Travel-Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic Health Outreach Program
Various Nursing Courses
or SPA 399 (3 credits)
or SPM 499 (3 credits)
In this unique service-learning program, nursing and athletic training students provide basic health care and health education to more than 2,000 patients in 15 rural mountain villages. Spanish students accompany the group to serve as interpreters. Working out of schools, churches, and homes, we treat injuries, infections, and chronic health problems. We also teach nutrition, dental hygiene, and health education. To date, USM’s Dominican Republic Health Outreach Program has served more than 15,000 patients.
The students are led by faculty members from the College of Science, Technology, and Health and Spanish students are overseen by a faculty member from the Spanish department. The group is joined by nursing and medical professionals from the greater New England area along with community members who are fluent in Spanish. The program gives volunteers a chance to share their knowledge with nursing students and to serve people in need. Members of the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic also assist our group with language interpreting and understanding Dominican culture.
The Dominican Republic Health Outreach program is open with permission to nursing, athletic training, and Spanish students who have taken Spanish courses at 300-level or above. Spanish language proficiency is helpful for nursing and athletic training students but not necessary to participate. The program requires a substantial planning period prior to the trip with significant fundraising for health supplies, planning meetings, and packing of village health supplies.
For more details on the program, please download the Dominican Republic Pre-Departure Manual and watch the PRHDR promotional video below.
Courses
You can enroll in one of the following courses while in the Dominican Republic. Please check with the appropriate department to ensure you meet all prerequisites.
NUR 327: DR Community Nursing Partnership II | 3 credits |
NUR 419: Community Nursing Partnership for RN in the DR | 2 credits |
NUR 428: Child Health Nursing Lab | 2 credits |
NUR 437: Community Nursing Partnership for Accel BS Students | 3 credits |
NUR/CON 495: Independent Study in the DR | 1-3 credits |
SPM 499: Athletic Training Service Learning in the DR | 3 credits |
SPA 399: Spanish Language in the DR | 3 credits |
NUR 538: Community Nursing Partnership - Option Students | 2 credits |
NUR/CON 595: Independent Study in the DR | 1-3 credits |
Nursing students must successfully complete pharmacology and NUR 325 clinical prior to departure. We strongly discourage students from taking this partnership during the last semester of their degree. The following undergraduate nursing courses satisfy the Diversity Core Requirement: NUR 327, 419, and 437.
Faculty
Alex Beggs NP-C, MSN, MPH | Lecturer of Nursing, alex.beggs@maine.edu
Corinna Campbell NP-C, MSN | Lecturer of Nursing, corinna.campbell@maine.edu
Application
We are currently accepting applications for the Summer 2020 program.
The official deadline for applications for students in the traditional undergraduate nursing program is September 13, 2019.
A complete application includes the following:
- Signed, completed application form
-
Copy of your academic transcripts
-
Resume
-
Essay of at least 500 words (please complete both parts)
Part 1: Describe what makes you an excellent candidate for this service learning program (please include all relevant travel experience and skills)Part 2: Describe the impact that you as a future healthcare provider can make in underserved rural populations
-
Formal letter of recommendation from a faculty who has taught you (preferably a clinical faculty)
Incomplete applications will not be accepted. You will be notified by e-mail of your application status. If your application is not accepted, the nonrefundable deposit will be returned. If the program is canceled for any reason by the USM, all deposits will be returned.
*If you are having trouble downloading the application, please contact us at (207) 780-4959 or usm.international@maine.edu and we will send you one. You may also want to try upgrading to the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Tuition and Fees
The program fee is expected to be between $2100-2400 and includes airfare, accommodation, three meals a day (except lunch on the beach day), scheduled in-country travel, site visits, a one-day excursion to an ocean-side town, transportation to Logan airport, and comprehensive emergency medical and evacuation insurance.
Not included in the program fee: cost of tuition, fees, books, academic supplies, lunch on the beach day, passports, immunizations or other personal expenses. All participants on USM travel programs receive the in-state tuition rate regardless of residency.
Please visit the Student Financial Services website for complete information on tuition and fees.
All participants will be automatically registered for a payment plan. The $200 deposit requested upon acceptance will go towards the cost of the program.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
If you have questions about financial aid or completing your FAFSA, please contact the financial aid office at (207) 780-4166. If you are not a matriculated student at USM, please check with the financial aid office at your institution.
We encourage students to considering applying for a Padula Scholarship, for information please visit here.