Living the Domincan Life - Viviendo La Vida Dominicana

It's Been A While!

2017-08-19T20:45:00.002-04:00

Hey guys! I hope you're all okay. I am so sorry that I have been absent for all this time. I really started getting into my studies and rotations was a different experience for me as well as handling some personal situations. Now that i'm in my intern year (my last year!!!!)! I hope that I can still help you guys in some ways and maybe even have better advice now that i'm on my last year. I'm probably not going to be writing on this blog anymore so if you have any questions shoot me an email. I'll try my best to respond!

@mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

Hope all is well!
Talk to you soon!

Comments found on other sites

2015-03-08T12:36:00.001-04:00

Hey guys. I recently received an email about some comments found on various websites about UNIBE (negative and positive). I wrote a comment at the end of each comment. Take into consideration that I'm not trying to promote UNIBE in any way; I'm just writing what I've seen. Maybe in the future some things will change. (When I was applying to UNIBE I saw the same comments and got a little scared but being in UNIBE for 2 years, now I know. Also, this can change depending on the situation.)

"Teachers not showing up to class or coming very late" - Sadly this is true sometimes but it's normal in DR.

"Teachers/admin talking down to students" - this depends on the situation sometimes the students have attitude and I have seen that before. If you have a problem go straight to the highest power.

"Preference being given to students in the Spanish program" - I don't think we have preference (Spanish section). I mean you guys are paying wayy more than us, you guys even have like a whole floor to yourselves - again depends on the situation.

"Students having to "split" semesters in order to have time to prepare for the USMLE" - This is totally up to you, Unibe has nothing to do with this decision.

"Unreasonable class schedules" - Honestly you kind of just have to take what they give you. The professors tell the school their schedules and then they work it out from there.

"Teachers that don't teach well or don't speak English well" - If you think about it, it's rare to find native English med school teachers in the Dominican Repbulic so, I think we should give them a break in that sense.

"Exams that aren't in proper English because they use Google translate instead of having a person translate them" - A lot of times this happens but the teachers take that into consideration and they wont take off points if you get the question wrong because it was their error, at least now. I don't know how it used to be.

"Things being disorganized or difficult like registering for classes" - It's hard when you fail a class and you want to stay like with your class' track.

"Students having to retake premed classes that they have already taken in the US" - Unibe has their own way of considering what classes count as premed. If you haven't taken physics or chem or orgo you need to take it before entering med.

"Students that feel that they can't speak up to administration about anything bad because of possible repercussions" - You CAN speak up. That's not a problem and I haven't heard about repercussions. If you have a problem just go to the highest power.

"Tuition going up every semester" - Tuition goes up 10% every September and we can't change that. (this goes for all careers at unibe)

Good luck.

Tuition Goes Up, again!

2014-06-11T23:33:00.001-04:00

Hello future doctors! I wanted to remind you guys that tuition goes up annualy. So every September is the month, everyone dreads. When I started here at UNIBE, tuition was RD$68,000 but not about 1 year and a half later it has gone up to RD$84,000. As for the English program, it also has gone up. I don't remember how much it was for when I entered but now it is US$8,500 per semester. (In reality it is US$8,400 but you have to add an extra US$100 for student services.) Also it is a little more than that because they have added a mandatory payment of manuals for classes. -_- All this talk of raising the tuition stinks but this is part of accomplishing your dreams. Save money!!!!!!!

-Other posts about money and tuition costs coming soon

Embarassing Bodies - Cool youtube channel/show about medical cases and treatments

2014-05-14T17:52:00.001-04:00

When I found this channel I literally spent the whole night watching almost all of the episodes. This is very useful to help you identify some diseases and the treatment options there are. This particular episode is about Dupuytren's Contracture. Take a look!

Update! August 19, 2017

Hey guys so apparently they took down the embarasing bodies channel on youtube but you can definitely put it in the search engine and some videos will come up!

Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

2014-05-05T22:05:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't written in a long time. Here are some of the frequently asked questions.

Steps for application process:

Send in all the papers on this list and wait to get called for an interview.

http://www.unibe.edu.do/en/degree-programs/medicine/admission-requirements

How was the application process?

It was a little frustrating for me because getting everything translated and stamped by the apostille takes a lot of time and money. To say the least, getting all your papers together is the hardest part. I know that for people who graduated college already, they need to get recommendation letters and stuff like that. I suggest you guys begin your paper work as soon as possible. Also take into consideration that it takes time to send in all your papers.

My experience so far and recommendations:
Everything is pretty good so far. The first semester is the hardest not because of subjects and work load but, because you're still getting used to the school system, the country, taking care of yourself without mom and dad, etc. Even though I've been here a couple times and my family is from here, I'm still not used to it but it takes time. You'll make good friends and you'll learn how to get around easily. You guys will love the Caribbean life just make sure you remember what you came here to do.

*Hardest semesters:
1 - because you're getting used to everything
5- because of anatomy and embryo
7 - because of neuro and patho
11 - pre interning

Recommendation:
▪You guys should really try to get the best GPA you can in your first four semesters. It's not hard to get a 4.0. I say this because usually in the 5th semester people don't do well in anatomy and embryology which is a 12 credit course, and passing with a C can bring down your GPA. So work hard in the beginning so that if you're having a little trouble in future semesters, it won't affect you as much.

▪Also, try to do as much volunteer work and attend different medical conventions during pre-med. It will be a little difficult to do them once you enter med school (5th semester).

▪Join clubs. There's an organization called AMSA, which is the American Medical Student Association. They have great volunteer activities and fun events. Membership is $75 but last about 5 years I believe.( http://www.amsa.org/AMSA/Homepage.aspx) ODEM is another organization that concentrates on public health and other topics that have to do with the helping the Dominican Republic. You pay about $30 annually. (https://www.facebook.com/OrganizacionDominicanaDeEstudiantesDeMedicina) GEU is el Grupo Ecológico de Unibe, "Ecology Club". They concentrate on matters affecting the environment by visiting different regions in the country and celebrating importantes days like Earth Day. They recently had a recycling competition between all of the careers in the school which was a success. And last but not least, they take fun trips. Free membership. ( https://www.facebook.com/pages/GEU-Grupo-Ecol%C3%B3gico-de-UNIBE/438697989540240) TECHO is an organization outside of Unibe that focuses on volunteer work. You guys should check that out.( http://www.techo.org/en/ ) / You can also make you're own club if you'd like.

▪When you visit different departments during orientation, write down the times they open and close. You'll learn that time is valuable and there is none to waste. I keep a memo of all the important places and their hours so I can make a schedule.

》I wish I could say more but I prefer questions on specific topics so if you want a question answered, write it down below or email me. :)

See you soon!

New - Admissions Requirements for the English Program of Medicine

2013-10-15T14:45:00.001-04:00

http://www.unibe.edu.do/en/degree-programs/medicine/admission-requirements

It doesn't say what classes you should've taken but it talks about MCAT

College Physics Book - Englsh

2013-09-25T23:57:00.004-04:00

Hey guys. Found the physics book (english version) online you're probably going to be using for two semesters. You need a 4shared account, so just sign up and download. Good luck.

http://www.4shared.com/get/A0ujsAaD/College_Physics.html

Study Help

2013-09-16T22:30:00.002-04:00

Also, if you need help memorizing a lot of terms, download this app called AnkiDroid (for android users). It's a flashcard app that you can download on your phone and tablet and you can just study wherever you go. I've been using it for anatomy and other subjects and it has made my life so much easier. I don't have to cut out paper and put rubber bands around them so that they don't get lost. I'm sure iPhones have an app for flashcards so take full advantage. You can even put pictures on the flashcards! :)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ANDROID ANKIDROID APP INFO

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@ mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below :D

I'm here to help!

Stuck in Class!

2013-09-16T22:22:00.001-04:00

Hey guys. I just wanted to point out to you that if you don't understand a class, it is necessary to use all the resources in your power to get you through it and understand it. What I like to do is look up videos on youtube of whatever I need help with and you can usually find teachers giving lectures on the same topic. Some teachers are even from great schools like MIT and Harvard. I have a presentation in anatomy coming up this week about the integumentary system (skin) and I found this awesome professor who is so simple that you ask yourself, "Where's the hard part?" lol. So do whatever you can to boost your learning process and don't get stuck!

Here's the link if you're interested. He also has other videos about anatomy :) Good luck

CLICK HERE

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@ mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!

Interview Questions

2013-09-11T15:14:00.003-04:00

When you apply, you may or may not be asked for an interview. Here are some questions or topics that they can ask you about so be ready.

Why choose UNIBE to further your career
Have you done research in your school or been part of an important experiment
Extracurricular activities - Clubs and Sports
Volunteering
and many more

It's pretty much a job interview. Show them you want to be part of this great family and be confident!

Good luck! You can do this!

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@ mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!

For English and Spanish Speakers - Practice Spanish

2013-09-11T15:06:00.000-04:00

Anyone who is planning on making the change to study here at UNIBE, has to know Spanish. I can't stress that enough. It will make your life so much easier, protect you, and you will be able to communicate better not only with friends, the landlord, teachers, but most importantly your future patients (Med students)! For people in the English program (Med), I hope you guys realize that in your last semesters here at UNIBE you will be working in a hospital, a hospital where the people only speak Spanish. It's great that you know English and that you come from another country but, what people will care about is that you can communicate efficiently with them and help them.

Solution: One way I started to improve my Spanish and pick up this fast speaking language was thinking of a science topic (or any other topic) - translating that word or words into Spanish and looking up videos about it on Youtube. You can even see some videos that are subtitled or English subtitled!

Guys, don't give up. I'm really having a good time here and I'm happy I'm making an effort to get good grades.

Here's a link to the Introduction of Cells - Biology in Spanish ->

Introducción a las células - Biología - Educatina CLICK

ALSO, a bit of motivation.

"Lo dificil solo tarda un poco mas." - The difficult parts or situations only lasts a little longer. You think you are going through some rough times but soon enough it will be over. :)

And here is a picture my dad sent me :) Thanks dad.

The greater the effort, the greater the satsifaction. :)

Have a great day guys!

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@ mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!

Books

2013-09-11T14:40:00.002-04:00

Hey guys. Week 2 at school and it's getting tight lol to say the least. Anyways, this semester i've seen a lot of new students and it makes me think that a year ago, I was a fresh face who wanted to get all the books in all my subjects. lol Guys, please, before buying expensive books or even rented books, look for them online! You will find them! Some are rare and you're probably going to have to buy it but I bought my bio and chem book and now I don't even use it because I have a pdf file on my computer lol.
For example, first semester students, for biology, they will probably recommend the book "Biology - The Unity and Diversity of Life" (at least that's the one I used).

Here's a download link to the book and you don't have to spend money! It's worth it when you can use that money for something else like food or rent or even personal things. Please, be patient and look carefully before you go crazy thinking you need all these books.

With that said, here is a link to the book - English version.

http://www.4shared.com/office/kNbTenu6/biology_the_unity_and_diversit.htm

If the link doesn't work for you, I'm sure you can find another link :) Start practicing :p

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@ mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!

Light Bill in DR

2013-08-29T22:37:00.002-04:00

I thought you guys might want to see what your light bill will look like when you get your apartment here. If you have a small apartment you can pay about 300 pesos a month, if you don't use the air conditioner -_- haha and if you live in an apartment with about three bedrooms like in a really nice apartment complex (here we call them "torre" = tower) you can pay 1,000 pesos monthly give or take. The people who bring the light bill to your place usually leave it with the secretary or guard.

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!

First Semester at UNIBE (Spanish Program)

2013-08-29T21:52:00.002-04:00

Classes at UNIBE. I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into first because I was well aware that classes were going to be in Spanish and second, it was a totally different country assuming education methods weren't the same in the United States.

*NOTE: I ended up buying all of my books but, during the semester I found a free pdf file online -_- Make sure you check online so you don't have to spend money on a book that you might only use for one semester. ALSO REMEMBER THIS IS FOR THE SPANISH PROGRAM, TEACHERS ARE DIFFERENT!

Classes:

Biologia I

Teacher : My teacher was nice/alright. Her method of teaching is you come to class prepared to discuss the current topic you are learning about. What she does is take the attendance list and when your name is up she asks you a question. Let's just say it's better to be prepared so you don't get embarrassed in front of everyone and get on her good side. Her tests are easy if you study hard enough. Reading your textbook and taking notes of what she says is very important. She rarely reads from the book in class, she's kind of all over the place (we jump topics a lot). To get extra points at the end of the semester, you should do what she calls "palabras claves" so that if you get an 88 she could give you those 2 extra points to get an 90 (A).
Units: Characteristics and Organization of Life, Bioenergetics and Metabolism, Cellular Reproduction: Mitosis and Meiosis, etc.
Week: You have one 2 hour class and 1, 1 hour class, plus lab which is about 3 hours.
Book:

With the book comes a CD.

Chemistry I

Teacher: The teacher was good. He didn't talk much, he mainly wrote everything on the board. Everything you need to know are in his power points which he uploads. I didn't need to use a textbook, his power points were sufficient.

Math 1

I'm pretty good at math so I did well. The teacher gives you a weekly packet and from there is where she gets her quizes and tests.

Orientation

I was really happy we had this class because each week we talked about something different pertaining to the university and what to expect in future semesters. We talked about USMLE, school rules, clubs, etc. My teacher was very informed and although a little strict, was very helpful. :) No book needed.

Tennis

You have to take a physical class or a culture class so I signed up for tennis on Saturdays. UNIBE doesn't have official courts but in the parking lot of the Engineering building there's a court painted. Tennis is on Saturdays. Some of my friends took Personal Defense and guitar :) So it's up to you. Try to get to sign ups early, spots fill up and you might not be able to get what you want.

Spanish I

Spanish was a little difficult for me the first semester, nonetheless I learned a lot and was introduced to cool books and learned new vocabulary.

Drafting Workshop

Easy class where the entire semester is based upon one final paper. You write about anything you want and each class the teacher gives you tips on public speaking and writing.

P.S. Found this draft and thought I should post it up.

So far I've taken:

2nd Semester:

Cellular and Molecular Biology
Spanish II
Physics I
Math II
Chem II
Dominican History
Portugues I
Philosophy of Science

3rd Semester:

Environmental Science - really easy and got to visit cool places around the country
Seminar on Leadership and Entrepreneurship - did a final project which can be added to your resume :)
Physics II - lot of fun working with circuits, electricity, batteries, etc.
Organic Chemistry - lot of fun working with reactions and functional groups
Universal History - once a week and homework was the midterm and final
Computer Class - super easy, group presentations on a weekly basis and mini review before midterm and final
Photography as an elective - fun :)
Medical Sociology - learned a lot about the medical world in this country and the population

And now, I will be going into the 4rth semester! Intro to Anatomy here we come!

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!

New Semester

2013-08-25T17:08:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone!
Okay I have one week left of vacation and have to start studying for Intro to Anatomy (Already have two books -_- lol) This should be fun! Anyways, I was wondering what topics you guys wanted me to write about, seeing as though you are my readers. Comment down below. Keep enjoying the rest of your summer! :)

Important Phone Numbers During a Storm or Natural Disaster in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

2013-07-10T23:38:00.000-04:00

Today was a little rough. If you didn't see in the news, Tropical Storm Chantal came through our country and classes got canceled in all the major universities besides INTEC. When you guys get accepted and live here, you should have these numbers in handy just in case you live alone or for reference. You never know. Luckily, it calmed down within a day and classes will resume tomorrow.

Cuerpo de Bomberos - Fire Department

Policia Nacional - Police Department

COE "Centro de Operaciones de Emergencias" - Center of Emergency Operations

Defensa Civil Dominicana - Dominican Civil Defense

Cruz Roja Dominicana - Dominican Red Cross

How could we forget UNIBE:

Facebook

Twitter

They always inform us through here if school is canceled for any reason.

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@ mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!

Get rid of cockroaches :D

2013-07-05T23:19:00.001-04:00

I know this is a random post but I have never seen a cockroach unless it was behind glass at a zoo or museum, until I came here lol You will, and I can almost guarantee, see one in this country; as much as you clean your apartment, house, shelter! After much trial and tribulation, I found a solution. The magical potion is called "Baygon" (Dominicans pronounce it like: "Vai-gon") I love it!!!! It feels great to kill those cockroaches. Okay, I'm getting carried away but it's a great product. They also have a spray for all insects in general. When you get here make sure you buy one or bring one from your home!

Haha "Nowhere to hide"! lol

This is what I looked like trying to kill a cockroach before "Baygon" lol

And they fly :(

Cucaracha = Spanish for Cockroach

(QU-ca-RA-cha)

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@ mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!

Picture of the night hahah

2013-07-05T22:56:00.000-04:00

"I give up trying to understand people. Now it's simple, those whom I do not understand, I will diagnosis them with some mental disorder and depart."

LOL

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@ mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!

Homework Planner - Get Organized!

2013-07-05T22:50:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you think you're organized but you're really not lol I downloaded this app on my Android and it really has kept me up to date on what I need to do and what homework is most important. It's free and I highly recommend it! Check it out!

myHomework Student Planner - Click Me!

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@ mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!

Frequently Asked Questions

2013-07-05T22:38:00.000-04:00

Are you honestly having a good experience at UNIBE?

o Yes, I can honestly say I’m having a good time here at UNIBE. In the beginning it was a little difficult to get used to everything but everyday it got easier and easier to adapt. The campus is small and you will figure out where you have to go to get certain things done for example, making copies at "el Sotano" or at MaryCris. (post pending)

· Do you like living in the Dominican Republic?

o I like living in the Dominican Republic but it isn’t like the United States of course. Here you have a different culture, different currency, different everything! I do find that the capital is becoming “Americanized”. I see a lot of stores and restaurants opening up that I went to while living in the States which made me feel a little more at home. J

· Does it get really lonely or dangerous?

o If you live alone, it does get kind of lonely but once you find friends at school it’ll be easy to think of others things plus homework! You can also visit family or just travel the country when you have the time.

o It is dangerous, but I think that if you don’t go out looking for trouble and you take care of yourself and are cautious you won’t have any problems. Every country has dangerous places, you just have to avoid them. The good thing about UNIBE is that it is located right in front of the Policia Nacional "Police" so we are more safe.

· How long is a medicine career? How does UNIBE separate their semesters, pre-med, med?

English Program

Spanish Program - Program en Espanol

· Is there school during the summer?

o Yes. UNIBE is all year round. You will get a two-week break every four months.

· How was the Spanish admission’s exam?

o The Spanish exam was pretty good depending on how much Spanish you understand. It's all multiple choice. Once you register for the exam they provide you with a study guide. If you go over that study guide you should be good.

· Is there Financial Aid at UNIBE?

o Yes, UNIBE provides financial aid for both Spanish and English programs.

Please go to this link and click "Espanol" for the Spanish program and "English" for the English program.
CLICK HERE

*The more you become familiar with their website the more you will know. When I was applying I pretty much memorized this lol. Plus they just renovated the site, it's pretty awesome :) *

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@ mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!

Celebrating the Fourth of July in Santo Domingo, RD!

2013-07-04T23:00:00.000-04:00

The American Embassy (Embajada Americana) in the capital did a fireworks show in honor of American Independence day! Great night!

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@ mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!

September Semester Tuition for Students in Spanish Programs

2013-06-22T00:41:00.000-04:00

I know some people who are foreigners are applying to the Spanish program because it's cheaper and they can defend themselves in Spanish, just as I did. I thought I should notify you guys on how much each career will cost for the September semester coming up.

Currently:

They added RD$3,000 for student services (for all careers) and US$100 for people in the English program (apart from tuition for both English and Spanish programs). So, I came in paying RD$68,000 in September (for medicine) and by the end of the my second semester was paying RD$71,000.
Adding to that, every Semester (annually), they raise tuition 10%. Now, it will be RD$75,000 for medicine a semester.
Result: September 2013 I will be paying the student service fee RD$3,000 + RD$75,000 (tuition)

= RD$78,000
Obviously I wasn't fond of the price increase but, at the end of the day, US$1,950 for each semester starting in September 2013 isn't bad compared to college in the United States. I'm happy with that lol and I know my parents are too.

*I'm not sure how much students in the English program pay. I have an estimate but I'm not sure.

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@ mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!

Unibe - Logos :)

2013-06-22T00:17:00.000-04:00

I just like logos so I made this post lol. UNIBE has this oreo-looking-light up- foundation/logo between admissions and the library. It's so cool at night time. Also, in the "Economato" (equivalent to a college book store), they sell UNIBE car logos with the career name on it too. So, not only are there medicine car logos, there's publicity, engineering, marketing, amongst others. It cost RD$95 for one logo. I bought one lol Of course :D

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@ mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!

Great Medicine - Related Movie - The Constant Gardener

2013-06-22T00:06:00.003-04:00

You would think that with the title being "The Constant Gardener", this movie would have nothing to do with medicine but it does. lol Saw this movie for Medical Sociology (Sociologia Medica) a couple weeks back and I recommend it. It definitely opened up my eyes. It covers topics like pharmaceutical companies and their relation to third world countries. Check it out!

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@ mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!

Reflecting on Medicine

2013-06-21T23:50:00.000-04:00

Saw these pictures and had to post. What do you guys think?

Comment down below!

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME

@ mydominicanjourney@gmail.com

or comment below : D

I'm here to help!