Because some people in the Dominican Republic do not have auto insurance, they try to avoid traffic accidents which would result in costly repairs, etc. Safety in Housing All of the students are placed in safe and relatively quiet neighborhoods, middle to upper-middle class by Dominican standards, surrounding the University. Most of the program s host families have had several students in the past. One student is placed per host family. Throughout the semester, host families remain in regular contact with the housing coordinator and the resident staff to update the progress of students, and are required to inform Council in case a student needs to seek medical attention.
Most homes have a small electric hot water tank or an electric heater on the showerhead.
The host family will explain its use when the student arrives, and it is the student s responsibility to ensure that he or she clearly understands its function. Students will participate in workshops regarding living with a host family during the orientation week. As illustrated by the lushness of the countryside and mountains, the Dominican Republic is a tropical environment where everything flourishes, including bacteria and viruses. It is particularly important that students practice good hygiene, and consult with their Doctor concerning vaccines and malaria prevention medication 4 to 6 six prior to arrival. There are several basic general precautions for living in a Caribbean, developing nation that students should follow.