Between the State, the market, and xenophobia: Haitian undergraduates in the Dominican Republic

This article aims at understanding the subjectivity and practices of Haitian undergraduates in the Dominican Republic. It describes and explains how they adapt to the political, economic and social context in the contemporary Dominican Republic. To the end of providing this understanding with regards to how Haitian students are received in their neighbouring country and their management of this reception, this article carries out a dialogue with studies of student migration and the anthropology of the State. In addition, it counts with 37 interviews to Haitian students who lived the experience of studying in Dominican soil. The results of this interviews show that these students recognize the economic and educational aspects.
But, the great majority of these migrants desire returning to Haiti, which can be interpreted as a desire to leave the Dominican Republic. The article invites no to forget the role played by the experience lived in the formation of ideas.