$1500 a month won't cut it in Santo Domingo.

I would suggest that you try some other part of the country where a lot of stuff is cheaper. La Vega, Santiago Moca, San Francisco de Marcoris, Barahona, Azua or Bani. Anywhere but the capitol...

Then you would be totally emersed from the git-go....party time is just as easy, once you make just one or two friends. And, you can always "visit" Santo Domingo....

HB