I went to school in Binghamton, New York, where for about 75% of the time it was raining or snowing. I never studied abroad, and therefore spent five years on the same brick campus. Don’t get me wrong – in good weather, Binghamton can be a beautiful place. But once I set foot upon a campus in the Dominican Republic, I was immediately envious of the students here who study amidst palm trees, a breeze from the ocean, and in warm climates.
Universities are not the first place a tourist may visit in abroad, but they offer a unique look into the educational system and values of another country. Do they value research laboratories, areas for socializing, large spaces for lectures, massive libraries for reading, or large gathering and performance spaces? What blew me away the most is simply the amount of outdoor space that is usable year round, the tropical trees, and from some heights the fantastic view of the ocean.
Overall the campuses that I have seen in Santo Domingo are light and airy, with plenty of outdoor spaces for socializing, cafes, and are small enough to walk across and big enough not to feel claustrophobic. The buildings are made of concrete and are not flashy, but purposeful. In contrast to the ivy-covered buildings that may be found in the American north east, these are more austere.
One of my professor friends and I have explored a number of university campuses here in Santo Domingo, so here’s a peek!
- Universidad Autonomo de Santo Domingo (UASD)
A large public university that is also the oldest university in the Americas.
- Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM)
A private university in the heart of the city.
- Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE)
Known for its programs in dentistry, UNIBE has a beautiful campus.
- Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (Intec)
Another great university with a more austere campus.
What are your favorite universities abroad?
Lens by Sarah 