UNICDA and ManpowerGroup participated in a reforestation day in San Cristóbal

As part of its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, the Domínico Americano University (UNICDA), in collaboration with ManpowerGroup, carried out a reforestation day at Playa Najayo, in the municipality of Nigua, province of San Cristóbal, specifically at the Nigua Experimental Farm of the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU).

During the activity, 500 mahogany trees (Swietenia mahagoni) were planted. This species has been declared the National Tree of the Dominican Republic and is recognized for its ecological importance and its contribution to the conservation of natural resources.

The event featured the active participation of students and collaborators from UNICDA and ManpowerGroup, who joined efforts to contribute to ecosystem restoration and promote greater awareness about the importance of environmental preservation.

Additionally, the initiative was supported by technical representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, who provided specialized guidance to ensure the proper development of the planting and the positive impact of the activity in the area.

This reforestation day is part of the actions promoted by both institutions in favor of sustainable development, reaffirming their commitment to environmental protection and the promotion of a culture of social and environmental responsibility.

UNICDA holds conference on the impact of the United States Independence in the Hispanic Caribbean

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. – The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) celebrated the conference “Impact of the Independence of the United States on the Hispanic Caribbean,” an academic space for reflection and historical analysis that brought together academic authorities, teachers, students, and special guests to address one of the most influential events in modern history and its repercussions in our region.

The event began with welcoming remarks from Lic. Enrique A. Fernández Malla, rector of the Domínico Americano University (UNICDA). Subsequently, Amy Krusinger, Strategic Projects Coordinator of the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo, offered the introduction to this important academic gathering.

The conference was led by Dr. Javier Alemán Iglesias, a renowned historian and researcher, who shared a profound analysis of the political, economic, and social effects that the Independence of the United States had on the Hispanic Caribbean and on the configuration of hemispheric relations throughout history.

The activity was developed in collaboration with the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo and the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), consolidating itself as a space for academic exchange and intellectual enrichment for all attendees.

The gathering also featured the distinguished presence of the Minister Counselor of the United States Embassy in the Dominican Republic, Prashant Hemady, who accompanied the activity alongside representatives from the academic and diplomatic fields.

This conference was part of the commemorative initiatives linked to the 250th anniversary of the United States, promoting learning spaces that allow for a better understanding of the historical events that have influenced the development of our region and strengthening critical thinking about our shared past.

The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) thanks Dr. Javier Alemán Iglesias for sharing his knowledge and experience, as well as all the participants and institutional allies for being part of this enriching academic event that contributes to the strengthening of historical reflection, critical analysis, and quality higher education.

UNICDA celebrates 25 years of excellence and innovation, reaffirming its commitment to the development of Dominican talent

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, June 2, 2026. – The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) celebrated its 25th anniversary alongside government authorities, representatives from the academic sector, business leaders, alumni, faculty, staff, and institutional allies, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the training of professionals prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly global and interconnected world.

During the ceremony, Darys Estrella, President of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), highlighted that UNICDA embodies the educational vision driven by ICDA since 1947, rooted in the conviction that education and culture are fundamental tools for creating opportunities and transforming lives.

Furthermore, the institution presented a special recognition to Elizabeth de Windt, UNICDA’s first rector, for her leadership, vision, and contributions to the university’s development during a pivotal stage of its growth and consolidation. Her legacy represents the commitment and dedication to service of those who helped lay the foundation for the institution that today celebrates 25 years of history.

For his part, Enrique Fernández Malla, Rector and Executive Director of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, emphasized UNICDA’s role as an educational and cultural bridge between the Dominican Republic and the United States, as well as its contribution to shaping global citizens through an educational ecosystem that impacts more than 30,000 people each year.

Fernández Malla noted that the university is currently experiencing a period of institutional strengthening, reaching the highest enrollment in its history in 2026. He reaffirmed the commitment to continue enhancing academic quality, innovation, research, and collaboration with productive sectors to meet the needs of the country and the labor market.

“In perspective, twenty-five years are just a beginning,” Fernández Malla expressed at the conclusion of the event, highlighting the forward-looking vision with which UNICDA aims to continue contributing to the development of Dominican talent.

About UNICDA
The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA), founded in 2001, is part of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), a binational institution established in 1947 to strengthen the ties of friendship between the Dominican Republic and the United States. UNICDA promotes an education of excellence with a global vision, oriented toward the holistic development of professionals and the cultivation of citizens committed to the positive transformation of society.

Confabulario II: Recent Works” brings together art, memory, and identity in a new exhibition

Confabulario II: Recent Works brings together art, memory, and identity in a new exhibition Last Wednesday, June 10, marked the opening of Confabulario II: Recent Works, an exhibition by artists Hidalgo & Marteene that invites the public on a visual journey shaped by identity, memory, and imagination. The opening brought together art lovers, members of the cultural community, and […]

The Plant Fair brought our community together in a special celebration for Mother’s Day

As part of our Mother’s Day celebrations, our campus was transformed into a space full of life, color, and nature during the Plant Fair held last Thursday.

The event offered students, families, staff, and visitors the opportunity to connect in a welcoming environment, promoting a link to nature and strengthening community bonds. Through a wide variety of plants, products, and ideas centered around well-being and environmental care, attendees enjoyed an enriching and meaningful experience.

The fair also served as a space to highlight values closely tied to this special occasion: love, care, dedication, and growth—qualities that bloom both in our families and in the environment around us.

One of the most valuable aspects of the day was the participation of local entrepreneurs, who enthusiastically shared their products, knowledge, and experiences. Their presence allowed attendees to discover different initiatives related to the world of plants and sustainability, adding educational and community value to the event.

We extend our gratitude to all the entrepreneurs who took part in this initiative, and to every member of our community for joining us and helping make this celebration so special.

The Plant Fair was much more than just an exhibition: it was an opportunity to celebrate life, nature, and the community spirit that unites us.

UNICDA Hospitality and Tourism students presented ‘Mexclao Restaurant,’ an innovative gastronomic experience

UNICDA Hospitality and Tourism students presented ‘Mexclao Restaurant,’ an innovative gastronomic experience The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) once again turned learning into a practical and innovative experience through MEXCLAO RESTAURANT, a gastronomic concept created and executed by students of the Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Business Administration. The proposal, developed under the guidance of […]

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.