Exploring Dominican-Haitian Relations through GLE, Study Abroad and Service Learning

​Project summary:

• This unique GLE program integrated both study abroad and service learning in the Dominican Republic. Students from DePaul and Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) in Santiago, Dominican Republic shared virtual classroom space for lectures, discussion and debates on relations between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The content of the GLE program occurred during the Fall term as preparation for the Dominican Republic Study Abroad Program during December Intercession. The latter also included a final class session at PUCMM where DePaul students present on their week-long service learning geography project that took place on the border of the Dominican Republic and Haiti at an organic agriculture high school serving both Dominicans and Haitian students. Prior to travel, students held synchronous sessions the final of which included an in-person lecture at DePaul by the PUCMM Professor José Ricardo Santos. In between session, students from both universities worked in small groups to discuss readings and to prepare weekly blog posts on issues related to identity, immigration and borders within the context of the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Project length:

• 5 weeks

Technology tools used:

• Zoom
• WhatsApp
• WordPress Blog

Interaction Mode:

• Synchronous
• Asynchronous
• Both + Study Abroad In-Person Meeting

Learning outcomes:

• Students developed an understanding of Dominican-Haitian relations in the Dominican Republic.
• Students drew comparisons to ethnic-racial group relations and immigration issues in the U.S
• Students comprehended how service learning can be a tool for exploring issues such as sustainability, conflict resolution and social and economic inequality.