UNICDA promotes international academic cooperation by hosting binational centers from Mexico and Central America

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – September 15, 2025. The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) welcomed five distinguished binational centers from Mexico and Central America, in a gathering that reaffirms its commitment to academic, cultural, and international cooperation.

The visiting delegations represented the Mexican American Institute of Cultural Relations (IMARC), the Guatemalan American Institute (IGA), the Sampedrano Cultural Center (CCS), the Honduran Institute of Inter-American Culture (IHCI), and the Specialized Higher Education Institute Centro Cultural Salvadoreño Americano (ICC). Among the attendees were their leading authorities: Luis Alfredo Medina Córdova and José Alberto Castillo López (IMARC), Ana Sylvia Ramírez Toriello (IGA), Francia Quintana (CCS and current President of ABLA), Claudia Margarita Alcerro García (IHCI), and Jorge Alejandro Castrillo Hidalgo (ICC).

The delegations were received by Eng. Ramón Sosa, Executive Director of ICDA and Rector of UNICDA, accompanied by members of the institution’s leadership team.

This meeting marks a significant step toward strengthening academic ties and creating new opportunities for collaboration in teaching, research, and outreach. The presence of these sister institutions not only enriches academic dialogue but also reaffirms our commitment to fostering regional and international partnerships, promoting student and faculty mobility, and developing joint projects.

The diversity of perspectives brought by these delegations contributes to broadening the global vision of our university community, inspiring us to continue building bridges of knowledge and friendship that transcend borders. With this visit, we reaffirm that the future of higher education is built through networks—solid alliances that allow us to advance toward comprehensive, competitive training aligned with global challenges.

As part of the visit, an international cooperation agreement was signed between UNICDA and the Specialized Higher Education Institute Centro Cultural Salvadoreño Americano (ICC), in a ceremony led by the rectors of both institutions: Eng. Ramón Sosa of UNICDA and Mr. Jorge Castrillo of ICC.

The agenda also included working sessions and presentations with the various academic areas that make up the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano: the Language School, the Domínico Americano School & Preschool, the School of Art and Culture, the Culinary Space, the Teacher Development Center, and Continuing Education. These activities offered a comprehensive view of the institution and its impact on the academic, cultural, and professional development of thousands of students in the Dominican Republic.

All of these centers are members of the Association of Binational Centers of Latin America (ABLA), a network that brings together institutions dedicated to English language education, cultural exchange, and collaboration between the United States and Latin America.

The Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano expands its presence in Santo Domingo Norte with a new campus in Villa Mella

Santo Domingo Norte, Dominican Republic – September 9, 2025. The Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA) inaugurated the 15th campus of its Language School in Villa Mella, operating within the facilities of the ABC Educational Center, located at Calle 14 No. 3, Urb. Villa Nueva. With this opening, the institution reaffirms its commitment to orderly and sustainable growth, as outlined in its 2024–2026 Strategic Plan, bringing English language learning closer to more communities.

The opening ceremony was attended by local authorities, directors of the ABC Educational Center, members of ICDA’s academic and administrative teams, students, parents, and representatives of the media.

During the event, Engineer Ramón Sosa, Executive Director of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, stated: “Last year, we opened another campus in this same province, on Jacobo Majluta Avenue, at the Ibero-American School of Santo Domingo. Today, by adding this new location in Villa Mella, we reaffirm our confidence in the development of Santo Domingo Norte and in the great potential of its people. Villa Mella is a symbol of tradition, culture, and progress—but also of youth and future. That’s why our presence here aims to support this community in its growth, offering language training that translates into more and better opportunities.”

ICDA’s Language School offers programs designed for children, teenagers, and adults, with an educational model focused on effective communication, the use of innovative methodologies, and the support of a highly qualified teaching staff.

With this inauguration, the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano adds Villa Mella to its network of campuses in the National District, Santo Domingo East, Santo Domingo North, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, Higüey, Baní, San Francisco de Macorís, La Vega, Puerto Plata, and virtual programs—reaffirming its pioneering role in English language education and cultural exchange.

Germán García presents his 28th art exhibition at the ICDA

On September 1st, we inaugurated at the ICDA Art Gallery the 28th solo exhibition of maestro Germán García, an artist with nearly five decades of experience whose work has reached over 20 countries.

Germán, originally from San Cristóbal and trained at the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes, returned to our institution after almost 40 years since presenting his exhibition “20 Works for Collectors” here in 1985.

This time, he presents 30 recent pieces, in small and medium formats, where imaginary creatures emerge that reflect nature, pollution, and the urgent need to care for our environment.

The exhibition will be open to the public until September 30 at the ICDA Art Gallery. We invite you to visit and be inspired by the color and creative force of this great maestro!

MESCyT grants 110 national scholarships to UNICDA students with a focus on STEM careers

The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) celebrates the awarding of 110 national scholarships granted by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCyT) to students who will pursue programs at the higher technical level, bachelor’s degrees, engineering, and master’s degrees, with a special focus on STEM areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

During the event, the rector of UNICDA, Ing. Ramón Sosa, positively valued this interinstitutional collaboration, highlighting: “This alliance strengthens academic training and opens new opportunities for more young Dominicans to have access to quality higher education in key areas for the country’s development.”

The event was attended by MESCyT authorities representing the minister, Dr. Franklin García Fermín. The following were present at the head table: Ing. Ramón Sosa, Rector of UNICDA; Dra. Josefina Pepín, Academic Vice-Rector; Ing. Edwin Salazar, Director of Registration; Mr. Julian Sosa, Director of Communications for MESCyT; and Mrs. Lanny Portorreal, Head of National Scholarships for MESCyT.

In her remarks, Mrs. Lanny Portorreal highlighted the importance of these scholarships as a driver of development and social mobility, as well as the relevance of programs aligned with the demands of the national productive sector: “Thousands of young Dominicans have found in these opportunities a path to strengthen their professional training and their ability to contribute to the country.”

It was also recalled that, since the beginning of President Luis Abinader’s administration, MESCyT has awarded more than 100,000 scholarships, both national and international, prioritizing young people in vulnerable conditions.

The activity was organized by the Directorate of National Scholarships, headed by Mrs. Portorreal, who emphasized that all the beneficiary students were selected after strictly complying with the requirements established by the program.

Academic areas in which the scholars will develop:

Higher Technical Level: Software Development

Undergraduate Careers: Business Administration, Tourism and Hotel Business Management, Artistic Education, Foreign Languages (English) Mention Education, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity Engineering, Data Science Engineering

Postgraduate Programs: Master’s in Data Science and Big Data, Master’s in Teaching and Management of Educational Technology, Master’s in Teaching English as a Foreign Language

The Domínico Americano University reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and national development, and celebrates this significant investment in young Dominican talent.

Closing of the Diploma in Basic Pastry: creativity and flavor in every class

Our Culinary Space successfully concluded our Diploma in Basic Pastry, a journey where participants combined learning, creativity, and passion for the sweet art.

During each class, the students not only acquired and perfected fundamental pastry techniques but also imprinted their personal touch on each recipe, demonstrating that this art is as much science as it is love.

The end of the diploma was a space for celebration and recognition of the effort, dedication, and creativity of each of the pastry chefs, who showed their works and shared experiences with classmates and teachers.

Congratulations to all! This achievement marks the beginning of many irresistible creations and opens the doors to a path full of sweet opportunities and new adventures in pastry.