Culture Class: Experience Dominican Culture first-hand
Did you know
- that the most typical Dominican dish is called “the flag”?
- that Dominican coffee ranks among the best coffees in the world?
- that the Dominican Republic has the second highest number of baseball players in US Major League Baseball?
- that it is a Dominican tradition to eat habichuela con dulce (sweet beans) on Easter?
- and that Puerto Plata was given its name by Christopher Columbus? It is said that he was so dazzled by the beauty of the shining ocean that he named the bay “silver harbor” (puerto plata).
This program is right for you if:
- You like to learn more about Dominican culture, traditions, and history.
- You are curious to know what is típico dominicano.
- You like to experience Dominican hospitality.
- You want to combine classroom knowledge with real life language practice.
The Culture Class
1.) Dominican Culture Class 1:1
The add-on Culture Class 1:1 provides an explicit understanding of the Dominican culture. You will have private classes with one of our experienced native teachers. The teacher will share with you plenty of stories, anecdotes, and surprising local customs to show you the “real DR”. Dominicanism (words and expressions used in local daily Spanish) are also part of the class. It can cover various cultural topics, tailor-made to your areas of interest.
Possible topics: Dominican daily life, Colonial & modern history, Dominican cuisine, Merengue and Bachata music and dance, traditions & superstition, carnival, baseball, Dominican & Haitian relations, “the Mariposas”: local heroes & heroines, art & literature, the game of Domino, and everything you won’t find in a travel guide.
The add-on Culture Class 1:1 can be booked in addition to your Spanish course. It is carried out in the afternoon as private tuition 1:1. The class session is 90 minutes. It takes place at the IIC school. For more information on IIC Spanish Language Trainings see here as well.
2.) Culture Tour “Típico Dominicano” 1:1
If you are interest in a “salída pedagógica” only, you can also book the culture tour “Típico Dominicano” in addition to your Spanish course. The teacher will take you onto this educational tour outside the classroom; it is a conversational immersion training for everyday situations among local Spanish speakers.
The add-on Culture Activity “Típico Dominicano” can be booked in addition to your Spanish course. You will go on a private tour with one of our experienced native teachers. The tour takes 2 hours and will be arranged during one afternoon. For more information on IIC Spanish Language Trainings see here as well.
EXAMPLES where to go on tour:
- You will go with your teacher to a market, learn about local fruits and vegetables, practice to ask for a certain product, and learn how to negotiate prices.
- Or you will visit a local restaurant and learn how to order a meal.
- You might also go with your teacher to a pharmacy and practice how to describe an illness and ask for medication.
- Or you will meet representatives of different professions and lead interviews about their job and their professional background.
THE COURSE PLACES
Santo Domingo
With a population of more than 3 million inhabitants Santo Domingo is a vibrant and lively Caribbean metropolis. It is the oldest city in the New World where the colonial settlement of the Americas began. Its Old Town Zona Colonial was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990. In 2010, the city was the American Capital of Culture.
Students there have plenty of opportunities to follow the traces of Christopher Columbus, explore the modernity of the city through its architecture, galleries and art museums, and dip into a bustling night-life with lots of music and dancing.
IIC Santo Domingo is situated in Zona Universitaria and faces the UASD (Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo), the largest university of the country. From there it is easy to explore the city or to meet with local students in nearby cafes and bars.
Sosua
Sosua is located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic in a typical rural environment, only 10 min driving from the International Airport of Puerto Plata. The small coastal town, home to 12,000 inhabitants, is known for its beautiful beaches and water sports facilities. 15 minutes east of Sosua lies surfer’s paradise Cabarete, one of the best wind- and kite surfing spots in the world.
Due to its central location between the mountain range of the Cordillera Septentrional and the Atlantic Ocean, Sosua is the ideal starting point to explore Dominican country life. It is also a unique place to learn more about Jewish heritage in the DR.
The Sosua School is centrally located in Sosua in the district of El Batey, within a stone’s throw of the next beach and a little colmado (typical Dominican mom-and-pop store). The school building, surrounded by a colorful tropical garden, offers the ideal ambiance for concentrated learning in a relaxing surrounding. Classes often take place on one of the sheltered, airy terraces outside.
Also great for experiencing Dominican culture during your course:
Our Student Facilitators in Santo Domingo and Sosua organize weekly cultural and social activities or excursions on the weekends. Read more about our activities here.
For prices of the culture add-ons, please see our price list.
For further information about IIC courses, accomodation choices, and special programs, please drop us a line by email info@iic-spanish.com or Whatsapp +1.849.630.1052 or contact us directly by phone.
You are always welcome!
