ExpoPartners AIESEC Puerto Rico Reception Booklet

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Luquillo Beach, San Juan

Welcome to Puerto Rico

Exchange Participant Reception Booklet

EP Reception Booklet \\ Page i

It is a pleasure for us that you are part of AIESEC Puerto Rico through your internship. This opportunity is definitely a product of the excellent efforts you have put into your work. Congratulations!

For AIESEC Puerto Rico is very important that you have the best experience in this internship. We are working hard to pro-vide you with the best Puerto Rico has to offer. In this book-let you’ll find information regarding our island and useful tips. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate and ask our OC Team!

We hope you find all the information you need, enjoy the booklet and get pumped up for your soon arrival to the island of enchantment, PUERTO RICO!

Can’t wait to meet you all, Your OC Team

welcome!

EP Reception Booklet \\ page II

Meet your OC !

Françoise Latortue

Jenisa Torres

Phone

Email

[email protected]

939-717-7227

Phone

Email

[email protected]

787-942-4821

EP Reception Booklet \\ page iii

Contents

» History.................................................................................. » language ....................................................................... » Geography ................................................................... » Climate ............................................................................... » Style & Cost of living ....................... » Currency ...................................................................... » transportation & Traffic .............. » gastronomy ............................................................. » entertainment ...................................................... » nightlife & Parties ..................................... » Shopping ....................................................................... » Historic Places ................................................. » Holidays & Important Dates ........ » Essential Procedures ........................... » Insurance ................................................................... » Emergency contacts ............................. » Important safety tips ........................... » closing ............................................................................

111222345567 & 8910 &1112131415

EP Reception Booklet \\ page 1

history The island of Puerto Rico was discovered in 1493 by Christopher Colon in his second trip to America. The original name of the Island was “Borinkén”, but Colon named it “San Juan Bautista”. When the Island had it first islander governor, Juan Ponce de Leon, he changed it name to Puerto Rico. For four centuries, Puerto Rico stayed un-der Spain domain with the influence of African culture through the slavery inmigrants. So, puertoricans have a mixture of races and cultures: Indian natives (taínos), Africans and Spanishs. In 1898, Puerto Rico was declared a territory of the United States by one of the agreenments to finished the war between Spain and the United States. At present, Puerto Rico is a North American territory with the the agreenment of Commonwealth

of Puerto Rico. The residents turned into American citizens by 1917.

» Geographic Even though the island of Puerto Rico is about 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, it offers a wide diversity of topography, flora and fauna! Its shape is almost rec-tangular and it is the smallest and the most eastern island of the Greater Antilles. This island is very mountainous (cover 60%), except in the regional coasts. It offers an as-tonishing variety of nature alternatives such as rain forest, mountain chains, valleys, beaches, caves, oceans and rivers. But don’t forget to check out on our smaller islands

like Vieques, Culebra, Mona and Palomino.

» Language Puerto Rico was governed since the earliest of times by Spain, then in 1989 for Unites States, for these reasons, the oficial language is Spanish and the second languague is English. Puerto Rico is host of many great events and people from all around the world so it is very important to be able to communicate by knowing an-

other language apart from its own.


Climate The climate is Tropical Marine with regular temperature of 80°F (26°C). Puerto Rico enjoys warm and sunny days most of the year. Lightweight clothing is appropriate year-round. The winds, which blow from the East, moderate temperatures and rainfall. In the interior, the temperature fluctuates between 73°F and 78°F (22°C and 25°C).

Rainfall tends to be evenly distributed throughout the year, but doubles during the months from May to October, which, unfortunately, coincides with hurricane season, as falls from November to April, with a driest period from January to April. The north coast gets twice as much rain as the south coast.

The relative humidity is high, about 80% throughout the year.

Puerto Rico’s cost of living varies between different areas. In the metropolitan area, it is usually more expensive than the rest (rural areas). Compared to the United States, everything costs between 5-20% more. Among the things that are cheaper in Pu-erto Rico are fuel, higher education and universities. As of income taxes, federal income taxes are not paid directly although they have a higher rate of state income tax than in the mainland US. There is a 6% sales tax known as the IVU tax for all, and cities can add from 1-2% tax anywhere.

As for expenses, they vary depending on your life style and city. Rent can go from as low as $200 USD a month to $800 USD a month. As for mobile phones, in Puerto Rico we have pretty much the same companies as in the mainland US and it can be around $50 USD per month depending if you want roaming service, long distance or not. As of food and groceries, you can spend 150USD to 300USD per month.

» more infohttp://www.topuertorico.org/economy.shtml

Style & Cost of living

CurrencyIn Puerto Rico, the U.S. dollar is the official

currency.

Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25 (cents) 1 (dollar) Bills: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000.

Their main purpose was for bank transfer payments.

Puerto Ricans refer to the US dollar as “Peso”.

» Fun fact!

Transportation in Puerto Rico includes a system of roads, highways, freeways, airports, ferries (serving Puerto Rico’s archipelago), taxis, public mini buses, ports and harbors, and railway systems, offered year-round to a population of approximately 4 million inhabitants. In the metropolitan area, the island counts with a public bus transit system and a metro system called “Tren Urbano” [Urban Train].

We also have differentrental companies available for those over 25 years old for those interns that are willing to rent or buy a used car as part of their internship. Some of the bus routes include:

A-9: Rio Piedras, Ave. Barbosa, Ave. Borinquen, Parada 18 and San Juan

A-3 : Rio Piedras, Hato Rey, Roosevelt, San Patricio and Cataño.

A-52: Rio Piedras, Villa Nevarez, Centro Medico, Santiago Iglesias, Ave. Los Filtros and Bayamon


Transportation & Traffic

» costsBus: depending on the busline you use, most prices range from .50 to .75 cents. Buses begin their services at 5:30 a.m. and most end their shifts by 9:00pm.

Metro-Bus: 1.50 USD (One way) from 5:30-11:30pm

Urban Train: .75 cents (per trip) Our train system works with a rechargeable card. The minimum amount to add to this card is. therefore .75 cents per transaction. There are other services such as the unlimited usage card that works in a variety of prices and days. Ranges from 1 full service day (5.00 USD) to 90 days (67.50 USD)

Taxis vary on location and are often quite expensive.Since taxis (cabs) often tend to be so expensive, we encourage you to take it as a last resort.

The common translation for bus is ‘autobús’ but in Puerto Rico we

call them ‘guagua’.

Pronunciation: ‘goo-ah goo-ah’

» Fun fact!


GASTRONOMY

Puerto Rico is a very diversified island, its roots are made of different places like Africa, Spain, U.S., and the Caribbean. Its culinary service it’s both diverse and unique. You will find all types of food in all types of prices. There’s from sushi to lasagne, from an exquisite filet mignon to fried chicken with rice and beans. There is also lots of fast food very close, probably within a 5 mile radius from each other. You can find different cars of food to, like the “chubis” or “pinchos”. It is a very good place to come to try all different types of food, specially the Puerto Rican one. Note: The Puerto Ricans Cook many dish with green bananas (plátanos) or/and rice (arroz).

» popular restaurants- AGUAVIVA: sea side latino cuisne - Al Dente: traditional Sicilian cuisine - Raíces: traditional Puerto Rican food- Guavate: variety of traditional Puerto Rican food - Tio Danny: Mexican food - Great Taste: Chinese cuisine

There are many restaurants

& places to dine at in almost every

place.

Our unofficial mascot is a tiny tree frog called coquí, you’ll hear it’s unique “ko-kee” sound just outside your window.

To the left you can see Kiki Kokí, a character from the newest kid’s book featur-ing our Coqui friend. You can read more at http://idearworks.blogspot.com/

» Fun fact!


Entertainment The island of Puerto Rico is well known for its warm people, parties and night-life. Our capitol San Juan is the home of some of the most exciting and enjoyable par-ties of the Caribbean. You can indulge yourself hoping in a bar, relaxing at the beach, dining, going to a party, gambling at the casino or simply enjoying the view and fresh-ness of the night.

Puerto Rico is a small island, if you rent cars, you will be able to see all impor-tant corners of the island. All its towns have beautiful and marvelous things to offer. From a visit to the Caverns of Camuy River to the rainforest El Yunque in Río Grande there is a big variety of things to do.

ust as Puerto Rico’s bionetwork boasts unique characteristics, the culture and way of life is also distinct. Many of San Juan’s buildings proudly preserve their origi-nal Spanish style. Our music still conserves the merging of three important groups, Tainos, Africans and Spanish people giving us the gift of salsa, plena and reggaeton.

» Nightlife & Parties Puerto Rico’s nightlife can be described as a very diverse experience. Ranging from nightclubs with the DJ’s to laid back chinchorros with their classic juke- boxes, the choices are endless. Puerto Ricans know how to have a good time, but they also like to show visitors a good time too, so don’t be afraid to mingle with the locals.

» dance & drinks- Brava: elegant night club at the San Juan Hotel & Casino. - La Placita de Santurce: the place to have some drinks and talk with friends. - Newyorican café: A perfect post for salsa dancing - El Refugio: for those who like playing pool & listen-ing to music - Roca Azul L’spot: at Isabela (will need transporta-tion) enjoy one of the best beach side clubs - Calle Universitaria: university students hang spot.

“Chinchorros” means small bars or places for drink or eat. Also, these are

cheaper.

» Fun fact!


Shopping

Puerto Rico is home of the biggest mall of the Caribbean, Plaza las Amé-ricas, where you can find everything you need in a centric location. Other malls are all over the island so you will never lack anything while being here.

If you want to know more about Plaza las Américas you can visit their website http://en.plazalasamericas.com/

» Other MallsThe Outlets in Canovanas The Outlets in Barceloneta Plaza Carolina San Patricio Plaza in Guaynabo Montehiedra Plaza Place del Caribe in Ponce

» Fun factThe words “a fuego” or “brutal” means something amazing or very cool.


historic Places

Viejo San Juan Paseo De la Princesa

Castillo SerrallésCastillo San felipe del morro

Museo de Arte de PonceCuevas de Camuy


Historic Places

» El Yunque, rainforest El Yunque Peak is the Caribbean National Forest, located in the northeast of Puerto Rico. These 28,000 acres are all that remain of the rain forest that once covered much of the island. More than 100 billion gallons (yes, billion!) of rain fall here each year, creating a lush forest with plants of incredible proportions and variety. A moist hike or horseback ride take you past 240 species of trees, some thousands of years old, 50 species of ferns, 20 varieties of wild orchids and riotous multitude of flowers.

The island has few animals native to the island, found almost NOWHERE else in the world, the “coquí” , and the Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata) (“cotorra puertorriqueña”)which lives only in a few hidden areas of the Caribbean NationalForest.


Holidays & Important Dates

» January**16

1421

New Year’s DayThree Kings Day (Epiphany)Eugenio María de Hostos’ BirthdayMartin Luther King’s Birthday

2013 calendar

» february1418

Valentine’s DayPresidents’ Day

» march222931

Emancipation DayGood FridayEaster

» April15 José de Diego’s Birthday

» May1227

Mother’s DayMemorial Day

» June16 Father’s Day

» July4

152527

Independence DayLuis Muñoz Rivera’s BirthdayCommonwealth of Puerto RicoJosé Celso Barbosa’s Birthday

» SEPTEMBER2 Labor Day

» october1231

Colombus’ Day Halloween

» November111928

Veteran’s DayDiscovery of Puerto RicoThanksgiving

» December242531

Holy NightChristmas DayNew Years Eve

** The third week of January Puerto Rico celebrates the “San Sebastian Street Fes-tival” or otherwise known as “Las Calles de San Sebastián”. Official dates are still pending.


Essentials Procedures!

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1. VIEJO SAN JUAN 2. PASEO LA PRINCESA, VIEJO SAN JUAN

3. CASTILLO SERRALLÉS 4. CASTILLO SAN FELIPE DEL MORRO, VIEJO SAN JUAN

5. MUSEO DE ARTE DE PONCE

6. CENTRO CEREMONIAL INDIGENA

For more information visit: http://www.puertorico.com/

ESSENTIAL PROCEDURES

I. VISA process To come to Puerto Rico you need

the Nonimmigrant J1 Visa as an Exchange

visitor since is for applicants whose

primary purpose of travel to the United

States is to participate in the Exchange

Visitor Program for the category of

Trainee. You must carry with you all the

important documentation when you depart

from your home country. Once you enter

the United States costumes, they will ask

to see, not only your passport, but the

document we send you to solicit your

visa... the famous: DS-2019. The law is very specific regarding to

the requirements which applicants must

meet in order to qualify for the J1 visa.

The consular officer will determine

whether or not you qualify for this visa.

Applicants must demonstrate that they

meet the requirements to be issued at the

interview with their United States consular

officer: - Demonstrate that they plan to remain in the United States for a temporary

period. - Evidence of compelling social, economic and other ties abroad that will

ensure the return abroad at the end of the internship.

- Evidence of funds to cover expenses in Puerto Rico.

To come to Puerto Rico you need the Nonimmigrant J1 Visa as an Exchange visitor since is for applicants whose primary purpose of travel to the United States is to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program for the category of Trainee. You must carry with you all the important documentation when you depart from your home country. Once you enter the United States costumes, they will ask to see, not only your passport, but the document we send you to solicit your visa... the famous: DS-2019.

The law is very specific regarding to the requirements which applicants must meet in order to qualify for the J1 visa. The consular officer will determine whether or not you qualify for this visa.

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the requirements to be issued at the interview with their United States consular officer:

- Demonstrate that they plan to remain in the United States for a temporary period. - Evidence of compelling social, economic and other ties abroad that will ensure the return abroad at the end of the intern-ship.- Evidence of funds to cover expenses in Puerto Rico. - Other documents such as DS 156, DS 157 & DS 158 - Personal Information: ID, Proof of where you live, birth certificate, aca-demic certificates and information, financial statements and your TN Acceptance Note.

» Visa Procedures


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1. VIEJO SAN JUAN 2. PASEO LA PRINCESA, VIEJO SAN JUAN

3. CASTILLO SERRALLÉS 4. CASTILLO SAN FELIPE DEL MORRO, VIEJO SAN JUAN

5. MUSEO DE ARTE DE PONCE

6. CENTRO CEREMONIAL INDIGENA

For more information visit: http://www.puertorico.com/

ESSENTIAL PROCEDURES

I. VISA process To come to Puerto Rico you need

the Nonimmigrant J1 Visa as an Exchange

visitor since is for applicants whose

primary purpose of travel to the United

States is to participate in the Exchange

Visitor Program for the category of

Trainee. You must carry with you all the

important documentation when you depart

from your home country. Once you enter

the United States costumes, they will ask

to see, not only your passport, but the

document we send you to solicit your

visa... the famous: DS-2019. The law is very specific regarding to

the requirements which applicants must

meet in order to qualify for the J1 visa.

The consular officer will determine

whether or not you qualify for this visa.

Applicants must demonstrate that they

meet the requirements to be issued at the

interview with their United States consular

officer: - Demonstrate that they plan to remain in the United States for a temporary

period. - Evidence of compelling social, economic and other ties abroad that will

ensure the return abroad at the end of the internship.

- Evidence of funds to cover expenses in Puerto Rico.

The most important document: DS-2019

In some cases they might want to take finger-prints just to proof that you are YOU and not some one else. It is important to have in mind that you need time to fill first the form DS156 or you can go to the bank days before to ask for this form and have it ready for that date. You may also be asked for the Form DS 157, but also for the form DS 158 which is the one of labor history.

To obtain a J-1 Visa you need to pay a nonrefundable visa application free. This is through the Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The payment is done by internet and is faster to register. When you are going to pay you must have in hard your passport, a computer with printer and your credit card assistance number just in case. You must print the confirmation of the payment and take it to the day of the appoint-ment. (Remember to be on time to the appointment) This website will direct you to the home page for the J-1 Non immigrants fee: www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/

In the airport, when the custom officer ask you for your DS- 2019 (white enve-lope that comes with the visa) please remember before leaving taking it with you after opened. Some officers forget to give it back and this complicates your departure from Puerto Rico.

If you are allowed to enter the U.S., the CBP official will determine the length of your visit on the Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94). With the form I-94 ( sample on side) your authorized stay in the U.S., it is very important to keep it inside your Passport. Next day of arrival to Puerto Rico, it is also obligatory that you go with a member of AIESEC Puerto Rico to the Department of State. In there, you will discuss about your VISA with Mr. Eduardo Rey and that way, he will notify your arrival. You also need to take your passport, international insurance, national ID and again the DS-2019.

» VISA Procedures- Cont.

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NC!

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- Other documents such as DS 156, DS 157 & DS 158

- Personal Information: ID, Proof of where you live, birth

certificate, academic certificates and information, .financial statements

and your TN Acceptance Note.

The most important document: DS-2019

In some cases they might want to take fingerprints just to proof

that you are YOU and not some one else. It is important to have in

mind that you need time to fill first the form DS156 or you can go to

the bank days before to ask for this form and have it ready for that

date. You may also be asked for the Form DS 157, but also for the

form DS 158 which is the one of labor history.

To obtain a J-1 Visa you need to pay a nonrefundable visa application

free. This is through the Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The

payment is done by internet and is faster to register. When you are going to

pay you must have in hard your passport, a computer with printer and your

credit card assistance number just in case. You must print the confirmation of

the payment and take it to the day of the appointment. (Remember to be on

time to the appointment) This website will direct you to the home page for the

J-1 Non immigrants fee: www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/

In the airport, when the custom officer ask you for your DS- 2019

(white envelope that comes with the visa) please remember before leaving

taking it with you after opened. Some officers forget to give it back and this

complicates your departure from Puerto Rico.

If you are allowed to enter the U.S., the CBP official will determine the

length of your visit on the Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94). With the

form I-94 ( sample on side) your authorized stay in the U.S., it is very

important to keep it inside your Passport. Next day of arrival to Puerto

Rico, it is also obligatory that you go with a

member of AIESEC Puerto Rico to the

Department of State. In there, you will discuss

about your VISA with Mr. Eduardo Rey and

that way, he will notify your arrival. You also

need to take your passport, international

insurance, national ID and again the DS-2019.

Insuran

ces

I. International and National


insurance

Due to regulations established by the Department of State, all Interns must have insurances. The international insurance can be bought for an amount of 200 USD for six months with American International Insurance (AIG) and which is the one that most of out Interns use before and when they are in Puerto Rico. It has coverage of 50,000 USD and repatriation (in case of death). It is important to ask the agency once you buy the insurance to issue a letter that specifies coverage while flying to the USA & Puerto Rico. www.aig.com

Although, some changes have been done by the Department of State and now all the Interns must also buy the national insurance. Most Interns buy their insurance in the Hospital Auxilio Mutuo since they don’t have social security number. Sometimes they offer promotions in where they pay for 2 months an amount of 140 USD and do not pay for the medical exam. You may also acquire other insurances such as private ones like the company Triple S with the plan “Plus” that covers the same as the one mention before. What you need is a photocopy of your passport, a photocopy of the ID of your company, photocopy of your ID and the payment of 70 USD per month. www.ssspr.com

*If you wish, you may talk with the OC Expo Partners help you find a different variety of national insurances.

» International & National

» Fun fact

“¡Ay, Bendito! Is a classic phrase for the Puerto Ricans. It’s meann “dear lord!”, “oh dear”, “that’s too bad”, “what a shame” or “that’s the way things go”, etc.

It is an allpurpose phrase.


Emergency Contacts

Puerto Rico has been known for its hospitality and for taking care of others. The people of Puerto Rico open their doors to tourist so that they can experience and enjoy all that it has to offer. The security and well being is a very important concern of the people, and they care and help as much as they can, so if there were to be an incident of any kind these is the number to call: 911. If you call this number you will be asked of the problem and they will immediately send the police, an ambulance, or a fire-fighter. There is also the information number: 411.

» contacts in San Juan

Police Station: (787)343-2020 http://www.sanjuanpolice.com/1.7/Fire Station: 787-722-1120 http://www.bomberos.pr.govHospitals: San Juan Health Centre | 787-977-7575 Auxilio Mutuo Hospital | 787-758-2000 Medical Centre | 787-777-3535

*Hospitals are in order from ambulatory to emergency*

MC members: Ramón Quiñones (MCP) 787-398-0183 | [email protected] White (VP OGX) 1-516-320-4916 | [email protected]án Cordero (VP FNZ) 787-361-0794 | [email protected] Cordoves (VP OD) 787-390-0946 | [email protected]çoise Latortue (VP ER) 939-717-7227 | [email protected]

LC Rio Piedras President:Michael Vazquez 787-346-2102 | [email protected]

LC Sagrado President: Cristina Joan Bailey 787-636-7613 | [email protected]


important Safety Tips

In Puerto Rico people live by many sayings and because we care we provide you with safety tips to enjoy your stay. Please take them into con-sideration and follow them whenever possible. Remember it is for your own safety.

- In Puerto Rico, cars drive in the right lane. Make sure you look both sides before crossing the streets. - Call your OC or responsible buddy to let them know how and where you are. It is important in cases of emergency.- Don’t get into cars with strangers.- Don’t accept drinks from strangers.- Keep a Pepper Spray close to you at all times, it is good to be ready given any circumstances. - Don’t walk alone at night.- When going to the beaches: stay within the designated swimming areas and don’t go swimming alone. Before going in the water, check the local weather cast to know how waves are behaving. - Don’t leave valuables unattended. If possible, leave at home. - Always carry your IDs. - Try to always go out with someone. - BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS.

Better safe than sorry!


Closing

After much work, it is finally time to welcome you to our home. We hope you enjoy our country and our culture as much as we do. Our excitement towards our meeting is inmense and we can’t wait to meet you all.

If you’ve got further questions regarding our culture, trans-portation or any other topic, do not hesitate and contact us. We are here to help you and make this experience a wonderful adventure.

Rincón Beach Resort, Añasco

Let the adventure, begin !

Welcome to Puerto Rico

Exchange Participant Reception Booklet

ExpoPartners AIESEC Puerto Rico Reception Booklet

Documents

island of puerto rico

aiesec puerto rico

best puerto rico

island of enchantment

oc teamwelcome

united states

important safety tips

north american territory