Students from Northeastern University and INTEC investigate in bateyes

Santo Domingo.- For the third consecutive year, the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) and Northeastern University of Boston have developed the Program on Microcredit and Social Entrepreneurship. 

Students from Northeastern University and the INTEC Business Area took classes at the facilities of our institution from May 16 to 27. The chairs were taught in English by Professor Dennis Shaughnessy, who spoke Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Professor Shaughnessy is the Chairperson of the Northeastern University Center for Entrepreneurship. The program included the following topics: a) Perspective and History of Poverty between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, b) Microcredit Models, c) Project on Finance and Sustainability, d) Measurement and Impact of the Microfinance Evaluation, among others. Classroom discussions were combined with visits to various rural communities and slums. Some 47 students, 29 Americans and 18 Dominicans, visited bateyes in the North, Center and East of the country, and development banks in Santo Domingo. One of the purposes was to learn about the work that the non-governmental organization Esperanza does with the microcredit issue in these communities.

INTEC's Business Area and the Student Mobility Program - (MOVES) have developed this activity jointly with Northeastern University, since 2009.

EXPERIENCES OF INTEC STUDENTS

Xiomara Florentino, Economy

"For me, participating in the program was rewarding, since I was able to put into practice everything that in theory I have studied in many of the subjects. Sharing with North American students as well as with my fellow Interarts changed the way of looking at many situations that we face every day in our country. Now I feel more motivated and committed to working for a change in my society. These programs at the university allow the student to expand their knowledge and enrich themselves personally. "

Álvaro Peña, Economy

“We had the opportunity to learn microfinance, meet companies that operate in that market and carry out research through field studies; soaking up the social realities of our country. We were able to conduct critical analyzes and draw conclusions aimed at improving a microcredit system. We shared cultural aspects with Northeastern students and put our linguistic skills into practice, thereby complementing and energizing the program taken. I believe that activities like these give our INTEC university the value it deserves and go hand in hand with the academic excellence that it instills 100% in its students ”.

Ambiory Calderón, Accounting

The program has been one of my best academic experiences in my 2 years as a university student. These two weeks of exchange of ideas and perceptions with students who live realities different from ours, have helped me open my mind and realize that there are hundreds of ways to eradicate poverty in our country. I sincerely feel very proud of my university and I hope that experiences like these continue to be offered to the Intecian community. 

Salvatore J. Mallebranche B. and I. Giordano Mallebranche B. Business Administration

As INTEC students of dual nationality (Dominican and Haitian) we want to thank you for allowing us to participate in the program, which has had a great impact on our lives. We were able to see from another point, an everyday life of our country that we did not know or value. We were also able to meet NGOs, such as Esperanza, who are dedicated to helping that part of the population. It was a multiple experience, since we shared with a group of North American students, in places we never imagined being, speaking with Haitians who sometimes only spoke their mother tongue (Creol), others who spoke in several languages. This type of activity makes us aware of looking for various ways to help others, as well as learning to value what we have and taking into account that in some part of the world there is always someone who will need our help. We hope this class continues to be promoted because it is truly worth it.