Re: Dear Dr RE: Language schools in the DR?
Try Entrena in Santo Domingo at 809-541-4283. They are located at Rafael Bonelli #26, Baristo Morales, although they may have other locations throughout the country.
I understand that this is the school where Peace Corps members take language and cultural training prior to their terms of service in the DR. Entrena will tailor a study program for your needs. For example, when I was there for the month of September, 1995, I worked with a teacher one-on-one for 7 or 8 hours a day. Entrena also arranged for me to live with a Dominican family in Santo Domingo while I studied. They even helped me find a school for my 5 year old daughter to go to while I was in class. It was a great experience. The teacher nor the family I lived with would speak any English with me, although they probably knew some. But this was the best way, for me - total immersion! During my course of study, besides the necessary classroom study, my teacher and I visited museums, restaurants, and other sites in the city. I had to do all the communicating and in Spanish, of course. Sink or swim...I swam...and now my Spanish is still pretty good, four years later.
Good luck to you! ~Sarah