The Fall 2002 SST unit in the Dominican Republic is over. But this website will remain available.

Thursday, 5 September, 2002 -- When Christopher Columbus landed in 1492 on the Island he later dubbed Hispaøola (Little Spain), little did he know that many others would follow in his footsteps. Tonight, 12 adventurers from Goshen College are beginning their exploration of the eastern 2/3 of modern-day Hispaøola, now known as the Dominican Republic.

While perhaps a bit weary from their travels, the students were nonetheless excited about the adventures that lay ahead. The students enjoyed a few snacks in the bus on the way back to the hotel, while trying to take in as much of their new surroundings as the night allowed.

After resting tonight at the Plaza Colonial hotel (at the edge of the old colonial city and adjacent to the Parque de Independencia, pictured here), the group will spend the day tomorrow getting some basic orientation to their time in the DR. In the late afternoon, their host families will pick up the students. They will then spend the weekend getting acquainted with their new families, home, and surroundings.

The leaders of Dominican Republic SST unit, Phil and Karen Rush, are pictured here along with their children Sarah (6 ½) and Luke (4). Phil is currently Associate Professor of Business Information Systems at Goshen College, and has also worked in the Accounting, Financial Aid, and Information Technology Services departments at Goshen College. KarenÍs background is in elementary education, and she has directed several childcare programs. Before coming the DR, KarenÍs most recent role was full-time mother and homemaker. Luke (preschool) and Sarah (1st grade) will be attending a local Spanish school during the 2002-03 year.

Phil and Karen were both SST students in China in 1984. Karen also studied Spanish in Costa Rica during a semester in college. After several years of marriage, they returned to China to teach English as a second language from 1991-1993. Phil also served as Assistant Director of the China Educational Exchange program for 2 years. Karen spent time in her younger days in Haiti. Their previous overseas experiences have convinced them of the importance of an international perspective. They are excited about this year and this group of students, and look forward to getting to know them and learning about and exploring the Dominican Republic with them.