Global Public Health Faculty-Led Excursion: Dominican Republic
Spend spring break in the Dominican Republic studying global health care delivery and exploring the role culture, tradition, religious beliefs, and other social determinants of health have on disease and injury prevention strategies and access to health care services.
Trip Dates: March 7-14, 2026
Application Deadline: October 19, 2025
The global public health BS degree offers a specialized course–Global Healthcare Delivery with International Field Experience (GLPH-455)–in which students compare public health efforts and health care systems in the United States against the health care systems of the Dominican Republic. The course is offered during the spring semester, with a seven-day immersive educational and research experience trip to the Dominican Republic occurring during spring break week.
About the Global Healthcare Delivery Course
Students interested in this experience should register for the Global Healthcare Delivery with International Field Experience (GLPH-455) for the spring semester. The course explores various aspects of public health and health care systems in different cultures/countries around the world, with an emphasis on the core building blocks of effective health care systems as described by the World Health Organization (WHO). You will explore the role that culture, traditions, religious beliefs, and other social determinants of health have on disease and injury prevention strategies and access to health care services. Throughout the course, you will compare public health efforts and health care systems in the USA and one foreign country, the Dominican Republic, ultimately traveling to the Dominican Republic for an immersive educational and research experience during spring break.
What You’ll Experience
The opportunity to experience and study global public health in a country much different than the United States provides you with an opportunity to learn how people in other nations access health care, how their health care systems compare to our own, and the opportunities and challenges of these systems for their citizens. During your immersive experience you will:
How to Join The Trip
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Apply
Students apply to take the course–Global Healthcare Delivery with International Field Experience (GLPH-455)–through the RIT Study Abroad Office. -
Submit an Essay
Students submit a short essay detailing their interest in participating in this immersive educational experience. -
Pre-Requisite Course
Students need to have completed one of the following pre-requisite courses: Introduction to Public Health (GLPH-101) or Introduction to Global Health (GLPH-355) OR students may be accepted by permission of the instructor if applicants have a strong health education background. -
Interview
Students are interviewed to determine if they understand the nature of the trip, want to experience an immersive and respectful cross-cultural experience, and are interested in conducting research and completing an international presentation.
Travel and Lodging Logistics
Trip Dates: March 7-14, 2026
Application Deadline: October 19, 2025
Travel and Lodging Information
- Night 1 and Night 7
Lodging at the Hampton Inn, Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - Nights 2-6
Students and staff will be housed in a local hotel in Pedernales, a town located in the far west side of the country.
Additional Information
Program Cost
Program costs include:
- Roundtrip airfare from Greater Rochester International Airport to Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Hotels
- Transportation throughout the Dominican Republic
- All meals, snacks, and beverages
- Any excursions to health care facilities, tours, and tourist locations
- Interpreters and security
Please note: Students are responsible for souvenirs and any food or drinks purchased on travel days before or after leaving the Dominican Republic.
Financial Support
Students who apply for the trip will meet with representatives from the Financial Aid Office to determine what assistance they are eligible for and any scholarships are available through RIT Global and the Honors Program.
Minimum Enrollment Requirement
There is a minimum enrollment requirement of eight students in order to run the course and to participate in the international trip. The course and trip are capped at a maximum number of 20 students.
Passports
All participating students who are U.S. citizens are required to have a U.S. Passport in order to gain entry into the Dominican Republic. International students should verify with their country of origin if a Visa is needed for entry. RIT Global and the Study Abroad Office can assist international students with questions about travel documents.
