Photo provided by Tayla
Prior to studying in my host country, I wish I did research on the political unsettlement in the country. These are good things to know as it can prepare you mentally for what your experience will be like.
Photo provided by Tayla
My biggest concern throughout the study abroad process was funding. I received full funding for my program and at one point I was discouraged to apply because my financial situation was rough. There is money out there, specifically for minority students who wish to travel abroad.
Photo provided by Tayla
Prior to entering the DR, I thought I would be entering paradise. I came to the country with the expectation that there would be people whose skin was as brown as mine if not darker, the weather would be 90+ degrees, and I would be able to indulge in the best beans and rice. To my surprise, most of my perceptions proved to be true. However, I quickly learned that although my skin resembled those of the native Dominicans, my experience wouldn’t be so easy. There were times where I entered spaces and I was mistaken as Haitian. Sidenote, I had no idea about the Dominican-Haitian political/cultural tension that existed on the island prior to entering the country. Haitian in the DR is often times frowned upon and the dark color of my skin was intimidating to some social establishments on the island, making me feel inferior and isolated, and making me sum up my experience in the DR to “It was great, but I could never live there".
Photo provided by Tayla
When picking the Dominican Republic, I was in search for a place where people looked like me. As an African American woman, I wanted to be in a place where I could blend in and not have to worry about immediately being stigmatized as American in hopes that it would be easier to immerse myself into the culture.