Engineering World Health

Hospital Technician

May - July 2019 • Santiago de los Caballeros, Santiago Province

What I liked

I learned several real life skills, and I learned how to troubleshoot and repair equipment. As well, I had the wonderful experience of working in a developing country. The most rewarding part was learning Spanish and getting to interact with those who lived there. Also my Coordinator became one of my best friends.

What I wish was different

By circumstance, I lived with a homestay far removed from the city. I loved my homestay, but all the other participants lived within walking distance of eachother and the hospitals, while I was a 15 minute taxi ride. Because of transportation, I had to spend around $100 more than all of the other students and didn't get to get super close to all of them.

Advice

Be ready to learn a new language! People who actively tried to learn Spanish definitely got the most out of the experience. Those who did not try regretted not learning a new language by the end of it.

1 One person found this helpful

Engineering Volunteer

May - August 2019 • Santiago de los Caballeros, Santiago Province

What I liked

It was the best experience to learn how to troubleshoot electrical equipment. The group was really supportive and I helped make a big impact on the local hospitals. It was also great cultural immersion.

What I wish was different

Nothing.

Advice

Practice your country's language before arriving.

1 One person found this helpful

International Biomedical Engineering Technician

May - June 2018 • Santiago de los Caballeros, Santiago Province

What I liked

Incredibly rewarding experience being able to learn about the heath care system in a developing nation and being able to use my engineering degree to make a real, meaningful, impact to the community of Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.

What I wish was different

I wish it could have lasted longer than 3 weeks! It was very hard to leave. Additionally, I wish I would have known more Spanish before traveling to a Spanish-speaking country.

Advice

Anyone who has to opportunity to serve in a developing country needs to do so. It is life changing, and really changes your perspective on nearly everything in your life in the States. We are so fortunate and overlook many of our blessings like running water and electricity that is reliable. Many times I hear complaints about the healthcare system in the United States, but at least we have one. What I saw in the Dominican Republic was heart-breaking.

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