Student Life

UNIBE is committed to create and maintain an exciting and productive student environment. Students benefit from the cultural, academic, and professional diversity of the faculty and classmates.

UNIBE fosters the challenge of teamwork and the exchange of ideas. Students participate in a number of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities aimed at enhancing their development as individuals and community leaders.
Counseling and information is available on resident life and housing, recreational services, special events, scheduling, health insurance, mail service and communications, student activities, and visa information.

Student Affairs

The Student Affairs department guides and helps students with any concern they may have regarding school or living in the Dominican Republic. Counseling and information on resident life housing, recreational services, special events, scheduling, health insurance, mail service, student activities, and visa, are available at this department.

Orientation Week

All new students entering UNIBE are required to attend an orientation session, organized by the Student Affairs department. This session takes place one week prior to the first day of classes, in order to acquaint themselves with the country, campus and other aspects of student life. During this event, students are introduced to the curricular and extra-curricular aspects of the Medical Program.

Housing

The Student's Affair Office offers assistance in finding housing to foreign students. Those interested in this service should contact the office in advance, in order to make the necessary arrangements at (809) 689-4111 Ext. 1155 y 1156.

Counseling

Teams of psychologists, at the Counseling Department, guide students in the process of adapting to a new social and cultural environment in order to achieve a successful transition.

Student Visa

Every person studying in a foreign country should obtain a student visa or its equivalent, of the corresponding country. It is recommendable to start this process as soon as possible. If you do not get a visa in your country, it is possible to buy a Tourist card once you arrive at the airport (US$10.00) this allows you to stay legally in the DR for 15 days, in case you stay longer than that time, you must keep renewing the Tourist Card or pay a fine at the airport when you travel (RD$300 minimum). Tourist Cards expire every time you leave the country and must buy a new one upon reentry.

Where to go?

The following are the countries and cities where information and/or visas can be obtained:

In Santo Domingo:

Departamento de Relaciones Exteriores or “Cancillería”. Avenida Independencia 752, Between Banco Agrícola and Hotel Santo Domingo. Tel.:535-6280 Ext. 2240, 2241,2242 Consular Department.

What will you need?

• APPLICATION LETTER (ask for the “letter for visa” at the university’s registrars’ windows)
  (original and 6 copies) Addressed to the Secretary of External Relations, Carlos Morales Troncoso, specifying nationality and purpose of the visit. This letter has to be done by:
  
  a) If the visa is solicited in the country, it must be subscribed by the president of the institution (letter for visa)
  b) If the application is done outside the country, it must be done through the correspondent Dominican Consulate.
   

• LETTER OF GUARANTEE/AFFIDAVIT/FINA
  (Ask the the Financial Aid Department) (proof of financial support/financial statements)
  (original and 4 copies) (affidavit) It must be addressed to the same person as in #1 and legalized by the correspondent consulate.
  a) Signed by the tutor that would cover the student’s expenses in the country.
  b) Must prove economic possibilities.
  c) If issued in the country must be legalized by a notary.
   

• (1 ) 2 X 2 PHOTOGRAPHS (front view)
   

• COMPLETED 022 FORM with stamps.(Cancillería) Banco de Reservas
   

• GOOD CONDUCT CERTIFICATE (Fiscalía)
  You will need RD$330 and a photocopy of your passport.
   

• 1 PHOTOCOPY OF ENTIRE PASSPORT (even blank pages)
   

• OFFICIAL MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
  You have to buy in a drugstore for approximately RD$100 and take to a doctor to fill in.
   

• PROOF OF ATTENDANCE TO THE UNIVERSITY (letter or registration receipt)

The paperwork will take about 1 week. There upon you submit your passport and 2 days later it will be stamped. If you have any questions please contact the Student Affairs Department.

Note: Your paperwork should be from the country where you are going to do your student visa process.

Health Insurance

All students at UNIBE are automatically covered by a health insurance plan.
This insurance covers outpatient visits, emergencies, surgery, private hospitalization, and medications.

Religious Services

The university has always welcomed students from all faith traditions and encourages them to integrate their beliefs to their personal growth and academic development. Santo Domingo offers a representation of most religious congregations.

Dress Code

Students are expected to maintain a professional appearance at all times. General principles of neatness, cleanliness, and good taste must be observed. The following are considered unprofessional and should not be worn while attending any university activity, function or program: tank tops, cut-off T-shirts, ripped jeans or short jeans, spandex biking shorts, beach wear, hats, or bandannas.

Complaint Procedure

When a student needs to lodge a complaint against any entity or component of the UNIBE family, he/she should request the appropriate Complaint Form at the Medical School office.

The Complaint Committee will consider written requests and a response will be given to the student in writing.

Disciplinary Regulations

The university encourages all members of its community to maintain a correct and cooperative attitude towards instructors, professors, and all supporting personnel.

Regulations strictly forbid smoking and eating inside the classrooms, laboratories, and hospitals. Smoking is only permitted at the designated open areas. Please refer to the Student Regulations and Disciplinary Regulations Handbook for information on disciplinary procedures, as well as specific regulations, rights, and responsibilities.

Drug Abuse Policy

The use, possession, and distribution of drugs or illegal substances is prohibited by the Dominican laws and is subject to the strongest disciplinary action, including expulsion from the University in addition to any action which may be taken by civil authorities.

Student ID Card

All UNIBE students must carry an identification card while on campus. The ID card allows students to use various school facilities such as the Library, Fitness Center, and Study Hall. The ID card is validated upon payment of tuition.

Handicapped Facilities

The School of Medicine has made provisions for some type of physical disabilities, but it does not have facilities for paraplegic or quadriplegic students. The demands of the medical profession dictate certain exclusions from the Program that are
evaluated on a case by case basis.