Student Perspectives: Overnight Trip to 27 Charcos

The following blog was written by a student intern on a Summer 2026 CIEE high school abroad program. Read on for insight into what an overnight excursion is like on program. 

Day 1:

Going to 27 Charcos was sooo fun! We had to hike for about 45 minutes and even though it was very tiring, it felt nice to take a break from the outside world and enjoy nature. Jumping off waterfalls and into water was not something I ever saw myself doing, but I’m so glad I participated because it helped me get out of my comfort zone and have fun. It made me realize how lucky I am to be on this trip and to take advantage of everything. Lunch was a nice time to spend with friends and talk about the whole experience. We got to eat arroz, habichuelas, chicken, and much more. We then drove about 2 hours to Sosúa and enjoyed some Karaoke on the bus. We arrived at the hotel, and it was SO nice. I was able to spend some time in the pool with my friends and order unlimited mocktails from the bar. Dinner was buffet style, and we got to taste different Dominican foods and get beautiful pictures on the deck. This day was so eventful and made me realize how much fun I am having and how much I will miss the Dominican Republic.

• Ericka, Youth Development Student 

Day 2: 

Today, I woke up feeling like I got hit by a big truck. Not because I was tired; I mean, it was 8:30 am, but because I slept SO well. After swimming in the pool last night and coming to sleep in the cold AC that my room provided, I did not want to get out of bed this morning. Eventually, I got dressed and ran to breakfast around 20 minutes before it closed. If you guys love eggs like me, and don’t want egg scraps, please take my advice and go to breakfast early. The croissants and other options were still delicious though. After having a yummy breakfast, I explored the beach. There were some lovely vendors that sold me some magnets and jewelry. I can’t wait to take the souvenirs home to my family and loved ones! On the beach, I saw all of my friends in the water and decided to run back up to my room and get a bathing suit on. I mean, I had ALL DAY to swim in the most beautiful, clear water I have ever seen in my entire life. I had to take advantage of it. Once changed, I ran straight into the water and learned how to snorkel from one of my program friends. When snorkeling, I saw fish, and some sort of squid in the water. The water was so refreshing, and the waves were perfect. Then, I ate lunch and chilled in my room for a bit. I tried to snorkel in the pool; let me tell you guys, it’s way more fun on the beach. But I played Impostor with my friends, sang a bit with them as well, and overall, had fun in the pool anyway. A little after that I returned to the ocean again, and guess what? I snorkeled, AGAIN. I was out there for around an hour, and then, it was TIME. I had been waiting to take a gorgeous sunset picture forever. I ran back up to my room and began getting ready for sunset beach photos with my friends. At around 6:20 pm, my friends and I made our way to the beach. I took SO many photos with everyone and even got my dress wet and sandy, but it was worth it. I was so happy and living in the moment. Then, I had some dinner. After dinner, we started karaoke sign-ups. My friends and I had been “practicing” all day for our song, “Love Is An Open Door” from Frozen. It was such a fun night. As the night went on, we basically started having a dance party. Genuinely, I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun and felt so at peace with life than I did in those moments. Today was truly special. I can’t wait to zip line tomorrow! Goodnight.

• Isa, Public Health Student 

Day 3: 

Today was an experience that everyone from the CIEE family will remember. The day started off a bit earlier than usual, with the buses leaving at 8. Everyone seemed to be exhausted from too much sun, salt, and singing the previous day. However, signs of exhaustion faded as soon as the beautiful turquoise beach came into view. 

Upon arrival at Chukka Ocean Outpost, we were put on open-air buses that took us up to the location we would be ziplining at. The bus ride always tends to be my favorite, especially in tropical places with beautiful scenery. The palm trees and luscious greenery stretched as far as your eyes could see. Once we finally reached the top- only 5 Dominican minutes later- we were put into harnesses and began our zipline journey. There was a series of four ziplines, varying in length. Nerves were building up as we slowly climbed the stairs to reach the top of the platform. Fading away as quickly as they began, my nerves were no more as I felt the salty ocean breeze on my face. The stretch of zipline that was the most breathtaking had to be the one that spanned above the crystal clear, turquoise water. I felt as if I could just reach my hand down to feel the refreshing ocean on my fingertips. 

The ziplining was too short-lived; I could have spent my whole day looking at the horizon of the beautiful Dominican Republic from up above the trees. After ziplining was complete, we got to spend the rest of the day at the beach; I could not have asked for a better day. Soaking up as much beach time as possible, many of us only got out of the ocean to eat a much-needed lunch. You’d be surprised how much of an appetite diving for shells can create. Lunch was delicious Dominican cuisine served buffet style, including rice, chicken, fish, and beans. Shortly after lunch, we wrapped up the day and returned to the open-air bus. It's safe to say that everyone was more than ready for a nap and air conditioning. Upon returning to the Guaguas, everyone quickly dispersed to their assigned buses, and we began our journey home. It was a quiet bus ride home, with everyone dreaming of the beautiful day behind them and the good night's sleep yet to come.

• Abby, Public Health Student 

Are you a high school student up for the adventure of a lifetime? Find out more about CIEE's high school summer abroad programs and apply today!