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UW Introduction to Biological Sciences Research in the Dominican Republic

A Dominican Republic flag flies in front of tropical foliage.

$1000 First-Year Boost Scholarship
As this program is being offered for the first time, summer 2027 program participants will receive a guaranteed scholarship of $1000. The program cost sheet reflects the program fee before the scholarship is applied.

Biochemistry Study Abroad Scholarship
Six $1,000 scholarships offered by the Department of Biochemistry will be awarded to students declared in the Biochemistry major at the time of application for the program.

Dominican Republic, Santiago de los Caballeros

Experience an introduction to biological sciences research using cutting-edge methodologies on this immersive three-week program in the Dominican Republic.

Through a combination of lectures, discussions, fieldwork, and laboratory work, students will focus on a central research question in the biological sciences. In teams of two to three, students will conduct fieldwork, perform laboratory experiments, and analyze data under the instruction of a CIEE instructor and researcher at the Dominican Republic's Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) campus. The research focuses on biological sciences and provides the opportunity to experience different stages of the research process, including experimental design, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and interpretation of results.

Students will engage in discussions about careers in biomedical and health sciences research, graduate education, international collaborations, and different professional pathways in science. Students will hear from researchers at PUCMM’s Faculty of Health Sciences, where they will share their research experiences, career paths, and experiences with international scientific collaborations. Through daily life in the Dominican Republic, students will build their cultural knowledge by immersing themselves in local traditions, exploring the local history, and participating on excursions.

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:

  • Apply scientific techniques to conduct effective research in biological sciences.
  • Compare different models of doing research and thinking about science.
  • Evaluate a variety of scientific and cultural approaches to societal and international challenges, with reference to personal experiences.
  • Describe opportunities for professional careers in international scientific research fields. 
  • Reflect on intercultural learning and how this development impacts your research experience.

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

  • Open to students in all schools and colleges, with preference given to students in the Biochemistry major and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS)
  • Preference is given to students who are currently in their first or second year of university
  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • 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

Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Biology

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hotels

Program Duration

Mid June to Early July (3 weeks)

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2027 2/5/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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Students will earn three (3) credits of Biochemistry 307 upon successful completion of the three-week program in the Dominican Republic. This program is approved to fulfill the CALS International Comparisons requirement.

Students will participate in lectures, discussions, fieldwork, and laboratory work focused on a central reserach question in the biological sciences. Working in groups of 2-3, students will conduct fieldwork, perform experiments, and analyze data under the instruction of faculty from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), and meet with other researchers from PUCMM's Faculty of Health Sciences to learn more about professional pathways within the sciences, current research projects, and the development of international collaborations.

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