Ok so I have been investigating on studying here for some time and I assume it's already too late for the September semesters, but I want to know of some of my options here in SD. I am not completely fluent in Spanish but I am not objecting to an all Spanish university (I know it'll be really hard) but the only all English option I have found is UNIBE. Unfortunately me having Dominican citizenship doesn't change the price as it's the same for both foreigners and Citizens for their Business Administration degree in English. Is there any other university that has a program similar to this or anything that goes into the IT field? I have investigated into INTEC, UNAPEC, and the university at Dominico Americano (they offer degrees in Computer science and education with major in English) Any help or advice would be great. I want to study here obviously because it is cheaper and I feel I will receive the same amount of education here.
- Thread starter suarezj519
- Start date
Starting school here. what are the options?
If I am not mistaken poster is the son of DR1 poster suarezen (spelling??).
I'm American, if I haven't made that obvious in my various posts around the site haha. I'm not comparing the education systems between here and there, I am pointing out that some universities here in SD are on par with the level of other countries. Even the UASD (obviously when it's not in the middle of a protest) produces good students. I just would not rather spend my whole life there lol.
This particular forum has a very binary opinion strongly against deviating from topic. It seems that "pattern-wise", after 4-6 subsequent replies that deviate from the original subject a moderator intervenes with a warning to go back on topic or thread would be closed. If this warning is ignored and 2-3 subsequent posts continue the trend of deviating from topic, said moderator will likely close the thread.
Despite suppressing the possibility of achieving interesting conversations, this philosophy surely brings impeccable order to the forums and even though I do not whole heatedly agree with this view, I will respect it. Considering that you did not respond or argue any of my claims, your silence on my opinion will be interpreted as a tacit concession on your part and the deal is resolved as is: UVA is anything you desire but it is universally more accepted as University of Virginia. Thank you for participating.
Now going back on topic:
"Anything that goes into the IT Field" Could you perhaps be more specific about your career goals?
UNIBE is an evident option, as you mentioned, however it does not offer the degree that you desire.
Information Technology, specially the programming track is a highly universal language that requires little proficiency in Spanish. Should you go that route I would advise to enroll in a Computer Science bachelors (Ingeniería de Sistemas they call it) and take Spanish classes on the side. You might finish the degree within 4.5 or 5 years instead of 4 due to the need of setting time aside to learn Spanish but in the end you will end up with a decent degree and a second language.
Is the B.S./B.A. a must or are you just looking to expand your knowledge? Perhaps technical courses in "ITLA" (Instituto Tecnologico de las Americas), Coursera or any certifications or online degrees would be helpful (you will not get the college experience so I completely understand if you neglect this option).
PUCMM/INTEC should have profficient Computer Science Programs. Dominico Americano would be a decent choice as well. It is true that studying here is much cheper but completely believe me be: Education level would not be near the one you can acquire in the US or Europe.
Perhaps you could expand on your career goals a little more? It would be vastly more helpful for us to issue a recommendation.
EDIT: Just realized you posted on our conversation:
Absolutely agree, this is why I state "universally". Not regionally. In the end, absolutes matter and the most absolute use is University of Virginia across the whole world population. How can I state that? I have no factual study that backs this, neither you that negates this however I feel highly confident that if you employ an efficient survey methodology across different cultures, countries and regions the most universally accepted acronym would be University of Virginia.
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Thanks, basically I want to follow more in the steps of becoming a computer consultant of working more with ERP Systems such as QAD and SAP. I have also expressed interest in networking and have explored options into just obtaining Cisco and CompTIA certs. But I haven't found any reliable info about taking courses for those certs here in SD (besides ITLA). I'm still young and trying to figure some stuff out in my life and even though I've always been a tech guy my whole life, I've been interested in some other career paths such as business or teaching using technology.
What is your age? Do you have a previous college degree?
Just throw an age range if you're uncomfortable disclosing your age.
It seems that you are knowledgeable regarding the career path you want to take, which is not common among recent high school grads. To speak on a more personal note, I enrolled in a B.S. in Computer Science (Ingeniería de Sistemas) here in Dominican Republic the minute I graduated from high school. I switched careers after a year, although I must admit I had nowhere near the insight on what I really wanted to do with my life back then.
Since you've mentioned that you are interested in working with ERP systems, and are also interested in networks I believe that a college degree would be important in this case. The types of entities that CAN afford ERP systems are big institutions with well established requirements for hiring and in most cases (not to say 99%) they require a Bachelors Degree. In several cases a Masters and previous work experience would be needed as well. Small businesses that do not spend resources to hiring network specialists or database management specialist would not be your target.
Do you desire to come here, get your education and then go back to the states?
This is where certifications will add and expand on your Resume and provide an indication to prospective employers that the quality of the education attained in DR would not necessarily be on par with the standard but would be more than adequate and sufficient to fulfill the responsibilities of the vacancies they're looking to fill.
Even if you're not taking the programming track, most of the work on software, systems, networks is English-based. To be honest, Spanish (aside from the initial core requirements such as History, Literature, etc etc. ) is not a definite need. You will have a HARD time if you do not CONSTANTLY practice your Spanish, make no mistake about it.
To me it seems that there is little alternatives to your case based on your career desires. A B.S. in Computer Science seems the way to go.
PUCMM, INTEC & UNAPEC are your likely choices, particularly I've received feedback that actually INTEC & APEC are recently superior to PUCMM in IT so I would delve into those two.
Where are yo located in the USA? Which state are you from?
EDIT: Re-reading your last sentences, it is actually good that you're open to delving into other fields alongside Information Technology such as business, perhaps entrepreneurship or others. Luckily the transition is fairly feasible later as you progress into your career and find out what you really want to do in life. The B.S. in Computer Science will not only specialize you but will also give you a strong Mathematical and Analytical mindset which can translate later to various fields. You will go through Logic, Calculus, Math, Linear Algebra, Statistics & Probability which in today's worlds and likely in the immediate future are a vastly important base to have.
Math & Logic are really important, so please meditate on whether you enjoy Math and have an analytical mindset.
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