Office of International Programs

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.

Nursing students must successfully complete pharmacology and first clinical rotation prior to departure. We strongly discourage students from taking this partnership during their last semester of their degree. The following undergraduate nursing courses satisfy the Diversity Core Requirement: NUR 327, 419, and 437.

Faculty

 

 

Application

We are currently accepting applications for the Winter 2018/2019 program. 

The official deadline for applications for students in the traditional undergraduate nursing program is April 1, 2018. (For all other students including students in the RN to BSN program the deadline is July 1, 2018.)

 

A complete application includes the following:

 

• Signed, completed winter 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

Recent program fees have between $1800-2000 and included 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 through iNext. 

Not included in the program fee is the 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 will go towards the cost of the program and the remaining balance will be due as follows:

Summer 2018 Program

50% of the balance due May 2018 TBD

Remaining balance due June 2018 TBD

Winter 2018/2019 Program

50% of the balance due November 2018 TBD

Remaining balance due December 2018 TBD

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Federal financial aid and loans are available to matriculated students who participate in travel courses. In order to receive the benefit of financial aid, students must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits during the summer for a summer travel course. The winter session is considered a part of the fall semester and fall financial aid can be applied to travel courses. If financial aid does not cover the full cost of the program, students are responsible for paying the remaining balance according to the payment plan schedule.

Include the costs of this course in your FAFSA application. 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.

Students applying to this course can also consider the Dorothy Padula Memorial Scholarship to Latin America. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must have at least a 2.5 GPA. Preference will be given to students who have taken or are currently enrolled in a college-level Spanish course. Applications for this scholarship are reviewed four times a year: October, December, March, and April.