beaches. 

 

group of people in the DR

FAQs

U.S. citizens do not  need a visa to travel to the Dominican Republic.  

Learn more at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/DominicanRepublic.html

Yes! The University of Houston Passport for Coogs office offers passports for all students. Students  are responsible for getting a valid passport well in advance of the trip. Your passport should be valid for at least three months past your departure date from the Dominican Republic. 

We will generally stay in comfortable, air-conditioned hotels in Santo Domingo and Las Terrenas.  While the itinerary is being finalized, accommodations for one or two nights may be a bit more primitive to allow for sustained projects working in a more remote community.

The course and trip are open to students of all majors.  Indeed, we encourage students from a variety of backgrounds to participate because students learn from each other during the trip and because having a variety of knowledge and skills aid in designing and implementing effective community-based projects.
Yes, students will enroll in HON 4397, ENRG 4397, or POLS 3396 which meets during the spring semester. The course grounds students learning in academic topics related to their upcoming experiences in the DR and prepares students to engage deeply in the communities where they will be working and to successfully complete the projects we will be working on.
Yes, the UH Learning Abroad Office has more infomation about scholarships and Honors College Travel scholarships are available for Honors students.
The trip fee covers nearly all of the student’s expenses, including airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, and meals.  You should need no more than $50-100 dollars for souvenirs and other incidentals.
Two honors faculty members will traveling on the trip.
Students who are accepted into the program will be billing for the trip fee through their UH student account.
The Dominican Republic is generally safe.  That said, all travel involves risks.  The Honors College and UH’s Institute for Global Engagement regularly monitors guidance from the U.S. State Department in case any safety concerns arise.  Students will also receive information about how to remain protect themselves from any of the typical safety concerns that could arise during this or any similar type of trip. 
Internet access is generally reliable, except in some of the remote communities where we will travel.  Depending on their cellular carrier, students may need to purchase international packages for telephone, text or data services to function during international travel.  Hotel wifi is generally also available, although the speed and quality of access will vary.

students with mangroves in DR

RESERVE YOUR SPOT! - LINK COMING SOON