OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
CDU Students Journey to Dominican Republic
The Office of International Affairs held a Dominican Republic Service Learning Trip during 2022 that consisted of 13 student travelers visiting the country located on the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean region .
“ This trip solidified my passion for human health and reminded me of the importance of caring for the underserved ,” said Beverley Ochoa , Entry Level Master ’ s Program student . “ The greatest impact was recognizing the importance of interprofessional collaboration and compassion when providing care .”
CDU students traveled to the Dominican Republic to partner with Light a Candle Foundation - Fundación Enciende Una Luz - to provide medical services to local communities in need through local clinics and community engagement .
“ I enjoyed learning about their culture and making new friends through CDU ’ s partnership with the Light A Candle Foundation ,” said Kimberly Uehisa , Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences student . “ Sharing our passion for serving the most vulnerable and underserved was empowering .”
Light A Candle Foundation is a Dominican non-profit organization dedicated to empowerment through health education , health promotion , and educational opportunities . Sandy Yanmeristal , Executive Director for Light A Candle Foundation , thanked the students for their outstanding community work in the
country ’ s municipality of La Romana .
“ I got the chance to meet the folks that work with Light A Candle and understand their stories and their background , understand that they ’ re working hard – just as much as we are here back home ,” said Amina Latif , Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences student .
Travel Unbounded is a student club that helps CDU students , faculty and staff be more excited about travel and feel more comfortable while traveling to a different part of the world .
“ One of our goals is to bring CDU to the world and the world to CDU ,” said Dr . Lejuene Lockett , Director of the Office of International Affairs . “ Travel opportunities like these are invaluable opportunities to provide our students with unique experiences that help our current and future healthcare professionals develop their skills and perspectives .”
22 Office of International Affairs