Study The World with GSU: Study Abroad Adventure to the Dominican Republic

We are excited to share with you a dream that has been brewing in our hearts – the opportunity to study abroad. This is more than just an adventure; it's a chance to broaden our horizons, immerse ourselves in new cultures and gain invaluable experiences that will shape our future as respiratory therapists. We would be traveling to the Dominican Republic to help the underserved community with clinical screenings and conduct community assessments. 

Our Project

The Georgia State Respiratory Therapy Program is sending thirteen extraordinary students on an intensive study-abroad experience in the rural Dominican Republic. For nine days, students will be immersed in the small rural farming village of Puerto Plata. Students will learn about the unique culture and lifestyle of this community while providing a variety of services to individuals in need. One of the major problems in this rural area is respiratory issues. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic respiratory diseases that impact 100’s of millions of individuals around the world. In the United States alone COPD is the third leading cause of death. Our students will provide respiratory therapy education to local health workers, complete lung health assessments on families in the area, and distribute educational posters on smoking and smoke-related lung issues.

Most of the inhabitants of this region live in one or two-room homes with dirt floors, wood siding and open burning stoves. We believe these stoves may be the main cause of breathing issues seen in the region. Students will address these issues by using specialized equipment to assess blood oxygen and carbon monoxide levels. Students will aid in home projects such as building new stoves with stove pipes, painting homes with mosquito-repellent material, and installing concrete floors. This study abroad project will provide students with an incredible learning experience, while also helping serve the health and wellness needs of a greatly under-served population.

Why Study Abroad?

Studying abroad isn't just about earning a degree; it's about personal growth, cultural exchange and gaining a global perspective. It's an opportunity to step out of our comfort zone and into a world of new ideas, languages and traditions. This experience will not only enhance our education but also empower us to become more open-minded, adaptable and compassionate individuals.

Why We Need Your Support:

While this opportunity is incredibly exciting, it also comes with a significant financial burden. Travel expenses, accommodations and other associated costs can add up quickly. As dedicated students, we have been working tirelessly to save, apply for scholarships and explore all available options, but we still need some assistance to make this dream a reality.

This study abroad project will cost around $1,600 per student, which includes program fees, food, lodging, transportation and airfare. Our initial goal of $10,000 will help offset these costs and reduce the financial burden placed on the participating students. If we reach our initial goal, our stretch goal of $22,000 will further offset these costs and help over student travel. Your support will not only benefit the students but also the community needs of Puerto Plata. Please help Georgia State RT students make a momentous impact in the rural Dominican Republic by making a gift today!

How You Can Help:

Your support, no matter how small or large, will play a crucial role in making our study abroad dream come true. Here are a few ways you can help:

1. Donate: Your financial contribution will directly offset the costs of tuition, travel and living expenses.
2. Share: Spread the word about our campaign on social media, through email and with friends and family who may be interested in supporting our journey.
3. Words of Encouragement: Your kind words, encouragement and advice are invaluable as we embark on this adventure.

About Us

We attend the prestigious Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions at Georgia State University located in Atlanta, Georgia. Georgia State University is the home of the oldest university-based Respiratory Therapy program in the state of Georgia and the second oldest in the United States. Students earn a Baccalaureate or Master’s degree in respiratory therapy after two years of professional study. Students of the program complete approximately 1,000 hours of clinical training in local hospitals and clinics. Our students have held a 100% pass rate on the national board exams for the past decade. This project is a great opportunity for Georgia State RT students to work with an underserved population, apply the skills learned in the classroom and clinical setting and develop a deeper understanding of global cultures.

We want to keep you updated on our journey! We will share updates, photos, and insights from our time abroad, so you can witness the impact of your support firsthand. Follow us on Facebook to check us out @ https://www.facebook.com/GSURespTher

Thank you for your support!

Studying abroad is more than a personal goal; it's an investment in our future and a commitment to becoming a global citizen. With your help, we can embark on this transformative journey and bring back a wealth of knowledge and experiences to share with our community.

Thank you for considering supporting our dream. Please help us spread the word by sharing our project with family and friends. Your generosity means the world to us, and the GSU RT department is truly grateful for any assistance you can provide. Together, we can make this study abroad adventure a reality. 

Purchase an RT T-shirt: https://www.customink.com/fundraising/study-the-world-with-gsu-study-abroad-adventure-to-the-dominican-republic

With your gift to the Respiratory Therapy Study Abroad Crowdfunding Fund, the Georgia State University Foundation will fund program expenses and supplies for students participating in the study abroad program. Any additional funds will continue to offset the costs of travel. If the project funds remain inactive for six (6) months, they will remain in the Respiratory Therapy Study Abroad Crowdfunding fund for future expenses