About Dominican
Republic
The
Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean and was the site of
Christopher Columbus’ landing the Americas in 1492. Back then, it was
named Hispaniola and later Santo Domingo; the country’s name was changed
to the Dominican Republic in 1844 after gaining independence from
neighboring Haiti. The DR is currently home to 9.6 million people and
boasts a tropical climate with the average year-round temperature being
77°.
According to the Lonely Planet travel guide, the DR is a place of
contrasts—from the modern, urban nightlife in the capitol city of Santo
Domingo, to the poor barrios a short drive away. There are also extremes
in the landscape: the high mountain ranges and the sea-level, lush
valleys. The DR is known for baseball, meringue, bachata, and cigars
depending on who you ask. The people have been known to be very friendly
and helpful with giving direction, teaching about their culture, or a
few words in Spanish.
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Dominican Republic
Educational System
The education system in the DR consists of
3 main levels: primary, secondary, and higher. Education is free and
mandatory from ages 5 to 14. The different categories of
secondary school
are “six-year liceo” (bachelor’s certificate earned after completion),
polytechnics,
teacher training
and vocational schools. The Secretary of State for Education and Culture
oversees the entire primary and secondary schools.
Universidad
Autonoma de Santo Domingo (UASD) is the oldest university in Latin
America and it was established in 1538 by Pope Paul II. Even though the
university’s management was independent, the government is responsible
for all financial resources. This facilitated the UASD to offer free
courses to all registered students. Some of the universities in the
country include Altenativa Medicina, Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Católica
Nordestana, Católica Tecnológica del Cibao, Central del Este, Central
Dominicana de Estudios Profesionales, Domínico-Americana, Experimental
Félix Adam, Federico Henríquez y Carvajal, Interamericana, Nacional
Evangélica, Nacional Tecnológica, Odontológica Dominicana, Tecnológica
de Santiago, and Ulises Francisco Espaillat.
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