Author: David Daniel Ramirez

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 Yuderka Monción, consisted of a Dominican-Mexican fusion culinary experience, fully designed by the students, who took charge of every stage of the project: conceptualization, ambiance, operations, service, and culinary execution, replicating the standards of a professional restaurant.

The activity was attended by Dr. Josefina Pepin, UNICDA’s Academic Vice-Rector; Eng. Edwin Salazar, Dean of Student Life; Lic. Rubi Bretón, Director of Research; and Lic. Alejandra Brunet, Tourism Program Coordinator, who witnessed firsthand the talent, creativity, and level of preparation of the future hospitality professionals.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed an eight-course menu combining traditional flavors from the Dominican Republic and Mexico, featuring dishes such as La Sopa La Mestiza, Mexclafongo, and the dessert El Maizal. The experience also included a signature cocktail bar, where ingredients like tequila, mamajuana, mango, and rum fused into original creations that complemented the restaurant’s theme.

The thematic ambiance, live music, and service provided by the students contributed to an immersive and professional experience, demonstrating the importance of practical training within higher education.

Beyond an academic evaluation, this initiative represented a showcase of UNICDA’s commitment to dynamic teaching, focused on developing real-world competencies and enhancing students’ talent in settings close to the tourism and hospitality industry.

The university congratulated the participating students for their dedication, creativity, and excellence, reaffirming that talent, when driven by passion and preparation, knows no limits.

UNICDA holds meeting among representatives of educational centers

The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) held a special gathering with coordinators, counselors, and teachers from various educational centers, with the purpose of creating a space for reflection and exchange on the current challenges of vocational guidance in an environment shaped by technological transformation.

As part of the activity, the talk ‘Guiding in Uncertainty: Vocational Guidance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’ was delivered by Ofelia Berrido, a professional with extensive experience in educational transformation, faculty development, and university leadership.

During her presentation, the specialist shared perspectives, experiences, and key tools to support new generations in making academic and professional decisions within an increasingly dynamic, digital, and changing context. She also emphasized the importance of strengthening human competencies, critical thinking, and strategic guidance in light of the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work and education.

The gathering also helped strengthen the bond between the university and educational centers, fostering dialogue on the role of vocational guidance in the comprehensive education of students and in building life projects aligned with the demands of today’s world.

With initiatives like this, UNICDA reaffirms its commitment to education, innovation, and the development of future professionals prepared to face the challenges of a constantly evolving society.

UNICDA strengthens sustainability education with the workshop “Leading Change for Sustainability”

The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) held the workshop “Leading Change for Sustainability,” an initiative aimed at strengthening students’ leadership and sustainability skills while promoting an innovative and responsible vision in the face of today’s global challenges.

The session was led by José Luis Ferreras Méndez and Ana Sevilla Pavón, facilitators from the University of Valencia, who shared their knowledge and experiences through a practical and immersive methodology focused on leadership for sustainable transformation.

During the workshop, participants took on the role of change agents, confronting real-world scenarios related to implementing sustainable initiatives within organizational environments. This dynamic allowed students to develop key skills to diagnose resistance, design impactful strategies, and promote the adoption of green innovations across diverse professional contexts.

The activity reaffirms UNICDA’s commitment to comprehensive education that fosters critical thinking, innovation, and the creation of sustainable solutions, preparing future professionals to lead positive changes in their organizations and communities.

Through initiatives like this, the university continues to champion an education that inspires change and encourages a responsible, sustainable vision for the future.

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.