The International Relations Department provides all possible assistance to all UNPHU international students, during

The process of admission to the University.
The process of moving to and settling in the city of Santo Domingo.
Their permanence as students and subsequent graduation from UNPHU.

Basically, there are two forms of accommodation that students prefer, according to our experience: 

• Renting furnished apartments near the University.
• Renting a furnished room in Dominican family homes.
• Renting furnished apartments near the University

We maintain an updated list of furnished apartments near the UNPHU, from where the student can walk to them. These apartments are previously visited and approved by the International Relations Department as suitable for the needs and requirements of international students.

The approximate price of the furnished apartments will depend on many factors, but they can cost from US$350.00 and up, depending on the area, year of construction of the building, number of rooms, whether the apartment is fully furnished or not, etc.  

It is the norm in our country that the owner requires a contract for one year’s rent and a total of three months in advance: two months deposit and the first month in advance. The month’s deposit is refundable at the end of the contract.

The student is responsible for ordering all basic utilities such as electricity, internet, cable, gas for the kitchen, etc.

• Renting a furnished room in Dominican family homes

Dominican families, who for different reasons, have rooms available in their homes, decide to rent them and contact us to offer them to international students. As with the apartments, we maintain an updated list of these rooms to make them available to students. The price is around US$400 per month and up, but includes everything: electricity, water, internet, etc., except food. 

In both cases, we assist all the students and accompany them in this process, so that they can make the best decision, according to their needs and budget, besides we understand that they are going through a process of adaptation to our country. 

For UNPHU, it is very important that all international students feel satisfied and comfortable with the place where they will live, so that they can perform academically according to the demands of the University. In the same way, if after some time, they decide to move, we also assist them in finding another place.

• Medical Insurance

Most of the students who come to study at our University, choose to purchase a local medical insurance that offers a complete basic coverage. The cost of this insurance is around US$30.00 per month.

This medical insurance is mandatory and the student can opt for this or another one from his/her country of origin, but certifying that he/she has coverage in the Dominican Republic. 

• Transportation

For international students, the most common form of transportation is UBER, which is very economical and operates very efficiently and safely in the DR.

Students from Puerto Rico can normally bring a vehicle via Ferry, without paying taxes, because they receive a special permit to stay in the country while they are enrolled in the University, until they finish their degree. Once they finish their studies, they must return their vehicles to PR.

• Water

Drinking water in the DR must be purchased in bottles or can be filtered at home. Tap water can be used for bathing and washing without any problem, but not for drinking.

• Electricity

Electricity ranges from 110 to 120 volts, 60 hz., and outlets are the same size as those in the USA. The need for electricity exceeds the supply, so power outages are normal in the Dominican Republic. They are not caused by accidents as in the US, but are a way of sharing a limited resource.

Some homes have plants, small generators that provide electricity during blackouts; others have inverters, car batteries connected to maintain lights and fans during the blackout.

To apply for electric service, students must present to the electric company a copy of their passport and a copy of the rental contract of the place where they will reside in our country.

• Telephone

The code for the Dominican Republic is (809), (829) and (849). To connect to the USA, it is necessary to dial 1 + area code + phone number. There are several cellular companies that offer prepaid cards or contracts such as CLARO, ALTICE and VIVA.

• Internet

Internet service in our country is offered through telephone companies and cable companies. Prices vary according to the speed required by the customer. There are plans that are offered by monthly bill or prepaid. 

The prepaid format is the best option for international students.

UNPHU offers free WiFi service throughout the campus.

The Dominican Republic is a center of cultural history. As the first site of Columbus’ arrival, the Dominican Republic is extremely important to the meeting of history, conquest, and colonization of the Western Hemisphere.

Founded in 1496, Santo Domingo is, in fact, the first city in the New World. Within the Colonial Zone remain the first cathedral, the first hospital, the first court, and many other «firsts» in the Americas. Many of the structures are still there in their original condition or are restored to reflect their historic architecture as well as other important sites such as the Casas Reales, the Castillo de Colon, and the first commercial structure in the Americas, the Atarazanas Reales. Because of its importance in the history of the continent, the Colonial City has been declared a «World Heritage Site» by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Santo Domingo is home to many interesting cultural attractions and traditions. The people of the Dominican Republic are a mixture of Spanish explorers, African slaves and the indigenous people who were called Tainos. You can see traces of this mix through the food, the dances, the art, and the customs of the people.

You can see the Spanish and African influence that dwells in the city’s schematics and in the architecture of the buildings. In almost all of the local discotheques and dance venues you can see the traditional styles of dancing merengue and bachata (even salsa) as well as the creativity and musical variety influenced by African rhythms. Taino colors, designs, and styles can be seen in contemporary art and jewelry. The typical dish is arroz con habichuelas (rice with beans) which is served with almost every meal. Other selections are fresh fruits, vegetables, chicken, meat, fish, and bread usually served in combination with fresh juice to take advantage of the Caribbean locale of the country.

January 6 – All Saints Day

January 21 – Our Lady of Altagracia Day

January 26 – Birth Day of Juan Pablo Duarte

27 February – National Independence Anniversary

29 March – Good Friday

29 April – International Labor Day

16 August – The Restoration

24 September – Our Lady of Mercedes

November 6 – Constitution Day

December 25 – Christmas Day

The Colonial Zone

No wonder UNESCO has declared this area a «Homeland of Humanity». Santo Domingo was discovered in 1496 and many of the structures in the Colonial Zone were among the first built in the western hemisphere. Some of the must-sees are:

The Metropolitan Cathedral

Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, the first cathedral in the western hemisphere. Its construction began in 1523 and ended in 1540.

The Viceroy’s Castle

It was the home of Diego Colon, the son of Christopher Columbus and first viceroy of the colony. The castle was built in the early years of the 16th century. It was the seat of the first Spanish Court and the site where Columbus’ bones were buried until 1992.

The Royal Shipyards

It is the oldest commercial structure in the Americas.

San Nicolas de Bari Hospital

It was the first hospital in the Americas.

Las Casas Reales Museum

It is home to many historical artifacts and relics from the 16th century. It was built by decision of the Spanish Crown to house its main official institutions in Colonial America. It was the place where the Supreme Court of all America, the so-called Real Audiencia, functioned.

The Ozama Fortress

It is the most important military monument of the colonial city, dating from 1507. It consists of several buildings, the most important of which is the Torre del Homenaje.

The National Zoo

The Botanical Garden, La Plaza del Museo, La Fuente de Colón, El Faro a Colón, El Conde and the Amber Museum are places to visit in Santo Domingo. Outside the Capital and throughout the Dominican Republic there are other fascinating parks, monuments, museums, and sites such as: Los Haitises National Park, Samana, La Romana, extraordinary beaches throughout the country including Puerto Plata, Sosua, Higuey and the European ambiance of Santiago the second largest city in the country.

Nightlife

El Conde is the most important pedestrian street of the colonial city because it is where many commercial establishments and important nightlife attractions of the capital are located. There is a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs on this popular street in the Colonial Zone. 

The streets that are exceptional for nightlife are: Isabela la Católica, Calle las Damas, Las Mercedes, La Atarazana, and Padre Billini where there are a variety of nightclubs and restaurants to select from.

Tours

We have an agreement with the company Desde el Medio Tours to offer tours to UNPHU students. The most popular tours offered by them are:

City Tour

Whale Tours

Eagles Bay

Saona Island

Catalina Island

Arena Key

Sosua Beach

Samana

Siete Charcos

Montecristi

Punta Cana