Author: David Daniel Ramirez

The Embassy of the United States and the Dominican-American University successfully host the 2023 Annual Conference for English Teachers

Santo Domingo, Wednesday, November 15, 2023 – The Embassy of the United States and the Dominican-American University (UNICDA), through its professional development center, the Teacher Development Center (TDC), inaugurated the Annual Conference for English Teachers, with the theme “A Powerful Synergy in English Language Teaching.” The opening ceremony was attended by teachers from various public and private educational institutions across the country.

The inauguration was led by the Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the United States Embassy, Bryan Larson; the Executive Director of the National Institute of Teacher Training (INAFOCAM), Andrés de las Mercedes; the Vice Minister of Education, Jorge Adalberto Martínez; the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, Lucy Threan de Lamarche; and the Executive Director of ICDA and Rector of UNICDA, Eng. Ramón Sosa.

During her welcoming remarks, Mrs. Lucy Threan de Lamarche stated that this event “acts as a catalyst for excellence, fostering an environment where teachers can perfect their craft and inspire the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and communicators.”

The opening plenary session was delivered by Ricardo Azarcoya, a National Geographic explorer, and Mary Scholl, founder and member of the Institute for Collaborative Learning in Costa Rica.

The conference also included various workshops and concurrent sessions presented by national and international expert speakers, covering topics related to creating synergy in English language teaching to optimize learning.

Over the past year and a half, the Embassy of the United States, in collaboration with the Dominican-American University and its Teacher Development Center, has trained more than 1,500 English teachers nationwide in English language instruction, focusing on communicative approaches, evaluation, and reflective teaching practices. Additionally, a teaching support guide for English teachers titled “American English Guide” was created, featuring lessons tailored for each function of the national curriculum.

UNICDA students successfully complete Supervised Practicums in Foreign Languages

In an atmosphere of academic pride and celebration, students from the Bachelor’s Degree in Education program, Foreign Languages mention (English) at the Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) successfully delivered the final presentation of their Supervised Practicums, marking the completion of a formative process that spanned from Practicum I to VI.

During the event, two research projects, led by Professor César Santil, were presented, highlighting the study titled “Implementing AI-Generated Didactic Resources for Dynamic Classroom Instruction,” which focused on the incorporation of artificial intelligence tools in language teaching.

Additionally, students from Supervised Practicum VI shared their experiences through formative workshops, where they presented innovative strategies applied in their educational sessions, showcasing their commitment to creative and modern teaching practices.

One of the most significant moments was the summary of the Supervised Practicums I-VI process, which demonstrated the progressive development of the future educators—from initial observation to the implementation of real classes—enhancing their pedagogical, communicative, and methodological competencies.

The event was attended and recognized by distinguished academic figures: Ligia Enríquez, Coordinator of the Education Program; Dr. Vilma Gerardo, Curriculum Coordinator; Solangel Meléndez, M.Ed., Instructor of Supervised Practicum VI; and Bélgica Ramírez, Head of the Initial Training Department at INAFOCAM.

Gastronomy II students from UNICDA shine with creativity and flavor in their Final Practicum

In a day filled with creativity, flavor, and excellence, students of the Gastronomy II course at the Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) conducted their final practicum, showcasing a high level of technical skill and passion for the culinary arts.

Guided by Lic. María Alejandra Brunet, Coordinator of the School of Tourism and Hospitality, and Dr. Yuderka Monción, the course instructor, the students presented dishes that stood out not only for their quality but also for their originality and innovation.

Each creation demonstrated the future professionals’ commitment to the highest culinary standards. During the presentation, participants faced the challenge of working under pressure while maintaining excellence in presentation, flavor, and technique, impressing both the audience and the judges.

The event was honored by the distinguished presence of Eng. Ramón Sosa, Rector of UNICDA; Dr. Josefina Pepín Ubrí, Academic Vice-Rector; and Eng. Edwin Salazar, Director of Registration, who were part of the judging panel and praised the effort and talent of the students.

This final practicum not only served as an opportunity to showcase the knowledge acquired throughout the program but also as a space to reaffirm these young individuals’ dedication to culinary excellence and the development of tourism and hospitality in the country.

A significant achievement for UNICDA’s School of Tourism and Hospitality and a step towards a bright future for these passionate culinary enthusiasts.

UNICDA celebrates Extraordinary Graduation 2025

On April 2, 2025, in an atmosphere of pride and celebration, the Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) held its Extraordinary Graduation ceremony, where a select group of students successfully completed their academic programs, receiving their degrees in various fields of knowledge.

During the event, graduates from the Bachelor’s Degree in English Teaching, Systems Engineering, the Specialization in Information Systems Management, and the Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language were honored, marking an important milestone in their professional journeys.

The event was presided over by Eng. Ramón Sosa, Rector of UNICDA, and Dr. Josefina Pepín Ubrí, Academic Vice-Rector. Also present at the ceremony were Eng. Edwin Salazar, Director of Registration; Lic. Ligia Henríquez, Coordinator of the School of Education; and Eng. Paola Martínez, Coordinator of the School of Engineering.

The graduates who participated in this ceremony were:

Bachelor’s Degree in English Teaching

Emmy Nicole Vásquez Quezada

Dashira Rayne Fung Andújar

José Antonio Pérez Pereyra

Yancarlos Vólquez Vólquez

Wanda Daniela Coats García

Yasiris De Los Santos Asencio

Systems Engineering

Natanael Guillermo Reyes Benjamín

Specialization in Information Systems Management

Arleny Deniss Marte Montero

Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language

David Vianney Hernández Polanco

Ysis Corina Florentino Durán

Keyla María Presinal Mendoza

From UNICDA, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates for reaching this important goal. Your effort, dedication, and commitment reflect the academic excellence we promote as an institution.

Congratulations to our new professionals!