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Caribbean Culture

Name: Melissa Bolieu
Major/Minor at WSU: Broadcast Communication/Spanish double-major
Program type: ISA, Spring 2007
City, Country: Santiago, Dominican Republic         

Melissa Bolieu has spent years researching the Dominican Republic. After two previous trips to the Caribbean island, Melissa was, “completely captivated by the culture,” and began planning her study abroad experience in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

After meeting with the International Studies Abroad representative at the Fall 2006 Education Abroad Fair, Melissa chose ISA’s semester long program in Santiago. She commented that her prior experiences in the Dominican Republic helped her get an understanding of what she wanted in a study abroad provider, and ISA fulfilled all her requirements. “ISA was comparatively better than any other provider I looked into. Their price and program offerings were just so comprehensive.”

The Dominican Republic, a tourist hotspot in the Caribbean has much more to offer than 5 Star resorts. Melissa describes the Dominican culture as “unique, family oriented, youthful, yet historic.” “Every region has its own taste and flavor and way of life, she continues.  “The island has so much to offer: some of the best beaches, cities, tropics, historical museums, nightlife, and mountain ranges. And the people are so diverse and well rounded. I found all the elements I was looking for.”

Melissa immersed herself even further into the local culture by living with a host family in Santiago. Her host family cooked traditional Dominican meals, educated Melissa about traditional holidays, and fully welcomed her into their culture. “My host family was so nice and accommodating. I felt instantly at ease from the first day I arrived.”

Her newfound sensitivity to other cultures has reshaped Melissa’s professional goals. Courses in Spanish language and Latin American and Caribbean Studies offered by the Pontifical Catholic University “Madre y Maestra” helped Melissa attain her second major in Spanish. As a double major in Broadcast Communications and Spanish, Melissa hopes to work in international media. “Sharing my appreciation for culture with others is important to me,” she says. “I really want to incorporate that into my career.” 

Melissa’s advice for a successful experience abroad is to invest a lot of time in researching prospective host countries and programs before making a decision. “All of my past experiences and doing research on the Dominican Republic helped me develop a passion for this country and a passion for seeing the world.”