Dominican Language SchoolSanto Domingo, Dominican Republic
Location: Dominican Language School Santo Domingo is located in the Caribbean capital city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. A historic city, seen as the first European settlement in the Americas, Santo Domingo has lots of character and is an exciting and modern city for studying. The school is housed in the prominent Zona Universitaria opposite the UASD (Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo), meaning that several services such as internet cafes, a library, restaurants and more, are all within walking distance. There are many amenities, eateries and links to public transport nearby.
Course selection: Dominican Language School Santo Domingo provides courses for students of all levels, including several specific learning programmes. In addition to General Spanish, taught over various schedules and intensities, the school also provides classes in conversation, Dominican Culture, Business Spanish and Medical Spanish. One-to-one classes in DELE Exam Preparation are also readily available throughout the year. Summer programmes are also available during the summer months. These summer programmes are popular amongst university students.
Combination programmes, which take place between the school group's two locations in Sosua and Santo Domingo, are readily available throughout the year.
School facilities: The school has several classrooms, all of which have ample natural light to create an optimal learning environment.
Getting around: Dominican Language School Santo Domingo is within 400m of Amin Abel Hasbún subway station (L1) and has various bus routes nearby.
- The language school Dominican Language School was founded in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in 1994.
Spanish Courses
The Standard course would be a suitable option for anybody wanting to improve their Spanish, whether just getting started as a beginner or deepening your understanding of the language to take it to the next level.
Group sizes are particularly small, which will be of great benefit when it comes to participating in interactive class activities and being able to work with your teacher to achieve your best results easily.
Every lesson lasts for 45 minutes and takes place from Monday to Friday. Please be aware that the timetables can be subject to change.
This course is right for you if you would like to start learning Spanish or if you would like to refresh or improve your Spanish language skills together with other students in a group, while still having enough leisure time for discovering the country, and adding other activities like dance classes, scuba diving or wind-/kite surfing, or just enjoying yourself.
Course scheme:
Classes are Monday through Friday. The group classes are usually on the regular morning schedule from 9:00 to 12:30 including a 30-minute break (4 lessons). One IIC lesson is 45 minutes. If there are many different course levels at a time, a group course may take place in the afternoon. The school retains the right to determine the timetable of classes.
Course prices include: registration fee, study material, placement test, certificate of p participation; also: refreshment during morning break, free Internet/WiFi at school, city orientation tour, student care.
Not available/Fully booked: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
Morning: 9:00 - 12:30
This course is ideal for you if:
- You want to do an intensive Spanish course accredited for “Bildungsurlaub”*,
- You like to make the most of your language travel and immerse yourself into learning Spanish while being abroad,
- You like to improve your grammar knowledge and speaking abilities together with other students in a group.
Course scheme:
The course combines 20 group lessons in the morning with 10 intensifying group lessons for review, conversation and further practice in the afternoon.
Classes are Monday to Friday. The group classes are usually on the regular morning schedule from 9:00 to 12:30 including a 30-minute break (4 lessons) plus 2 additional group lessons in the afternoon, usually starting at 13:30. If there are many different course levels at a time, a group course may take place completely in the afternoon. The school retains the right to determine the timetable of classes.
Course prices include: registration fee, study material, placement test, certificate of participation; also: refreshment during morning break, free WiFi at school, city orientation tour, student care.
Bildungsurlaub:
This programme meets the requirements for the German “Bildungsurlaub” (educational leave for professionals). It can be booked as a 1- or 2 week-course.
IIC Intensive Courses are accredited for Bildungsurlaub in the following states in Germany: Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Hessen, Niedersachsen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland and Sachsen-Anhalt.
Not available/Fully booked: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
Morning: 9:00 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:30 - 15:00
This course includes 20 language lessons and an education field trip (2.5 hours) each week.
This course combines a regular Spanish 20-group course with one add-on training: an educational field trip with a private teacher.
This course is right for you if you would like to start learning Spanish or if you want to refresh or improve your Spanish language skills,together with other students in a group, while still having enough leisure time for discovering the country and adding other activities like dance classes, scuba diving or wind-/kite surfing, or just enjoying yourself.
Course prices include: registration fee, study material, placement test, certificate of participation; also: refreshment during morning break, free Internet/WiFi at school, city orientation tour, student care.
Not available/Fully booked: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
Morning: 9:00 - 12:30
Afternoon: 14:00 - 16:00
20 Spanish group lessons and 10 private lessons per week.
This course is ideal for you if you like to learn in groups and in addition want to work intensively on your individual Spanish skills with a private tutor, and also if you want to do an intensive Spanish course for your “Bildungsurlaub”.
Course scheme:
The course combines 20 group lessons (Spanish Group 20) with 10 private lessons per week. One IIC lesson is 45 minutes.
Classes are Monday to Friday. The group classes are usually on the regular morning schedule from 9:00 to 12:30 including a 30-minute break (4 lessons) plus 2 additional private lessons in the afternoon, usually starting at 13:30. If there are many different course levels at a time, a group course may take place completely in the afternoon. The school retains the right to determine the timetable of classes.
Course prices include: registration fee, study material, placement test, certificate of participation; also: refreshment during morning break, free Internet/WiFi at school, city orientation tour, student care.
Not available/Fully booked: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
Morning: 9:00 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:30 - 15:00
20 Spanish group lessons and 5 private lessons per week outside the classroom as training sessions in town.
The fastest way to learn Spanish is through immersion. This course is ideal for you if:
- you are looking for an intensive language and culture immersion experience
- you want to apply what you have learned in class among the locals under the comforting guidance of an experienced tutor
- you like to learn in groups and want to further improve your Spanish skills with personal training at the same time.
Course concept: You will be in the classroom for the group classes while you will be outside the school with your teacher for the private tuition. The teacher will take you onto educational tours into town, so-called “salídas pedagógicas”. They serve as conversational immersion trainings in everyday situations among local Spanish speakers
Course scheme:
The course combines 20 group lessons (Spanish Group 20) with 2 educational field trips into town per week. One IIC lesson is 45 minutes. Each field trip is about 2 hours per trip (corresponds to 5 private lessons).
Course prices include: registration fee, study material, placement test, certificate of participation; also: refreshment during morning break, free Internet/WiFi at school, city orientation tour, student care.
Not available/Fully booked: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
Morning: 9:00 - 12:30
Afternoon: 14:00 - 16:00
This course includes 20 language lessons and a Dominican Culture workshop (1.5 hours) each week.
This course combines a regular Spanish 20-group course with one add-on training on Dominican Culture with a private teacher.
This course is right for you if:
- you like to start learning Spanish or if you like to refresh or improve your Spanish language skills
- together with other students in a group
- while still having enough leisure time for discovering the country, adding other activities like dance classes, scuba diving or wind-/kite surfing, or just enjoying yourself.
Course prices include: registration fee, study material, placement test, certificate of participation; also: refreshment during morning break, free Internet/WiFi at school, city orientation tour, student care.
Not available/Fully booked: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
Morning: 9:00 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:30 - 15:00
This course includes 20 language lessons and a Conversation & Pronunciation workshop (1.5 hours) each week.
This course combines a regular Spanish 20-group course with one add-on training with a private teacher to intensively work on the student's pronunciation and conversation proficiency.
This course is right for you if:
- you like to start learning Spanish or if you like to refresh or improve your Spanish language skills
- together with other students in a group
- while still having enough leisure time for discovering the country, adding other activities like dance classes, scuba diving or wind-/kite surfing, or just enjoying yourself.
Course prices include: registration fee, study material, placement test, certificate of participation; also: refreshment during morning break, free Internet/WiFi at school, city orientation tour, student care.
Not available/Fully booked: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
Morning: 9:00 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:30 - 15:00
This course allows students to focus on their specific language needs.
This course is ideal for you if:
- you like to concentrate on your personal learning progress and intensively study Spanish with a private tutor
- you need to improve your Spanish for professional reasons and want to work on specific topics like Business Spanish or Medical Spanish
- you want to prepare for the DELE exam
- you prefer to have more flexibility in your weekly class schedule
- you are considering studying with family or a friend in a semi-private classes who is on the same language level you are
Course scheme:
A. The week courses are each day Monday through Friday, usually in the afternoon. Afternoon class schedules start at 13:30 h. The school retains the right to determine the timetables of classes. If there are many different course levels at a time, a group course may take place completely in the morning.
B. You can also get a Package of Private Lessons and divide them upon your entire study time on a more flexible schedule with less days and classes per week (e.g. only 2 or 3 times per week), along your and your teacher’s availability
Course prices include: registration fee, study material, placement test, certificate of participation; free Internet/WiFi at school, city orientation tour, student care.
Not available/Fully booked: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
Afternoon: 13:30 - 15:00
This course includes 20 language lessons and a Business Spanish workshop (1.5 hours) each week.
This course combines a regular Spanish 20-group course with one add-on training with a private teacher to intensively work on the student's desire to improve their proficiency in a work-related context (Business Spanish).
This course is right for you if:
- you like to start learning Spanish or if you like to refresh or improve your Spanish language skills
- together with other students in a group
- while still having enough leisure time for discovering the country, adding other activities like dance classes, scuba diving or wind-/kite surfing, or just enjoying yourself.
Course prices include: registration fee, study material, placement test, certificate of participation; also: refreshment during morning break, free Internet/WiFi at school, city orientation tour, student care.
Not available/Fully booked: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
Morning: 9:00 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:30 - 15:00
This course includes 20 language lessons and a Medical Spanish workshop (1.5 hours) each week.
For doctors, nurses and other health professionals. This course combines a regular Spanish 20-group course with one add-on training with a private teacher to intensively work on the student's desire to improve their proficiency in a work-related context (Medical Spanish).
This course is right for you if:
- you like to start learning Spanish or if you like to refresh or improve your Spanish language skills
- together with other students in a group
- while still having enough leisure time for discovering the country, adding other activities like dance classes, scuba diving or wind-/kite surfing, or just enjoying yourself.
Course prices include: registration fee, study material, placement test, certificate of participation; also: refreshment during morning break, free Internet/WiFi at school, city orientation tour, student care.
Not available/Fully booked: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
Morning: 9:00 - 12:30
Exam fee not included.
DELE exam preparation will be offered for exams B1, B2 and C1 as well as for A1 and A2.
This program is right for you if:
- you like to have an internationally recognized diploma certifying your Spanish knowledge
- you want to be well prepared for the DELE exam
- you want to get DELE-ready through studying in a Spanish speaking country
- you want to combine classroom experience with every-day language practice
DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is the official, internationally recognized qualification certifying students’ knowledge of Spanish as a foreign language. It is issued by the Director of the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education. Every year, 30.000 candidates take the exam in over 70 countries worldwide. In general, DELE exams are carried out on all 6 language levels of the Common European Framework of References for Languages CEFR: Beginner level Nivel A1, Nivel A2, Nivel B1 (Inicial) , Nivel B2 (Intermedio), Nivel C1, Nivel C2 (Superior). The following abilities are examined on every level: reading comprehension, reading expression, oral comprehension, grammar/vocabulary and verbal expression.
The school carries out Preparation Courses for exams B1, B2 and C1, on demand as well for A1 and A2 of the DELE diploma, strengthening specifically those language skills required for the exam.
DELE Exam Courses at IIC can be booked throughout the whole year as one-to-one private tuition. Preparation takes minimum 40 lessons, depending on your initial language level and the exam level pursued. Prior to inscription, IIC evaluates the language level of the participant with a written and oral placement test. Lacking Spanish knowledge can be caught up with an IIC Spanish course taken prior to the exam preparation course.
Not available/Fully booked: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
Afternoon: 13:30 - 16:45
This programme “Spanish and Latin Dance” is right for you if you
-like music and dancing,
-love to discover the passion of the Caribbean,
-like to immerse yourself into a new culture,
-want to combine classroom experience with language practice,
-like to meet people from around the world.
THE PROGRAMME
“Spanish & Latin Dance” presents the language and dance world of the Dominican Republic. In the mornings, the participants tackle Spanish vocabulary. In the afternoons, professional dance instructors teach them the steps and passionate body language of the typical local Latin dances: Merengue, Bachata, and Dominican Salsa.
The programme is available at both IIC schools. Spanish classes take place at IIC. The dance classes are taught by professional dance teachers in local dance academies. The dance schools are max. 20 min by public transportation from IIC.
The programme has a modular structure: Every regular 20 lesson-Spanish course can be mixed with any dance course. So you can create a personalised programme package, if you like, with lodging and/or airport pick-up as well.
Spanish Class
IIC courses range from one week to several months. They are available at both schools for all language levels: from beginners to advanced students (A1 to C2). We follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF).
Courses start every Monday. The language course consists of twenty 45-minute lessons per week, either in mini-groups or as private lessons, depending on the course type booked. Classes are usually Monday to Friday from 9:00 am till 12:30 pm in the groups and in the afternoon for private tuition.
Latin Dance Class
The dance course consists of 3 hours of 1-on-1 classes per week with a private dance teacher (1 to 2 hours each time; 60 min per hour). Classes are usually Monday through Thursday.
You will learn Merengue, Bachata, or Salsa Dominican style which are the 3 most typical dance styles in the Dominican Republic. On demand, other Salsa styles may be offered as well.
Dance courses start any Monday, on all dancing levels. Please note: Dance classes may not be available over Christmas/New Year; the dance schools are usually closed between 15 December and 15 January. Please ask before booking.
Not available/Fully booked: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
Morning: 9:00 - 12:30
Afternoon: 14:00 - 16:00
Information for all courses offered by Dominican Language School
If students book a course for min. 2 weeks, they can combine the 2 school locations (Santo Domingo and Sosua) without any additional cost.
If there is an official holiday, the school offers an optional 2-hour “Spanish & Culture“ activity as compensation for group courses. Private lessons are fully rescheduled.
For all group courses: If there is only 1 student signed up for a group, the course will not be cancelled. The student will receive private lessons instead for a reduced amount of time. Class schedules may change to 4 days of class (Monday to Thursday).
01 Jan 2024, 21 Jan 2024, 27 Feb 2024, 29 Mar 2024, 01 May 2024, 30 May 2024, 24 Sep 2024, 25 Dec 2024.
Lessons needed per Spanish language level
Our price includes
- INCLUDED Welcome dinner
- INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
- INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
- INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
- INCLUDED For adult courses: a minimum of one free organized leisure activity per week
- INCLUDED Elearning platform
Dominican Language School
General school facilities
Library
Lounge
Garden
Balcony / terrace
Student support desk
Free coffee
Free water dispenser
Free WIFI
Free parking
Smoking zones (outdoors)
Tourist information
Assistance with entrance ticket purchases
Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs
Assistance with organizing transportation
Classroom equipment
TV in some classrooms
Air conditioning in some classrooms
Ample natural light in all classrooms
Number of classrooms: 6Number of public PC workstations: 1
Additional comment about facilities of school
Student Age / Nationality
Top student nationalities
Age of students
Airport transfer
100 US$ return (both ways)
Visa Documents
Leisure activities
Examples of leisure activities organized by the school
Adults - Free activities
Cooking at school
Merengue & Bachata dancing at school
Playing domino at school
Adults - Paid activities
Excursion to Park Los Tres Ojos & Faro a Colon (half- or whole day excursion about USD 35)
Bar and disco tour at night
BBQ in the school's garden
* Movie night at the local cinema
Accommodation
Room cleaning: every other day (except on Sundays and holidays). Laundry service available at extra charge.
Double occupancy for guests traveling together: minus 35% per person.
Shared apartments just 2 minutes walking distance to school, located in Zona Universitaria.
Offering 2-3 bedrooms, shared bathroom (shower/toilet), a fully equipped kitchen, living and dining room area, and a balcony or terrace.
Interior: Single room with queen-size bed, cable-TV, seating place, closets, and fan.
Services: WIFI available for free. Cleaning every other day (except on Sundays and holidays). Bed sheets and towels are provided, please bring own bath towel. Laundry service available at extra charge.
Double occupancy for guests traveling together: minus 20% per person.
Carefully selected host families who belong exclusively to the Dominican middle-class, living in good to very good social circumstances in residential areas; long-term experience with the school's language students; 15 to maximum 30 minutes by public transport from the Spanish school.
Interior: Single room with bed, closet, fan; shared bathroom.
Services: Internet and/or WIFI available for free. Bed sheets& towels are provided; please bring own bath towel. Students can use washing machine of family.
Double occupancy for guests traveling together: minus 20% per person.
Carefully selected host families who belong exclusively to the Dominican middle-class, living in good to very good social circumstances in residential areas; long-term experience with the school's language students; 15 to maximum 30 minutes by public transport from the Spanish school.
Interior: Single room with bed, closet, fan; shared bathroom.
Services: Internet and/or WIFI available for free. Bed sheets& towels are provided; please bring own bath towel. Students can use washing machine of family.
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Student opinions about Dominican Language School, Santo Domingo
Questions and answers about Dominican Language School
- Does the school also offer English lessons?“The school Dominican Language School offers Spanish lessons only.”Ana Carolina Dos Santos, LanguageCourse.Net - Mar 20, 2023
- Is the Spanish PLUS 30 with only 30+ (age) students?“No, this is not a special course for 30+. It is a regular IIC course. Most of our students are between 22 and 42 years of age; however, students of all ages, ranging from 16 to 94, have learned Spanish with us. Their backgrounds vary from being university students, travellers, and businessmen to government officials, employees, and the self-employed. Their common interest is to improve their Spanish language skills and to discover the Dominican way of life in the Caribbean.
That being said, the ages of students in the group may range from 16 above, exeptionally also a 15 years old student may be accepted into the group programme. On average we have only a few minor students per year, but we have many students in their 20s/30s, as well as older ones, ages may vary from week to week and cannot be really predicted ahead of time.
Spanish PLUS 30 Course scheme: The course combines 20 group lessons (Spanish Group 20) with 10 private lessons per week. ”Tina Klemenčič, Director Sales & Reservations from Instituto Intercultural del Caribe (IIC) - Jun 12, 2023 - What happens if not enough students are registered for a group course?“If there is only 1 student enrolled on a group level in a certain week at a time, the student will work with a private teacher and receive individual lessons instead of the 20 group lessons with a reduction in class hours of 50%. Class times may change to a 5-day morning only schedule (Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 12:30 including 30-minute break) or to an afternoon schedule with 3 full hours (= 4 lessons) per day Monday to Friday.”Tina Klemenčič, Director Sales & Reservations from Instituto Intercultural del Caribe (IIC) - Jun 12, 2023
- Can the course for "Bildungsurlaub" (30 lessons per week) be combined with windsurfing?“Combination of the BU course with Windsurfing is not possible. Students are fully engaged with their BU programme during the week. Student may make his own arrangements for the weekend, we will gladly help the students with the referral contacts of the surfing schools in the region.”Tina, Administration from Dominican Language School, Sosua - Jun 15, 2023
- Can I start a group course during the week?“We are sorry, no new group entries are allowed during the week, as that would interfere with the established pace that the group sets by then for the running week. ”Tina, Administration from Dominican Language School, Santo Domingo - Nov 30, 2023
FAQ about Dominican Language School, Santo Domingo
- Will I be able to meet my host family before I arrive at the school?“The school will only send us detailed information about your host family after they receive a full payment of all fees.
Depending on their availability, sometimes an online meeting can be arranged. ”Gosia, Senior Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Aug 10, 2021 - How many minutes is one class at Instituto Intercultural del Caribe (IIC)?“One IIC lesson is 45 minutes. ”Tina Klemenčič, Director Sales & Reservations from Instituto Intercultural del Caribe (IIC) - Jun 12, 2023
- Is airport pickup offered by Dominican Language School?Yes. The school offers pickup from Las Americas International Airport (50 US$)
- What is the number of students per class at Dominican Language School?Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at Dominican Language School varies from 1 students (One-to-One) to 7 students (Standard Group)
- What is the qualification of the teachers at Dominican Language School?90% of teachers at Dominican Language School hold a university degree.
- Which countries are students of Dominican Language School from?The highest Nationality percentage at Dominican Language School comes from USA with a 31% representation, followed by students from Germany (26%) and Switzerland (11%).
- Dominican Language School offers courses for which ages?Dominican Language School offers courses from 16 years to 99. Average age is 25 during the summer and 32 for the rest of the year.