YOUR COUNTRY GUIDE
DOMI N I C AN REPU B L I C Santo Domingo
FACTS, FIGURES & A GENERAL OVERVIEW GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECTÂ
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE? Traveling to a new country can be absolutely thrilling, but it can also leave you feeling excited, nervous, and probably full of uncertainty. We totally get it! At the Global Autism Project, we approach world travel with curiosity and respect. We work to ensure you have all the tools you need to explore with these values, which is why we've created comprehensive country guides to prepare you for SkillCorps® journey overseas! This country guide will give you an overview of the Dominican Republic including currency, politics, maps and key phrases! Of course, we encourage you to do your own research as well, but use our country guide as a starting point!
As a new member of the Skillcorps team you will be invited to join an app that contains pertinent information about your trip!
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EXPECTATIONS AT A GLANCE Capital City Santo Domingo Population 10,734,247 (July 2017 est.) Major Religions Roman Catholic 95%, other 5% Official Language (s) Spanish
Welcome to the land of black sand beaches, rainbows, and sunshine. The climate in the Dominican Republic is mostly tropical with generous sunshine. It is hot all year round with a dry season in winter and a rainy season from late April to October along the eastern and southern coasts. The temperature in the country is consistently high, ranging from low 70s to 90s, with highest temperatures from May to October.
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WHAT'S THE BIG PICTURE? Political/ social climate The Dominican Republic has an elected representative governmental system. The elected president serves a four-year term and can be reelected. Legislature is known as Congress of the Republic, consisting of Senate and Chamber of Deputies. Judicial power is exercised by the Supreme Court of Justice and by other courts created by 1966 Constitution and by law. The Dominican Republic has a long history of political instability which includes many revolutions and revolts. The last revolution took place in April of 1965. Since then, the government have been systematically elected every four years and the political climate has been at rest. The Economy The Dominican Republic has enjoyed strong economic growth in recent years. The sustained growth has reduced poverty and inequality which helped to expand the middle class. The Dominican Republic must continue to improve the fiscal balance, build up its human capital, promote a better business environment, and increase policy-making transparency and accountability.
How will we get around? There are several car services in Santo Domingo. A passport, a valid driver's license and a credit card are required for car hire. Taxis can be arranged as well but make sure you avoid any unmarked taxis. Bike rental companies are also popular in the Dominican Republic. CALENDAR February
Maha Shivaratri/Shivaratri
February
Valentine's Day
February
Chinese New Year
February
Shivaji Jayanti
March
Holika Dahana
March
Holi
July
Rath Yatra
October
Karaka Chaturthi (Karva Chauth)
November
Naraka Chaturdasi
November
Diwali/Deepavali
November
Govardhan Puja
November
Bhai Duj
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GET READY! It's so exciting, right?! So much to prepare for, so much to share... You're ready today! Hold on to that enthusiasm, that's exactly why you made the team!
DON'T WORRY! We're not going to send you into the field with nothing. To ensure we're sharing the most up-to-date information, we will post a live clinical video in the app at least 3 weeks before you travel. The video will discuss training objectives, strategies, and expected priorities for your time in the center. Additionally, at orientation you'll review the site's clinical folder and learn all about our training model!
GET YOUR VISA! If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you do NOT need a visa to travel to the Dominican Republic. If you're not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, visa processing information can be found in the Skillcorps app.
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A TYPICAL DAY MORNINGS We spend our mornings at the hotel having breakfast as a team and planning for the day. We will discuss the wrap-up from the night before, and get excited for our new day!
WORK TIME Work time is a time to be present and energized! We bring professionalism and enthusiasm to the center each day, and will provide training in the form of role-play, workshops, reenactments, and even games.
EVENINGS Each evening will vary, but we typically make a team decision to either relax, call home and connect for a bit, or explore the city. We will also spend time each evening debriefing and working on training for the next day, as well as an inspirational wrap-up.
DOWN TIME Down time is up to the team! We always stick together, but we try to make time for team activities. From hammock reading to walks in the park, we have a long list of the best activities to consider!
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BUDGETING & PLANNING
NATIONAL CURRENCY | DOMINICAN PESO (DOP) Accessing Cash ATMs, banks, and currency exchanges can be available in urban areas around the Dominican Republic. There is a chance you will be charged a fee for pulling money out, so we recommend exchanging cash before leaving for your trip. Some hotels, shops, excursion companies, and restaurants accept U.S. dollars and Euros. Daily Expenses Expenses will vary depending on individual and situational needs, but below is a sample budget for a typical working day at the partner site. We will leave budgeting for souvenirs and gifts up to your discretion. Small meal
$7.00 (350 DOP)
Bottle of water
$1.00 (25 DOP)
Taxi
$4.00 (200 DOP)
GOOGLE FOR THE EXCHANGE RATE, IT CHANGES DAILY!
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YOUR LOGISTICS OVERVIEW ACCOMMODATIONS You will be staying in local apartment style housing while in Santo Domingo. The location is a short drive from the center, and is near shopping malls and many restaurants. You will likely share a room with a teammate! THE CENTER ACAP is located in Santo Domingo in a safe neighborhood just near the Historic City Center, Ciudad Colonial. Your work day at the center will typically go from 8:30am until 4:30pm, though the schedule is subject to change.
TRANSPORTATION A driver has been organized for your time in Santo Domingo. They will handle all airport transportation as well as a ride to and from the center as needed. Taxis can be arranged for any additional activities!
MEALS You will have the opportunity to grocery shop as a team and plan meals. The Global Autism Project will cover one or two meals per day, often breakfast and/or lunch.
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HOW WILL I COMMUNICATE?
Will I be able to use my cell phone? Yes, but make sure that your phone is compatible/covered by an international plan. If it isn't, you may be charged high roaming and usage fees by your domestic service provider or may not be able to use your phone at all. Internet Access The internet may be available in urban areas of Santo Domingo. Please keep in mind that it may not always be free or fast. We recommend looking into the apps listed below to ensure the best experience on your trip! Apps we recommend: Whatsapp Facebook Messenger Cluster (photosharing) Life 360
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FRIENDLY REMINDERS: VACCINATIONS The Global Autism Project does NOT employ medical physicians, therefore we cannot advise your medical decisions. We do, however, recommend you visit the website of the Center for Disease Control and schedule an appointment with a travel physician.
FLIGHTS Please frequently check your email for updates regarding the timeline for booking flights! Typically, you should be booking your flights 9 weeks prior to travel. After you have submitted your travel form, you will be contacted by travel agents who will guide you through every step of the process!
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HOW SHOULD I DRESS? What do people wear in the Dominican Republic? There is no dress code in the Dominican Republic, but if women wear skirts and dresses it should reach the knee. As a representative of the organization, we ask that you maintain a modest and professional dress while in the Dominican Republic. You can find a quiz in the SkillCorps app to help you with your packing list!
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MORE TO THINK ABOUT What is the legal status of the LGBTQ+ community in the country? Being homosexual is legal in the Dominican Republic, but the LGBTQ+ community faces legal and social challenges not experienced by nonLGBTQ+ members. Please exercise caution and avoid sharing overly intimate or personal details while abroad. Will I be safe traveling to the Dominican Republic? Skillcorps teams are incredibly diverse and we're very grateful for that! Members of our own staff identify as LGBTQ+ as well. Ensuring your safety and comfort during your SkillCorps service trip is of utmost importance to us. As is the case with any international travel, we advise that you take the necessary safety precautions to get the most out of your experience. Additionally, we advise that you check government websites and local news sources prior to embarking on your trip.
In case you do run into any problems during your stay, please look up the contact information for the local U.S. Embassy.
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WHEN YOU TRAVEL, REMEMBER THAT A FOREIGN COUNTRY IS NOT DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU COMFORTABLE. IT IS DESIGNED TO MAKE ITS OWN PEOPLE COMFORTABLE. -CLIFTON FADIMAN
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MAPS & PHRASES
IMPORTANT PHRASES Hello Hola
Please por favor
Goodbye Adios
Excuse me permiso
How are you? Como esta? Water Agua
Do you speak english? Habla Ingles? I don’t understand No entiendo
Can you please help me? Where is the Me puede ayudar por bathroom ? favor? Donde esta el bano?
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FUN FACTS: The Dominican Republic is the only country in the world to have an image of the Holy Bible on its national flag. The D.R. is known for producing the best rum. They are known as the 3 Bs, Brugal, Barcelo, and Bermudez. The country was founded by Christopher Columbus in 1492. The capital of the country, Santa Domingo, is the oldest city in the new world. The D.R. used to be the headquarters for the pirates of the Caribbean during the 17th century.
More to look forward to: When you're walking around the city, or walking along the beach, the views you'll take in are unbelievable. Take some time to snap a quick photo, but take a moment to breathe in that island air!
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TESTIMONIALS "This experience was so much more than I could have imagined! I came in so unsure, and walked away knowing I'll be involved forever." -Cherelle, July 2017
"This was my first Skillcorps experience and I can confidentally say I will be going back every year!" - Nitasha 2017
"I have truly been blessed to play a small part in the monumental vision." Shumaila Jaffrey, July 2018
"This place is stunning! The views are like nothing I've imagined, and I can't wait to go back!" -Brooke 2016
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EXPLORE WHAT'S HAPPENING AT ACAP! Located in Santo Domingo, the capital city of Dominican Republic, our partner center is leading the way in the dissemination of ABA in the Caribbean! ACAP is a brand new center providing 1:1 ABA services for adolescent age students.They have just opened their doors and are actively working to increase awareness in their community through outreach efforts and community events. The Clinical Director, Maricarmen, is a BCBA and has big dreams for ABA in the Caribbean. Partners since: 2018 Current focus: Building a reputation as a new center, training and on boarding new staff GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECT
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
KATHRYN PETERSEN , MS BCBA Kathryn is a BCBA located in San Diego, CA. She has traveled with the Global Autism Project to the Dominican Republic, Kenya, Indonesia, and Ecuador. She has served in a variety of roles with the Global Autism Project including as a SkillCorps® member, trip leader, Discovery Fellow, and most recently, Regional Supervisor for the Americas. She is passionate about Global Autism Project’s focus on sustainability and providing effective support for autism centers around the world.
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GET READY FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME!
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