Dominican Republic

In the summer of 2015, my high school sent fourteen students and five adult chaperones to the Dominican Republic for a ten day service trip. To take a similar service trip as I did four years ago, follow the below itinerary- starting with how to get there.

Note: Hotels are not included due to the multiple cheap options in each different location that you can choose from. Remember, each day is in a new place, so don’t book hotels for too long in each part of the Dominican.

How to Get There:

Through your choice of airline, the best place to fly into for the start of your trip is Santo Domingo, the capital of Dominican Republic. I chose to keep the airline broad because everyone has a different preferred airline(s) depending on cost and points.

Christopher Columbus statue found in City Square, Santo Domingo

In Santo Domingo, you will be able to enjoy the rich history of the central city for the start of your trip. Things that can be seen in the cobbled streets is city square, surrounded by the oldest cathedral between the two Americas and a Christopher Columbus statue at the head, which is more beautiful in person than in pictures.

Foods to Try:

During our time in the Dominican, we found that there are many “staples” to a good Dominican lunch and dinner. Below is a list of foods you should try before leaving the country:

1. Sancocho: the cooks choice of seven different meats mixed with root vegetables and plantain. For those who love the taste of meat broth, this dish is for you
2. Plantains: Also known as cooking bananas, are served unripe or ripe, and are typically described as starchy. One famous way to cook them is to make very thin slices, and double fry them making them into Tostones.
3. Raw Sugar Cane: Luckily for our group, we came across farmers cutting down the sugar cane plants. These plants are tall perennial true grasses, and can be eaten right after they are cut. It is very sweet and has a texture similar to a potato, just 10x harder or more solid.

Service Activities:

1. National School Environment at Jarabacoa: This two and a half year “university” allows its students to learn about environmental management, protected areas, and resources in different regions; while developing their leadership skills. With so many students, the school could always use help with developing the facilities the students live and learn in during the academic period, as well as helping with planting and growing resources for the students to use in their studies.
2. Local School: In the Dominican, there are many different schools, ranging in

   

   educational levels, that will allow you to come in and complete service work. Here, you can help develop the student’s education and the school’s facilities.  

Recreational Activities

1. National Marine Park and Mangrove Tour: Located in Santiago, this tour takes exploring in the clear blue ocean to a new level. You’ll start  with the mangrove trees at the start of the tour and then find your way into the caves of the lagoon with water so clear you can see twelve feet below you.
2. White Water Rafting in Jarabacoa: Tackle some waves in a raft in the wild waters of Jarabacoa. As you travel down the Yaque del Norte River, the nature and thrill of the currents will give you an adventure of a lifetime.
3. Surfing Lessons in Cabarete: My favorite recreational activity on the trip was learning how to surf on the white sand beaches of Cabarete. With the help of the Bobo Surf’s Up Surf School instructors, anyone can become a professional surfer in seconds.

  My favorite memories with some of my closest friends come from helping those in need in The Dominican Republic, and you too can find those same memories in service.