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UW Youth Engagement and Teaching ESL in the Dominican Republic

Colorful buildings line the streets of Santo Domingo
An instructor is giving directions to students. The students are attentive and looking at the instructor.
Outside of an old building with the Dominican Republic flag on the side.
Students are gathered for a photo. They are holding up two flags and smiling at the camera.
View of the beach , split between the water and the greenery near the sand. Boat docks are in the background.

Dominican Republic, Multiple

Learn from and with the people of the Dominican Republic in this three week summer program! We start with a few days of asynchronous course meetings in the US, during which time you will get to know the other program participants, learn about history, politics, and education in the Dominican Republic, and learn about core principles in teaching English as a Second Language.

Once abroad, you will begin your program in the capital of Santo Domingo. You will learn about the history of the country while visiting historical, cultural, and educational sites around the city. After a few days in Santo Domingo, you will continue your discovery of the Dominican Republic in the northern coastal town of Cabarete. 

You will spend two weeks in Cabarete teaching English as a Second Language with a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) called the DREAM Project. There will also be field trips, guest speakers, and opportunities to develop curriculum. 

Your program leader will be Professor Lesley Bartlett from the Department of Educational Policy Studies (EPS).

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Learn about Dominican history, economics, society, culture, politics, and educational systems
  • Build listening and observation skills, cross-cultural communication skills, cultural humility, and the ability to ask culturally appropriate and relevant questions
  • Learn the foundations of teaching English as a second language
  • Discuss key principles of curriculum and instruction
  • Prepare curricular and instructional materials
  • Learn and implement pedagogical strategies
  • Discuss how bilateral and multilateral education donors shape national education strategies
  • Learn about the challenges facing NGO educational efforts

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • Preference is given to students in the School of Education (all majors) and Education Policy Majors.
  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate Student
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Education, LACIS, Service Learning

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hotels

Program Duration

Summer (May): May 12-30, 2026

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 2/6/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

You will receive 3 credits upon completion of the program. You can choose from Ed Pol/Intl St 335 or LACIS 440.

Graduate students are eligible to participate in the program and may select one of the pre-approved equivalents, which are undergraduate courses.

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Program Leader

Your program leader will be Professor Lesley Bartlett from the Department of Educational Policy Studies (EPS).