ojmdc
09-03-2004, 03:55 PM
If you've not already done so, you'll probably soon be making purchases of some things too heavy or cumbersome to bring with you. Microwave, fans, tv, whatever the item might be, be leary of the prices, if you can wait a while to buy the item I would recommend it. In the past weeks since the installment of the new government the dominican peso has gained considerable value against the dollar. Whether this is going to be a permanent trend or not remains to be see, however the dollars, for the past two weeks has remained below 38 pesos. It's the first time since January that that the dollar is that expensive down here. Prices of more expnsive imported items are expected to reflect these changes soon so I would be leary of spending too much on a itme who was priced for a 48 peso dollar. Similarly I'd seriously rethink the rents. If the dollar stays at expensive as it is there should definately be an adjustmente of rents and I'd be leary of entering into any kind of contract where I wasn't paying a fixed rate in dollars. Your 13,000 peso apartment would be 80 dollars more expensive if in the coming months the peso should devalue as much again as it has in the past two weeks. I personally think for those of us with funds in dollars it's beneficial to pay in dollars at a fixed rate than be at the whim of dollar rate. Something to consider for those who haven't been around to see the radical change in prices in the past few months.
Also, of particular importance is the rumor Dr. Sampson made reference to. That raising of tuition is not a rumor. Nearly every private university in the Dr has significantly increased their tuition for dominicans in the past year or two to reflect the massive change in prices of everything. You have to realize that the dollar was worth around 16 pesos for several years and suddenly around two years ago it skyrocketed in value to nearly 60. As a result everything is more expensive and schools have increased tuition and are clamoring for more lucrative foreign students. These tuition rate had also been relatively stable, but now INTEC is considering and almost certain to impliment an increase in tuition, it is also likely that UNIBE will. It's something students at that school should try and find out. There is a considerable difference between 12,000 and 15,000 dollars per year, I mean, come on! at some point the bending over has to stop. I'd really like to hear from some UNIBE students if they've heard similar rumbling or spoken to any financial aid or tesoreria people that might have a better idea. Take care and God Bless.
Ozzie.
Also, of particular importance is the rumor Dr. Sampson made reference to. That raising of tuition is not a rumor. Nearly every private university in the Dr has significantly increased their tuition for dominicans in the past year or two to reflect the massive change in prices of everything. You have to realize that the dollar was worth around 16 pesos for several years and suddenly around two years ago it skyrocketed in value to nearly 60. As a result everything is more expensive and schools have increased tuition and are clamoring for more lucrative foreign students. These tuition rate had also been relatively stable, but now INTEC is considering and almost certain to impliment an increase in tuition, it is also likely that UNIBE will. It's something students at that school should try and find out. There is a considerable difference between 12,000 and 15,000 dollars per year, I mean, come on! at some point the bending over has to stop. I'd really like to hear from some UNIBE students if they've heard similar rumbling or spoken to any financial aid or tesoreria people that might have a better idea. Take care and God Bless.
Ozzie.