UNICDA students strengthen their training in hotel management through field practice in Punta Cana
As part of their academic training process and with the goal of connecting the knowledge acquired in the classroom with the real dynamics of the tourism sector, students from the Tourism and Hotel Management course at Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) completed a field practice session from July 31 to August 2 at the facilities of Serenade Caribe Club Resort & Spa Punta Cana.
The activity was supervised by instructor Lic. Francesca Vásquez and allowed students to gain firsthand insight into the processes involved in managing and operating a hotel establishment through meetings with executives and managers from various areas of the complex.
During the program, participants had the opportunity to learn about the functions, challenges, and best practices of essential areas for hotel operations, including resident management, housekeeping, human resources, entertainment, security, kitchen, mixology, and marketing. These exchange sessions helped broaden their perspective on the comprehensive management of tourism enterprises and the importance of coordination among different departments.
The experience contributed to strengthening the students’ professional competencies by enabling them to compare classroom concepts with real-world situations and processes inherent to the hotel industry. Furthermore, it fostered a broader perspective on the challenges, opportunities, and trends that characterize the strategic and operational management of the sector.
Initiatives of this nature are part of UNICDA’s commitment to an education oriented toward the practical application of knowledge and a continuous bridge between academia and the productive sector. Interacting with active professionals provides students with real-world benchmarks to understand market demands and prepare to face the challenges of their future professional careers.
Universidad Domínico Americano expresses its gratitude to the team at Serenade Caribe Club Resort & Spa Punta Cana for their willingness to welcome the students and share their knowledge and experiences, thereby helping to strengthen the ties between academia and the tourism industry.
Through learning experiences like this one, UNICDA reaffirms its commitment to training professionals who are capable of understanding, managing, and contributing to the sustainable and competitive development of the national tourism sector.
Agreement between UNICDA and ONAPI strengthens their commitment to innovation and industrial property
The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) and the National Office of Industrial Property (ONAPI) formalized an inter-institutional agreement to establish a Peripheral Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) at UNICDA.
This initiative will provide our academic community with access to tools, technological information, and specialized assistance in industrial property, with guidance in areas such as patents, distinctive signs, and specialized database searches.
The new center will also promote training sessions, workshops, and activities aimed at students, faculty, researchers, and entrepreneurs, providing them with resources to identify the potential of their projects, strengthen their innovation processes, and explore mechanisms to protect their creations.
The agreement was signed by Salvador Ramos, Director General of ONAPI, and Enrique Fernández, Rector of UNICDA, who highlighted the importance of facilitating the university community’s access to specialized services that contribute to the development of new ideas and solutions.
With the inclusion of UNICDA, the National Network of Technology and Innovation Support Centers now totals seven Peripheral TISCs in educational institutions across the country, strengthening the innovation, research, and intellectual property ecosystem in the Dominican Republic.
At UNICDA, we continue to forge alliances that turn knowledge and ideas into opportunities to transform our environment.
Students of Tourism and Hospitality Management create memorable experiences as part of their final internships
As part of the final practical projects for the Event Planning course, taught by professor Wendy Queliz, students majoring in Tourism and Hospitality Management continue to put into practice the knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired throughout their academic training by planning and organizing deeply meaningful celebrations.
This experience allowed them to apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios, working alongside individuals preparing for very special moments and turning their stories and celebrations into opportunities to test their creativity, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
Among the events held were a marriage proposal, a baby shower, and a 15th birthday (quinceañera) celebration. These events presented future professionals with the challenge of conceptualizing, planning, decorating, and executing each proposal—taking care of every element to ensure these moments were truly memorable for both the hosts and their guests.
Through these hands-on projects, students strengthened essential skills for their future professional careers in the tourism and hospitality sector, facing real-life situations that required planning, creativity, coordination, teamwork, and attention to the specific needs of each event.
The experience also demonstrated that event management goes far beyond coordinating a celebration; it involves understanding people’s expectations and transforming important moments in their lives into meaningful and memorable experiences.
UNICDA congratulates its students for the creativity, dedication, professionalism, and excellent teamwork shown throughout these final projects, and thanks everyone who allowed them to be part of such important and special moments in their lives.
These experiences reflect the commitment of the Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) to an academic education that provides students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and continue developing the skills necessary for their professional future.
Handover Ceremony for UNICDA Excellence Scholarships 2026 to Young Women Recognized for Academic Excellence
La Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) celebró el acto formal de entrega de las Becas UNICDA Excellence 2026, un programa que reconoce el talento, la excelencia académica y el compromiso de jóvenes que hoy comienzan a construir su futuro profesional.
En esta edición, las beneficiarias son Jasmin Inoa Carrasco, quien iniciará la carrera de Ingeniería en Ciberseguridad, y Amaya Oded Ramírez Sánchez, quien cursará Ingeniería en Ciencia de Datos, ambas seleccionadas como beneficiarias de la Beca UNICDA Excellence 2026.
El acto de entrega estuvo encabezado por el Rector de UNICDA, Lic. Enrique Fernández Malla, y la Vicerrectora Académica, Dra. Josefina Pepín, quienes realizaron la entrega oficial de las becas y compartieron un mensaje de motivación para las nuevas estudiantes.
La ceremonia contó además con la presencia del Decano Académico, Dr. Juan José Mariñez; el Decano de Servicios Estudiantiles, Ing. Edwin Salazar; la Coordinadora del Área de Ingeniería, Ing. Paola Martínez; y la Encargada de Admisiones, Lcda. Kamairys Guzmán, quienes acompañaron este importante momento para las nuevas becarias.
Como parte del acto, también participó Paula Mabel Martínez Abreu, beneficiaria de la Beca UNICDA Excellence 2025 y estudiante de Ingeniería en Ciencia de Datos, quien compartió su experiencia como becaria e inspiró a las nuevas beneficiarias a través de su testimonio.
Con la entrega de estas becas, UNICDA reafirma su compromiso con la formación de profesionales que, a través del conocimiento, la innovación y la excelencia, contribuirán al desarrollo de la sociedad.
La institución felicita a Jasmin Inoa Carrasco y Amaya Oded Ramírez Sánchez por este importante logro y les desea éxitos en esta nueva etapa de su formación académica y profesional.
Hodelpa Hospitality and UNICDA launch Internship Program for Hospitality and Tourism students
With the aim of strengthening the connection between academic training and the professional world, Hodelpa Hospitality, in partnership with Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA), officially launched its Internship Program—an initiative designed to provide Hospitality and Tourism students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at one of the sector’s leading hotel chains.
During the event, representatives from Hodelpa Hospitality introduced students of the Tourism and Hotel Business Administration program to the benefits and opportunities offered by the internship program, highlighting the company’s commitment to developing young talent and shaping future professionals in the tourism sector. As part of the session, two company employees shared their professional growth journeys, motivating attendees to seize this initiative as an opportunity to strengthen their skills, build competencies, and gain practical experience in a real-world work environment.
They also explained that students will have the opportunity to complete their internships at any of the hotels within the Hodelpa Hospitality group, located across various provinces throughout the country, allowing them to explore diverse operational areas and work in different settings within the hotel industry.
Through this initiative, UNICDA continues to enhance the comprehensive development of its students via strategic alliances that facilitate their entry into the job market. The university extends its gratitude to Hodelpa Hospitality for its commitment and trust in the talent of our students, contributing to the development of the future professionals of the hospitality and tourism sector.
UNICDA Tourism and Hotel Business Administration students organize a press conference for the launch of the book “Reinas de su propia historia: Amor a los 50
As part of the final practical assignments for the Event Management course, students majoring in Tourism and Hotel Business Administration at the Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) organized the press conference for the book launch of Reinas de su propia historia: Amor a los 50 (Queens of Their Own History: Love at 50), by writer and songwriter Sofía Lana.
The event, held in the Exhibition Hall of the Earl R. Threan Administrative Building, represented a valuable opportunity for the students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their academic training in a real-world environment, facing the actual challenges of planning, coordinating, and executing a professional event.
Throughout the day, the future professionals were in charge of the comprehensive organization of the event, demonstrating skills in logistics management, protocol, venue setup, guest relations, and the coordination of every detail necessary for the successful execution of the press conference. Their performance showcased the commitment, creativity, teamwork, and responsiveness that characterize the students of this program.
Furthermore, the book presentation allowed attendees to learn about the literary work of Sofía Lana, who delivers a message of empowerment, personal growth, and reflection aimed at women living this stage of their lives to the fullest.
This experience is part of the academic strategies of the Tourism and Hotel Business Administration program, which aim to strengthen the practical training of its students through real experiences. These opportunities allow them to develop professional skills and prepare for the challenges of the tourism, hospitality, and event management industries.
UNICDA congratulates the students for the excellence demonstrated in this final assignment and thanks Sofía Lana for providing them with the opportunity to be part of such a significant moment as the launch of her work, Reinas de su propia historia: Amor a los 50, thereby contributing to the strengthening of their professional development.
Educación continuada – Diploma Program Closing
Throughout 2026, UNICDA’s Continuing Education has been part of the professional growth of our diploma and course participants, driving the development of new skills and knowledge to shape professionals prepared to meet the demands of the labor market.
Among the completed programs are:
Occupational Health and Safety
Introduction to Power BI
Software Architecture
Insurance and Risk Management
Protocol and Event Management for Businesses
Big Data and Data Analytics
Social Media Focused on Business
We congratulate all participants on this important achievement and for continuing to invest in their professional growth through continuous, quality education.
We recognize the effort, dedication, and commitment of each participant throughout this training process.
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UNICDA commemorates its 25th anniversary with a keynote lecture by Vice President Raquel Peña
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Santo Domingo, D.N., June 26, 2026. The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) commemorated its 25th anniversary with the keynote lecture “Learning to Educate in a Changing World,” delivered by Her Excellency Raquel Peña, Constitutional Vice President of the Dominican Republic. The event brought together representatives from the Dominican government, the diplomatic corps, higher education institutions, as well as students and institutional allies, creating a space for reflection on the challenges facing education in a context of constant transformation.
The lecture was part of the commemorative program for UNICDA’s 25 years, a celebration that reaffirms the university’s commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and training professionals capable of responding to the demands of an ever-evolving world.
During her presentation, the Vice President of the Republic highlighted the importance and the government’s commitment to transforming the Dominican educational system to address the challenges of a constantly changing world, thereby ensuring sustainable development and social equity in the Dominican Republic.
“Education cannot walk with its back to the country. It must respond to the aspirations of its people and to the transformations of a world where technology, creativity, and knowledge are increasingly decisive,” she stated. At the same time, she listed some of the advancements already achieved under the administration of President Luis Abinader, such as: strengthening early childhood care, reducing the illiteracy rate, investing in school infrastructure, improving the School Feeding Program, and the impact of the National Student Transportation System (TRAE), which currently covers more than 94% of public sector enrollment.
Raquel Peña took the opportunity to congratulate the Universidad Domínico Americano for reaching a quarter of a century playing an exceptional role in the training of youth and professionals, and wished them success in the years to come.
At the conclusion of her remarks, Peña called for unity among the State, universities, technical institutes, the productive sector, and families to consolidate educational transformations and ensure that education remains the main driver of social mobility and national development.
For her part, the President of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, Darys Estrella, highlighted the significance of this anniversary for the institution and the responsibility to continue promoting a transformative education.
“As we commemorate UNICDA’s 25 years, we look back with gratitude on the path traveled, but we also renew our commitment to continue contributing to an education capable of responding to present challenges and preparing new generations for the future,” Estrella expressed.
In his speech, the Rector of the Universidad Domínico Americano and Executive Director of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, Enrique Fernández Malla, emphasized that UNICDA’s 25th anniversary represents an opportunity to reaffirm the institution’s commitment to an education capable of anticipating changes and responding to the country’s needs.
“If there is an institution that has known how to reinvent its way of educating as the world transforms, it is this one,” said Fernández Malla, noting that UNICDA is part of an educational ecosystem that accompanies individuals from early childhood to university and continuing education, with an academic offer that is permanently updated to meet the demands of the national and global environment.
At the conclusion of the event, the Universidad Domínico Americano honored Vice President Raquel Peña as a Distinguished Visitor, in recognition of her career in public service, her commitment to strengthening Dominican education, and her contributions to national development. The distinction was presented by members of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano and UNICDA’s academic authorities, along with the ICDA institutional pin and the university’s 25th anniversary commemorative pin.
About UNICDA
The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA), founded in 2001, is part of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), a binational institution created in 1947 to strengthen the ties between the Dominican Republic and the United States through education and culture. Throughout its 25-year history, UNICDA has established itself as a higher education institution committed to academic excellence, innovation, and the comprehensive training of professionals with a global vision, contributing to the sustainable development of the country.