Orientation & host families

After a good night's rest in the hotel, the students started out their morning with chinola (passion fruit) juice and café con leche with their breakfast. They spent most of the day learning about the basics of Dominican culture, tips on living with host families, money, transportation, and other details they will need to know in the upcoming first days in the DR.

Meeting the host families

Finally, in the late afternoon it was time to meet their host families. It was a time of mixed emotions—excitement as well as some nervousness. Students were greeted with hugs and kisses (although the last three to be picked up were a bit forlorn), tried out their first bits of Spanish, and were off to their new homes.

Orientation: Language study institute "Entrena"

On Friday morning, with the help of members of their host families, the students made their way to the language study institute "Entrena" via public transportation. For many students the adjustment to city commutes and crowded public transportation is a challenging one. But all arrived safely and in good time.

During the morning, they received an introduction to Entrena and the language program, and were given Spanish language evaluations. After finding lunch on their own close to Entrena, they returned for an afternoon session to learn more about public transportation in Santo Domingo. Then, with the help of their teachers, they made their way to "Casa Goshen" and back to Entrena on public transportation.

In contrast to the more subdued nature of the group on Thursday, people had lots to talk about from their evening and overnight with their host families.

Finally, a member of their host family returned to Entrena to help each student get back home, again on public transportation. While they waited for their family member to arrive, some students took the opportunity to practice Dominican dominoes ("taught" to them by Sarah and Luke Rush).

Weekend with host families

By late afternoon, all were on their way home for a three-day weekend. Monday is a holiday and many families were planning special activities or trips at some point during the weekend. Tuesday morning at Entrena the stories will be flying again as the students gather to speak English and fill each other in on their weekends.

Click on the links below for photos of the students and their families:

Ben	Jaron	Lamont
Dan	Jason	Michael
Emily	Kara	Sarah
Greg & Laura	Kelcie	Wandrae
	Kenan