We celebrate those who open doors to the world through languages
At the School of Languages of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, we celebrated Teacher’s Day with a special gathering dedicated to recognizing the passion, commitment, and vocation of our faculty.
In every class, our teachers do more than just teach a language: they build bridges between cultures, open doors to new opportunities, and guide our students in developing the skills that allow them to communicate, grow, and connect with the world.
This celebration provided a space to thank them for their dedication and to highlight the impact they make every day, both inside and outside the classroom. Their dedication, patience, and academic excellence are an essential part of the meaningful learning experience that defines our institution.
To all our faculty members at the School of Languages, thank you for inspiring confidence, for teaching with passion, and for making language learning a truly transformative experience.
Language School celebrates its first 2026 graduation with two moving ceremonies
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Language School of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano celebrated its first graduation of the year 2026 on June 25th with two consecutive ceremonies, recognizing the effort, dedication, and perseverance of the students who successfully completed their training programs.
Both events brought together graduates, family members, teachers, and institutional authorities to celebrate the conclusion of an important academic stage and the beginning of new personal and professional challenges.
The ceremonies began with welcoming remarks from the executive director of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, Enrique Alberto Fernández Malla, who urged the new graduates to continue building a future full of opportunities through language learning and continuous education.
Following this, faculty representative David Rodríguez delivered a message of congratulations, highlighting the discipline, commitment, and perseverance demonstrated by the graduates throughout their academic journey.
One of the most significant moments of the day was the participation of the honor students, who delivered moving speeches on behalf of their peers.
The presentation of diplomas and awards was the central moment of both graduations, celebrating the academic success of the students and the commitment demonstrated throughout their training.
Subsequently, the director of the Language School, Robert Valcin, led the closing remarks and the graduates’ oath. In the first ceremony, he was accompanied by Valerie Del Villar Mercedes, while in the second, he shared this significant moment with the representative of Juniors Advanced, Wanny Lorena Pujols Pimentel, symbolizing the end of a chapter and the new graduates’ commitment to their personal and professional development.
As a grand finale, both ceremonies featured the participation of the Coro Mixto Domínico Americano, conducted by Viterbo Peña, whose artistic performances filled the closing ceremony with solemnity and emotion.
The American Film Festival opens its lineup with a screening of Back to the Future
With a large turnout and an enthusiastic atmosphere, the American Film Festival opened with a screening of the iconic movie Back to the Future, a cinematic classic that continues to captivate and inspire audiences of all ages across generations.
The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks from Mr. Enrique Fernández Malla, Executive Director of ICDA and Rector of UNICDA, who highlighted the value of initiatives that promote learning and cultural exchange through cinema. Likewise, Ms. Amy Krusinger, Strategic Projects Coordinator of the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo, emphasized the importance of strengthening educational and cultural cooperation ties between the Dominican Republic and the United States.
The festival is part of the commemorative activities for the 250th anniversary of United States independence and is being held with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, reaffirming both institutions’ commitment to promoting spaces for connection, dialogue, and cultural enrichment.
The evening brought together cinema lovers, students, teachers, and community members, who enjoyed an experience that combined entertainment, history, and culture.
With this successful opening, the American Film Festival kicks off a lineup that will continue to bring the public closer to renowned film productions and strengthen the cultural exchange between both nations.
UNICDA at TESOL 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah, proudly contributing to global conversations on English language education
UNICDA participated in the TESOL 2026 International Convention through a TESOL Focus Session, where progress on the project “Evaluation and Alignment of a National English Immersion Program” was presented. This initiative is being implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCYT), with technical support from TESOL International Association consultants and the sponsorship of the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo.
The session provided an opportunity to share key findings, opportunities, challenges, and recommendations with the international ELT community, aimed at strengthening the sustainability and scalability of the National English Immersion Program and reinforcing its role as a strategic asset for the Dominican Republic’s educational and productive systems.
Presenting team:
▪️ MESCYT: Giseh Cuesta, Director of Foreign Languages; Zomnia Schott, Academic Coordinator of the Immersion Program
▪️ UNICDA / ICDA: Karlans Camacho, Coordinator of the Teacher Development Center at UNICDA; Daphna Reyes, Immersion Program Coordinator at Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA)
▪️ TESOL International Association: Heidi Faust, Head of Grants and Partnerships; Deborah Kennedy and Lisa Mann, Adult Education and Workforce Development Specialists.
UNICDA remains committed to institutional collaboration, educational quality, and the advancement of English language teaching within a global framework.
UNICDA celebrates the Professional Development Week of the Boosting English program, in collaboration with SIT World Learning and the U.S. Embassy
Santo Domingo, D.R. — The Teacher Development Center at Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) successfully completed the Professional Development Week, a central component of the Boosting English program, a formative initiative designed to strengthen the pedagogical competencies of English teachers across the country.
This component was developed within the framework of the strategic alliance between UNICDA and SIT World Learning, with the sponsorship of the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, reaffirming the shared commitment of both nations to advancing excellence in English language teaching in the Dominican Republic.
Training designed for the 21st-century teacher
More than 200 teachers enrolled in this professional development experience, which stood out for its flexibility and practical approach. Participants had the opportunity to choose between one and two short courses of 8 training hours each, tailored to their pedagogical needs and interests.
The training offering was implemented by SIT World Learning in a hybrid format that integrated both virtual and in-person sessions, giving teachers access to up-to-date content on communicative methodologies, reflective classroom practices, and student-centered teaching strategies.
Reflective closing session with Lois Scott-Conley
The training week culminated in a reflective closing session, during which participating teachers were accompanied by Lois Scott-Conley, Senior Consultant at SIT World Learning and a recognized international specialist in curriculum development and teacher training.
In this space, participants shared their learning journeys, exchanged experiences about applying new strategies in their classrooms, and outlined goals for professional growth. Scott-Conley emphasized the importance of ongoing reflection as a driving force for teacher development and highlighted how strengthening English instruction in Dominican classrooms directly impacts students’ educational, professional, and economic opportunities.
Impact that goes beyond the classroom
The Professional Development Week reaffirms the mission of the Teacher Development Center at UNICDA: to train teachers of the English language in the Dominican Republic through innovative, specialized programs aligned with international best practices.
Every trained teacher becomes a multiplier of opportunities, equipping their students with the tools they need to successfully engage with key sectors of the economy, such as tourism, business services, technology, and international trade.
UNICDA extends its sincere gratitude to SIT World Learning and to the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo for their invaluable collaboration, as well as to all participating teachers for their commitment to educational excellence and their dedication to transforming English language instruction in the country.
Viajecito Criollo Fair celebrates Dominican identity with flavor and tradition 🇩🇴
On Thursday, February 26, as part of the commemoration of Dominican Independence Day, the “Viajecito Criollo” Fair was held—an event filled with culture, flavor, and national pride.
The initiative was organized by students of UNICDA’s Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Business Administration, who carefully attended to every detail to highlight the traditions, folklore, and joy that characterize the Dominican Republic. Through this experience, they managed to transport attendees on an authentic journey through the best of Dominican culture.
During the fair, visitors enjoyed a wide variety of gastronomic offerings, including fresh fruits, habichuelas con dulce, empanaditas, and chimis, as well as a display of handicrafts that filled the space with color, identity, and creativity.
The event also benefited from the valuable support of the School of Art and Culture, whose participation strengthened the purpose of showcasing and celebrating our roots, promoting recognition and appreciation of Dominican identity.
The “Viajecito Criollo” Fair was consolidated as a space for gathering, learning, and celebration, where culture was experienced in every flavor, every artistic expression, and every shared moment.
We extend our gratitude to all who joined us and became part of this experience that exalts the very best of who we are.
Choral Concert Tribute to the Homeland celebrates Dominican musical identity and tradition
In an emotional evening dedicated to national culture, the choral concert “Tribute to the Homeland” was held—a musical gathering that brought together distinguished choral groups to exalt the identity and traditions of the Dominican Republic. 🇩🇴
The concert featured the participation of the Julio Alberto Hernández Male Choir of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, directed by Henry Cordero; the National Lyric Company of the General Directorate of Fine Arts, under the direction of Antonia Chabebe; and the Mixed Choir of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, directed by Professor Viterbo Peña.
As hosts of the evening, the choirs of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano shared the stage with the prestigious national ensemble in a program that highlighted the richness of Dominican choral music, performing pieces that evoke the country’s history, culture, and patriotic spirit.
The event brought together music and culture enthusiasts in a memorable night where voices united to pay tribute to Dominican roots and celebrate the power of choral singing as an artistic and cultural expression.
The organizers thanked the audience for joining this special celebration, which reaffirms the commitment to promote and preserve Dominican culture through music.
Students of Spanish as a Foreign Language explore Dominican culture at the Quisqueya Rally
As part of a learning experience outside the classroom, students from the Spanish as a Foreign Language program participated in the Quisqueya Rally, an educational activity held in the historic Colonial Zone.
During the tour, the students walked through streets filled with history, culture, and tradition while practicing the Spanish language in an authentic way: conversing with residents and visitors, asking questions, and connecting with the essence of Dominican daily life.
This part of the program aims to strengthen participants’ communicative skills in real contexts, allowing them to apply what they have learned in class while discovering some of the most emblematic spaces of the city’s historic center.
In addition to boosting their confidence in speaking Spanish, the students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s cultural richness, getting to know its traditions, the warmth of its people, and the historical value of the area.
Activities like the Quisqueya Rally reflect the importance of dynamic and immersive learning, showing that learning a language goes beyond grammar: it is about living real experiences that leave lasting impressions.
Playful Learning from the Language School celebrates the Christmas Show & Fair with student talent and creativity
The Language School experienced two days filled with magic and enthusiasm during the Christmas Show & Fair by Playful Learning, an event that brought together students from different schedules on a single stage to celebrate language learning through art and Christmas.
During the first days, students from Monday and Wednesday, as well as Tuesday and Thursday, offered performances inspired by well-known Christmas movies, taking the audience on a journey full of creativity, wonder, and festive spirit. Each presentation showcased teamwork and the progress achieved in the classroom, where the language came to life through music, acting, and body expression.
The event continued to shine with the participation of students from Friday and Saturday, who took center stage with performances full of energy, dedication, and confidence. Their presentations reflected not only their command of the language, but also the joy of the learning process through a playful and participatory methodology.
The Christmas Show & Fair by Playful Learning reaffirmed the Language School’s commitment to a dynamic, creative, and meaningful education, where learning becomes an experience to be lived, felt, and shared—especially during such a special time as Christmas.