Siu buddy program 2016 by Carlos Navas

SAN IGNACIO UNIVERSITY www.sanignaciocollege.edu

Buddy Program

SAN IGNACIO UNIVERSITY MIAMI Welcome to San Ignacio University! We are glad that you will be joining us and we hope that your time with us will be a successful one filled with exciting opportunities. San Ignacio University mission is to enhance the academic experience of international students. Studying abroad is exciting but it can also be challenging, we understand that the process can be a little confusing, so let us help you during this experience. This program was created to help you explore some of the basic aspect of being an international student. We look forward to meeting you at San Ignacio Unniversity Miami. If you have any question please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to contact us.

Buddy Program Index

Content

Page

Welcome

Index

Program Description

Welcome to Miami, Florida

Miami International Airport

SIU - San Ignacio University

Our team

Living in Miami

Transportation and weather

Best places

Shopping

Banking and living expenses

Hospital and medical centers

Security

Recommended Apps

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Buddy Program SAN IGNACIO UNIVERSITY

Program Description

San Ignacio University

The Exchange Visitor Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bureau of Education and Cultural fairs, promotes international educational and cultural exchange to develop mutual understanding between Americanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and people from around the world.

San Ignacio University (SIC) provides opportunities for Exchange Visitor Students to get to know the City of Miami and the natural beauty of South Florida. Moreover, SIU has abundant opportunities to expose Exchange Visitor students to cultural events and social experience in an American culture. Of equal importance is the opportunity for our students to study alongside fellows from around the world, who will bring their own global vision.

San Ignacio University is a boutique university dedicated to form future leaders in a variety of fields. We focus in developing people who are socially responsible, have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, are goal oriented, have a global vision of their field and who are also able to work in teams.

Program Objective The program at San Ignacio University (SIU) is designed to provide individuals from partner schools in foreign countries the opportunity to live and study for a short period at an American University while experiencing American life and culture from the perspective of South Florida.

Apply for our Exchange Visitor Program Admission requirements for students coming under a J-1 visa Students from San Ignacio Univeristy partner universities are welcome to apply to be a part of our Study Abroad program.

 If a student’s native language is not English,

proficiency in English must be established by one of the following options: Satisfactory Standardized Test Score as PTE (54), TOEFL (70 - IBT) or IELTS (6.0).

In order to complete the admissions process, the candidate must meet and submit the following requirements:

 Copy of a valid passport.

 Completed

 Copy of SEVIS / J-1 Receipt.

signed application form

and

dated

international

 Financial statement or certified bank letter in

English demonstrating full tuition funds available, along with living expenses capability to cover a the length of the program of tuition and fees, books and supplies, living and any other necessary expenses during your studies. (Amounts must be in or converted to USD currency).  Affidavit of support form in case of sponsor.  Proof of enrollment in their home university.

Transcripts and educational credentials, if they are not in English must be translated.

 Proof of insurance. Students must obtain coverage

through your own health insurance provider in your home country. Please make sure that all required benefits are included. Please attach an insurance confirmation to your application, which details your name, the terms of the coverage, and the exact dates of validity (it should be valid from the day of entry into the U.S. until 30 days after the end of the program).  Personal essay on how this program will benefit

your professional development (in English) – 500 words.

Welcome to San Ignacio University Meet the university, the team and the staff Arriving On Campus

Academic Overview

When you arrive on campus please contact Jennifer Gonzalez in Academic records and J-1 visa coordinator, located at the third floor of Business campus. The office is open Monday through Friday with appointments available from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You should schedule an appointment when you arrive to U.S. by calling 305.629.2929, ext. 4024. You should bring wit passport, Form I-94 and Form DS-2019 for review and so that they may be duplicated for inclusion in your file.

You can always talk to faculty members and the SIU academic staff for further information. If an academic issue arises regarding exams, methodology, attendance, or any other related topic, try to discuss it with your instructor first. Always keep in mind that part of your experience abroad is to be open to different educational systems. Some students may not be used to attendance requirements or the evaluation system.

San Ignacio University campuses

The most appropriate way of dealing with academic issues is to discuss them with your instructor, course or program coordinator, dean (if applicable) or the academic service staff. You can also ask the International Office for guidance at any time. In the academic regulations booklet, you will find information about registration, admissions, attendance, course withdrawal, and other procedures designed for certain USIL programs.

Instructors And Coordinators Business Campus 3905 NW 107th Avenue Suite 301, Doral, FL 33178

Students may always request for information from instructors and coordinators directly. Coordinators are in charge of academic and activity calendars, course and instructorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; schedules, social responsibility activities, etc. Students in Faculty-led and Customized programs, please ask your own home university if you will have an online tutor or an on-site professor during your program at USIL and what procedures are to follow. For academic concerns, please contact the Academic Coordinator: Business: Elio Acosta eacosta@sanignaciocollege.edu Culinary: Jeannette Ozga jozga@sanignaciocollege.edu

Culinary Arts Campus 10395 NW 41st Street Suite 125 Doral, FL 33178 Phone: (305) 629-2929 Fax: (305) 629-2910

For Student Services concerns, housing, or auxiliary matters, please contact the Student Services Coordinator: Oscar Cabrera at Ocabrera@sanignaciocollege.edu For International student services, please contact the Director of International Affairs for non-academic or non-related to student services issues: Alejandra Otero

Our team We are here to help you Staff Contact Feel free to contact us at any time. We know you have come from very far away and sometimes help from close friends or relatives is not available.

Dr. Omar J. Pagรกn Vice-President

Marisol Salcedo Director of Administration and Compliance

Alejandra Otero Director of International Affairs

Jennifer Gonzalez Academic Records and J-1 Visa Coordinator

opagan@sanignaciocollege.edu

aotero@sanignaciocollege.edu

msalcedo@sanignaciocollege.edu

jgonzalez@sanignaciocollege.edu

Andreina Fernandez Business Development Assistant and International Admissions Coordinator

Valentina Fernandez Business development assistant

Elio Acosta Business Academic Coordinator

Oscar Cabrera Student Services Coordinator

vfernandez@sanignaciocollege.edu

afernandez@sanignaciocollege.edu

eacosta@sanignaciocollege.edu

ocabrera@sanignaciocollege.edu

Welcome to Miami, Florida The magic city! United States of America

Full name: Population: Capital: Largest city: Area: Language (M): Religion (M): Life expect. Monetary unit: GNI per capita: Main exports:

United States of America 323.6 million (USCB, 2016) Washington DC. New York City 9.8 million sq km (3.8 million sq miles) English Christianity 76 years (men), 81 years (women) (UN) 1 US dollar = 100 cents US $56,430 (World Bank, 2015) Computers and electrical machinery, vehicles, chemical products, food, live animals, military equipment and aircraft.

good air quality, vast green spaces, clean drinking water, clean streets and city-wide recycling programs. Miami is nicknamed the "Capital of Latin Americaâ&#x20AC;?, is the second largest U.S. city with a Spanish-speaking majority, and the largest city with a Cuban-American plurality. Downtown Miami is home to the largest concentration of international banks in the United States, number two entrepreneurial city in the United States, and many large national and international companies. The Civic Center is a major center for hospitals, research institutes, medical centers, and biotechnology industries. For more than two decades, the Port of Miami, known as the "Cruise Capital of the World," has been the number one cruise passenger port in the world. It accommodates some of the world's largest cruise ships and operations, and is the busiest port in both passenger traffic and cruise lines.

The City of Doral

Coming To Miami Also Known as the "Magic City", the City of Miami is located in Southeast Florida, in Miami-Dade County on the Miami River, between the Florida Everglades, Miami Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The 42nd largest city proper in the United States, with a population of 440,003, and the most populous metropolis in the Southeastern United States after Washington, D.C. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Miami's metro area is the eighth most populous and fourth-largest urban area in the United States, with a population of around 5.5 million. Miami is a major center and a leader in finance, commerce, culture, media, entertainment, the arts, and international trade. In 2008, Forbes magazine ranked Miami "America's Cleanest City", for its year-round

The City of Doral occupies a land area of 15 square miles; Doral prides itself in being the premiere place in South Florida to Live, Work, Learn and Play. For these reasons Doral attracts a vibrant and diverse population of over 53,000 residents. San Ignacio Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business campus is located in 3905 NW 107th Avenue, Suite 301 Doral, FL 33178 and Culinary Arts campus is located in 10395 NW 41 St, Suite 125 Doral, FL 33178.

Miami International Airport Lost in MIA? No way!

http://www.miami-airport.com/

MIA Transportation

Transportation Safety Tip

Miami International Airport (MIA) is located 5 miles from the City of Doral where San Ignacio College is located.

Passengers at MIA are advised to ignore offers of transportation from solicitors inside the terminal. Solicitation of ground transportation is an illegal activity and many illegal solicitors are unlicensed and uninsured. To obtain safe and legitimate ground transportation, please be sure to go to the designated Taxi and Shuttle stands that are located at the lower-level curb, outside of the baggage claim area, where uniformed Miami-Dade Aviation Department staff members will be happy to assist you. Please ignore any non-uniformed persons offering to assist with transportation or baggage. Always seek out uniformed airport employees with MIA ID badges for assistance.

There are two U.S. Immigrations and Customs areas: - Exit at level 3 - Exit at level 1

Taxicabs and Super-Shuttle Taxicabs and Super-Shuttle (305-871-2000) vans are available only on the arrival (ground) level of the airport, outside of the baggage claim areas. You will be able to find transportation in the airport designated areas, lower arrival level.

Living in Miami Housing options Off-campus housing offers you the ability to choose accommodations that meet your lifestyle and needs, within a wide range of pricing options, and the opportunity to get to know people outside the university. San Ignacio College will work as a facilitator between you and the many lodging options available in the city for rentals and aparthotels.

City of Doral Our campus is located at the heart of the City of Doral, one of the most popular suburbs of Miami. This unique community is the home of people of all ages and cultures, and its central location allows its residents easy access to the many entertainment options of South Florida.

Rentals: Camden Apartments (866) 932-2460 4790 NW 107th Ave, Doral, FL 33178 www.camdenliving.com AMLI at Doral 11481 NW 41st St, Doral, FL 33178 www.amli.com/apartments

(844) 203-5349

Doral West Apartments (866) 566-1360 5400 NW 114th Ave, Doral, FL 33178 www.doralwestapartments.com Palms of Doral (305) 436-3090 5611 NW 112th Ave, Doral, FL 33178 www.palmsofdoral.com

Cordoba Luxury Rentals 8150 NW 53rd St, Doral, FL 33166 www.cordobadoralapts.com

(305) 392-5900

Element Miami Doral (***) (786) 272-7250 3285 NW 107th Avenue, Miami, FL 33172 Euro Suites Hotel (***) (786) 472-9095 1750 NW 107th Ave, Miami, FL 33172

Miami is a diverse city with a lot to offer. If you are more into big city life, then these options are perfect for you.

Rentals: Moda North Bay Village (305) 521-1681 8000 West Drive, North Bay Village, FL 33141 www.viewmoda.com Flamingo South Beach Towers (305) 925-0773 1508 Bay Road, Miami Beach, FL www.flamingosouthbeachnorthtower.com/ Camden Brickell (866) 932-1965 50 SW 10th Street, Miami, FL 33130 www.camdenliving.com Brickell First (786) 507-7300 50 SW 10th Street, Miami, FL 33130 www.brickell1st.com Bay Parc Plaza (305) 702-0248 1756 N Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33132 www.bayparcplaza.com

Apart-hotels: Beachside Apartment Hotel (****) (305) 866-7033 7710 Harding Avenue, Miami Beach, FL www.beachsideapartmenthotel.com Extended Stay America - Brickell (**) (305) 856-3700 298 SW 15th Rd., Miami, FL www.extendedstayamerica.com/

AirBnB

Apart-hotels:

Extended Stay America - Doral(**) 8720 NW 33rd St, Miami, FL 33172

Outside the City of Doral

(305) 436-1811

AirBnb is a website which allows you to find host families to rent lodging from. All you have to do is enter your destination and travel dates into the search bar to discover distinctive places to stay. They display photos of listings, host profiles, and reviews to help you make informed decisions when considering a host's space. www.airbnb.com

Transportation and weather Buses, metros and trolleys to move on Transportation Bus Much of Miami can be accessed through public transportation, and riding the bus is a great way to see the city and get to your destination. To determine the appropriate bus route for your destination, visit: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes.asp

Metrorail The Metrorail system is a 25-mile dual track, elevated rapid transit system that provides service to Miami International Airport (MIA) and runs from Kendall through South Miami, Coral Gables, and downtown Miami; to the Civic Center/Jackson Memorial Hospital area; and to Brownsville, Liberty City, Hialeah, and Medley in northwest Miami-Dade, with connections to Broward and Palm Beach counties at the Tri-Rail/ Metrorail transfer station. The system currently uses 136 train cars. The 23 accessible Metrorail stations are about one mile apart, providing easy access for bus riders, pedestrians, and passengers who are dropped off and picked up. To determine the appropriate Metrorail route for your destination, visit: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metrorail.asp

Metromover Metromover is a free mass transit automated people mover train system operated by Miami-Dade Transit in Miami, serves the Downtown Miami, Brickell, Park West and Omni neighborhoods. The system is composed of three loops and 21 stations. The stations are located approximately two blocks away from each other, and connect near all major buildings and places in the Downtown area. For more information.

Trolley Trolleys are a green form of alternative transportation available in Doral, Coral Gables, and Downtown Miami, and Miami Beach. Trolleys are both aesthetically pleasing in their golden oldie charm and environmentally sustainable; they alleviate congestion,

www.miamidade.gov/transit

provide opportunity for carpooling, and make much needed connections in public transportation. Trolleys are a load off the stress of parking in busy commercial areas and run steadily throughout the day. For Doral Trolley information, visit: https://www.cityofdoral.com/

Bicycles Because the homes are located in a very close proximity to the College Campus, it is recommended for students to purchase bicycles to travel to and from the school. Bicycles can be purchased nearby at http:// rbcycles.com which has a convenient locale near the campus. You can also buy bicycles through Craigslist.com, Walmart.com, or from other stores of your preference.

Weather The weather in Miami is warm year-round. Temperature varies from the 90‘s (Fahrenheit) in the warmer months (June – September) to the mid-60‘s during the cooler months (November – February). On occasion, during the wintertime, temperatures may drop to the 40‘s, but it is an unusual occurrence. The climate in Miami is quite humid and there are occasional heavy rains. You may want to bring a light coat, a rain-coat, waterproof shoes, and a mini-umbrella. Average temperature:

77.05°F

Annual high temperature:

84.2°F

Annual low temperature:

69.9°F

Days per year with precipitation - rainfall:

128 days

Dress attire Campus dress is casual and informal for both men and women. You can usually go out in just a short-sleeve shirt and lightweight pants or shorts. Dresses or skirts are common all year round. You might also want to bring some professional and/or dressy attire for special events and a sweater for classes with air-condition.

Shopping Foods market, pharmacies, malls and even more Shopping

Authorized agents cellphone services

Food

ATT&T

Stores located near San Ignacio College are open 7 days per week with the available amenities required for your stay. Publix and Winn-Dixie are two supermarkets relatively close to San Ignacio College where you will be able to purchase food and toiletries during your stay. Publix Market 10755 NW 58th St., Doral, FL Winn Dixie Supermarket 10505 NW 41st St Doral FL Walmart Supercenter 8651 NW 13th Terrace Doral FL

Pharmacy Walgreens is a pharmacy close to San Ignacio College that serves your needs for prescriptions, health an wellness products, and health information. Walgreens 9675 NW 41 St Doral FL CVS Pharmacy 10701 NW 41 ST Doral FL Naturxheal Organic 3601 NW 107TH Ave Doral FL

Shopping Malls The Malls provide, at a close distance shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and entertainment during your visit. They are especially useful when buying souvenirs for relatives back at home. Dolphin Mall 11401 NW 12th St Miami FL International Mall 1455 NW 107th Ave Doral FL

10003 Northwest 41st Street, Miami, FL 33178 5241 NW 87th Ave #105, Doral, FL 33178

Metro PCS 7970 NW 36th St, Doral 11402 NW 41st St, Miami 4297 NW 107th Ave #36, Doral 10780 NW 58th St, Miami

Sprint 10670 NW 19th St, Miami, FL 33172 Palm Springs Mile, 1001 W 49th St, Hialeah, FL 33012

Simple 11401 NW 12th St, Miami, FL 33172 4038 W 12th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33012

T-Mobile 1200 NW 87th Ave, Suite 1, Doral 1455 NW 107th Ave, Space K107, Doral 2086 Northwest 107th Avenue, Miami, FL 33172

Verizon 1450 NW 87th Ave #101, Doral, FL 33172 8005 NW 95th St, Hialeah, FL 33016 10111 W Flagler St b200, Miami, FL 33174

Recreation Parks, museums, and things to do Parks

Museums

Places

Doral Meadow Park

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Wynwood walls

11555 NW 58th Street doralparksinfo@cityofdoral.com

3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129

2520 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127

Downtown Doral Park

PĂŠrez Art Museum

Zoo Miami

8395 NW 53th Street doralparksinfo@cityofdoral.com

1103 Biscayne Blvd,Miami FL 33132

12400 SW 152 St, Miami, FL 33177

Doral Central Park

Institute of Contemporary Art

Miami Design District

3000 NW 87th Avenue doralparksinfo@cityofdoral.com

4040 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

3841 NE 2nd Ave Miami FL 33137

Trails & Tails Park

Lowe Art Museum

Lincoln Road Miami Beach

11645 NW 50th Street doralparksinfo@cityofdoral.com

1301 Stanford Dr, Miami, FL 33146

Lincoln Rd Miami Beach FL 33139

Morgan Levy Park

History Miami

American Airlines Arena

5300 NW 102nd Avenue doralparksinfo@cityofdoral.com

101 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130

601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

Banking and living expenses Banks, checks, cash and money orders, what a deal! Living Expenses

Banks

You may wish to bring money with you for your immediate expenses when you arrive in the U.S. Expenses will include temporary and permanent housing food transportation utility deposits and other miscellaneous expenses. It is recommended that you bring with you at least $4,800 or funding for two months for yourself. If you are accompanied by dependents additional funds will be required. The amount for living expenses is adjusted annually. Currently the minimum estimated cost per month for living expenses is approximately US$2,400 per month for the exchange visitor.

Banks in the U.S. usually require 5 to 15 business days before checks drawn on U.S. banks are paid and checks drawn on foreign banks can take even longer. Therefore you may wish to bring the funds for your arrival expenses in traveler's checks so that you can use the money as soon as you arrive.

Money You are expected to have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay at San Ignacio College. Here is some information to help you prepare financially for your exchange program. Miami‘s cost of living is comparable to the cost of living in other major American cities (source: Miami-Dade Office of the State Attorney). Because Miami is an important economic, cultural, and touristic center, please keep in mind that costs may be on the higher side.

Tips to keep in mind: I.

When you arrive, you need cash in US currency or traveler’s checks.

II. You should bring $200-$500 in US currency to cover expenses in the first few days of your stay here. III. Bring enough small bills ($1s, $5s, and $10s) so that you can tip your taxi driver and/or buy any snacks or anything else that you may need upon arrival. IV. ATM cards, credit cards, travelers’ checks, and cash can be used effectively. However, please note that travelers’ checks may not be accepted everywhere. V. Make sure to check with your credit card company and/or your bank to ensure that you will be able to use your card(s) here in the US upon arrival. Do NOT carry large sums of money with you.

FirstBank Florida, 3905 NW 107th Ave #108, Doral Bank of America 9705 NW 41st St Doral Citibank 8750 Doral Blvd Miami Bank of America 2680 NW 107th Avenue Doral Wells Fargo Bank 10601 NW 41ST St Doral BB&T - West Dade Branch 2500 NW 107th Ave #100 Eastern National Bank 2495 NW 82nd Ave Doral Bank of Atlanta, Miami Branch 9100 NW 36th St Jetstream Federal Credit Union 7975 NW 12th St Mercantil Commercebank 3105 NW 107th Ave Doral BankUnited 7970 NW 36th St Doral Banco Popular 8180 NW 36th St #103 Doral Mercantil Commercebank 8726 NW 26th St Doral US Century Bank 2301 NW 87th Ave #100 Doral Banco do Brasil 2600 Northwest 87th Avenue, 16 Chase Bank 9785 NW 41st St Miami Doral Currency Exchange 2600 NW 87th Ave #8 Miami

Hospitals and medical centers Health services Health Centers

The reason you need a health insurance

Hospitals

It is dangerous to be in the United States without adequate health insurance. In many countries, the government bears the expense of health care for its citizens and sometimes visitors. By contrast, individuals and families in the United States are responsible for such costs. Since a single day of hospitalization and medical treatment can cost thousands of dollars, many hospitals and doctors refuse to treat uninsured patients, except in life threatening emergencies. Most Americans rely on insurance, and you should do the same. Insurance gives you access to better and more timely health care and provides the only protection against the enormous costs of health care in this country.

Miami Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital Doral 3601 NW 107th Ave Miami, FL

(786) 624-3672

Baptist Medical Plaza at Doral 9915 NW 41st St Doral, FL

(786) 596-0000

Southern Winds Hospital 4225 W 20th Ave Hialeah, FL

(305) 558-9700

Palmetto general Hospital 2001 W 68th St Hialeah, FL

(305) 823-5000

Medical centers Als medical group inc 8180 nw 36th St Doral FL 33166

(786) 262-6378

Medical centers 7800 NW 25th St Doral FL 33122

(305) 593-2174

Doral center for sleep disorder llc (786) 331-8033 10454 NW 31 Terrace Doral FL 33172 Doral imaging institute NW 48th Street Doral FL 33166

(305) 594-2881

Doral medical imaging 8181 NW 36 Street Doral FL 33166

(305) 471-4581

Feel better medical services inc 8180 NW 36 Street Doral FL 33166

(305) 436-9811

Integra rehabilitation center (305) 537-7227 3650 NW 82 Avenue Doral FL 33166 K & j medical center inc (305) 263-3107 3900 NW 79 Avenue Doral FL 33166 Lopez sano medical services inc 9590 NW 25 Street Doral DL 33172

(305) 592-0090

Serenity center for therapeutic 8200 NW 27th St Doral FL 33122

(305) 716-8603

Superior medical group corp 8180 NW 36 Street Doral FL 33166

(305) 460-9560

Tri-r wellness center 1414 NW 107 Ave Doral FL 33172

(305) 477-5151

How medical insurance works When you purchase health insurance, the money you pay (your "premium") is combined with the premiums of others to form a pool of money. That money is then used to pay the medical bills of participants who need health care. Your coverage remains valid only as long as you continue to pay your premiums. Once you purchase insurance, the company will give you an insurance identification card for you to use when you seek care from a hospital or doctor. The company will provide written instructions for reporting and documenting medical expenses ("filing a claim"). The insurance company will evaluate any claim you file and make the appropriate payment under your policy. In some cases the company pays the hospital or doctor directly; in others the company will reimburse you after you paid the bills.

Police department Safety rules Police Department Safety is of the highest concern for San Ignacio College’s students and staff. Always be aware of your surroundings, and remember to call 911 in the event of an emergency, and follow the instructions provided by your insurance. Furthermore, even though Miami and Doral are generally safe places, you should always consider some precautions in order to avoid some bothersome situations: I.

Avoid large crowds whenever you sense a lack of security (e.g. building emergency exits, restaurants, dance clubs, bars, etc.).

II. Try to avoid carrying your passport in your pocket or bag. You can carry copies of your passport and ID. III. Have your health insurance card with you at all times. IV. If you go out, try to be with classmates or friends at all times. If you meet somebody else, introduce him/her to your group. V. Avoid situations where alcohol and/or drugs may be involved. U.S. laws are very strict regarding drug possession. VI. Bringing drugs to the SIC, student residence and/or school facilities is strictly prohibited. Students found with drugs will be automatically expelled from the university and the student residence.

In case of an emergency:  Contact your insurance company  Call 911  Notify the Designated SIC Stand-by Staff Person

Call 911 for EMERGENCIES ONLY Non-Emergency: (305) 593-6699 Doral Police Department 6100 NW 99 Avenue Doral, FL 33178 When calling 911 or the emergency number be sure to notify the dispatchers about: Which Emergency service you require (i.e. Police, EMS, or Fire) The nature of the emergency

The address or location and main intersection The telephone number you are calling from Your name If you are with the victim during the emergency try to remain with the patient so Emergency Personel and related emergency services are able to obtain as much information as possible.

Recommended Apps Get them in your pocket Travel Safe, Pro

Pinpin Atm Finder

A potentially life-saving database of emergency service numbers for just about every country you’d ever care to visit, plus plenty for those that you wouldn’t. There’s also embassy details should passports go missing and – for the truly paranoid – the option to pin certain services to your home screen as widgets, for one-touch access to police, ambulances and fire engines.

Nothing quite matches the sheer, sobering terror of suddenly realising you’re in a moody part of a strange town with no money for a cab ride back to the safety of your hotel. Not to worry though – chances are a cash machine is just around the corner, and with this in your pocket, you’ll always be able to find one with minimal fuss. Over 220 countries are listed, meaning you ought to be covered for even the most exotic of jaunts.

Worldmate The closest thing most of us will ever have to a personal assistant, albeit a hell of a lot cheaper. All you have to do is forward your various confirmation emails for flights/hotels/hirecars/restaurant bookings etc. to trips@worldmate.com and the app instantly generates an itemized itinerary covering your entire trip. Better still, upgrade to the premium version and the app will keep you in the loop in real time, generating alerts to let you know when flights are delayed or gates change.

Hailo Of course, before you go gallivanting around the globe, first you’ll need to get to the airport and with cumbersome bags to deal with, schlepping through the capital’s streets to find a Hackney carriage isn’t really an option. This neat piece of software uses your phone’s GPS to make the cabs come to you – simply tap the big ‘pick me up’ button and one of the little cab icons on the map will start heading towards you. And if the wonders of modern technology don’t get your cabbie chatting, nothing will.

TripAdvisor Stripping away the glossy magnificence ladled on by just about every online travel agency out there, this is the place to find brutally honest reviews of hotels, restaurants, attractions and more. Still, on the flip side, touch down in a strange city with nowhere to stay and you’ll only ever be a few prods away from the wartsand-all opinions of travelers just like you.

Foodspotting While apps that aggregate crowd-sourced restaurant reviews may be ten-a-penny, those that focus in on specific dishes are a far rarer species. Luckily, this one works a treat, responding to your every gastronomic whim with user-generated recommendations from your local area. In downtown Madrid with a penchant for paella? Prod around a bit and within seconds you’ll be en route to the best in the city.

Museums Mobile A pocket-sized database of thousands of the world’s biggest museums, brimming with information on permanent and current collections. But this is more than just a comprehensive companion to your favorite halls of history.

Meetup Meetup is the world's largest network of local groups. Meetup makes it easy for anyone to organize a local group or find one of the thousands already meeting up face-to-face. More than 9,000 groups get together in local communities each day, each one with the goal of improving themselves or their communities.

Internations A place where expatriates like you meet, connect, and exchange information. A welcoming community of open-minded individuals who share their international experiences. A secure space full of useful advice from fellow expats and knowledgeable locals.

Cultural transition and adaptation New culture and environment Stages of Cultural Adaptation

The Recovery Phase

Adjusting to a new culture and environment is a normal process and can generate a wide variety of reactions and feelings. The typical pattern of cultural adjustment often consists of distinct phases within a cycle: Honeymoon, Crisis, Recovery, and Adjustment.

-After having spent some time in the new culture, people begin to resolve some of the conflicts they may have experienced and also begin to regain a sense of appreciation that they might have experienced in the first stage. They have learned more about the new culture and are able to have a better understanding of external and internal resources that help in managing demands and conflicts that might arise. Feelings typical of this stage are a mixture of the first two stages.-*

The Honeymoon Phase Feelings of excitement and optimism experienced when you enter into a new environment or culture. While differences are observed, students are more likely to focus on the positive aspects of the new environment at first.

The Crisis Phase The second stage tends to start three to four months after arrival. It is characterized by the feeling of culture shock, also described as the sensation of confusion associated with experiencing a new culture. Culture shock manifests itself in different forms with different people:  Changes in eating and sleeping habits;  Acute homesickness, calling home much more often

than usual;

The Adaptation Stage -This stage consists of people developing a realistic understanding of the similarities and differences between their home cultures and the new culture, so that they have clearer ideas about what they like and dislike in each. Many people move in the direction of becoming “bicultural” ie. being able to value and appreciate the aspects of both cultures that they wish retain or include in their lives. This stage may be characterized by a sense of confidence, flexibility, and tolerance.-*

Suggestions for Cultural Transition  Realize that what you are going through is normal.  Keep in touch with your home country.  Take care of yourself.

 Being hostile/complaining all the time

 Talk to someone.

 Frequent frustration, irritable;

 Have fun and relax!

 Self doubts, sense of failure;

 Improve your English skills.

 Withdrawing from friends or other people and/or

Remember: Cycle repeats upon you will re-enter your country, this is a typical pattern of cultural adjustment.

activities.

Recovering from culture shock is handled differently by everyone, unique circumstances, background, strengths and weaknesses that need to be taken into consideration. With time and patience, we can experience positive effects of culture shock. Self-confidence, cultural sensitivity, expand social networks and explore new ideas are some of features that help to overtake this situation a move on to the next stage in this cycle.

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* Student Affairs, Counselling Center, University of Illinois, (July 2016).