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Welcome to Puerto Rico
Exchange Participant Reception Booklet
Luquillo Beach, San Juan
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welcome! 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 provide you with the best Puerto Rico has to offer. In this booklet 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
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Meet your OC !
Franรงoise Latortue Phone francoise.latortue@aiesec.net Email 939-717-7227
Jenisa Torres Phone jenisa.torres@aiesec.net Email 787-942-4821
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Contents »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»
History..................................................................................1 language .......................................................................1 Geography ...................................................................1 Climate ...............................................................................2 Style & Cost of living .......................2 Currency ...................................................................... 2 transportation & Traffic .............. 3 gastronomy .............................................................4 entertainment ...................................................... 5 nightlife & Parties ..................................... 5 Shopping ....................................................................... 6 Historic Places ................................................. 7 & 8 Holidays & Important Dates ........ 9 VISA Procedures ............................................. 10 Emergency contacts ............................. 11 Important safety tips ...........................12 closing ............................................................................13
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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 under 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.
»» 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 another language apart from its own.
»» 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 rectangular 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 astonishing 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.
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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.
Style & Cost of living 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 Puerto 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.
Currency In 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.
»» more info http://www.topuertorico.org/economy.shtml
»» Fun fact! Puerto Ricans refer to the US dollar as “Peso”.
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Transportation & Traffic 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
»» costs Bus: 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. 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. More information visit http://www.dtop.gov.pr/index.asp
»» Fun fact!
The common translation for bus is ‘autobús’ but in Puerto Rico we call them ‘guagua’. Pronunciation: ‘goo-ah goo-ah’
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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.
»» Fun fact! 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 featuring our Coqui friend. You can read more at http://idearworks.blogspot.com/
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Entertainment The island of Puerto Rico is well known for its warm people, parties and nightlife. Our capitol San Juan is the home of some of the most exciting and enjoyable parties 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 freshness of the night. Puerto Rico is a small island, if you rent cars, you will be able to see all important 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 original 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 & listening to music - Roca Azul L’spot: at Isabela (will need transportation) enjoy one of the best beach side clubs - Calle Universitaria: university students hang spot.
»» Fun fact! “Chinchorros” means small bars or places for drink or eat. Also, these are cheaper.
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Shopping Puerto Rico is home of the biggest mall of the Caribbean, Plaza las Américas, 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 Malls The Outlets in Canovanas The Outlets in Barceloneta Plaza Carolina San Patricio Plaza in Guaynabo Montehiedra Plaza Place del Caribe in Ponce
»» Fun fact The words “a fuego” or “brutal” means something amazing or very cool.
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historic Places
Viejo San Juan
Paseo De la Princesa
Castillo San felipe del morro
Cuevas de Camuy
Castillo SerrallĂŠs
Museo de Arte de Ponce
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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 National Forest.
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Holidays & Important Dates 201 3 calendar »» february »» January** 1 6 14 21
New Year’s Day Three Kings Day (Epiphany) Eugenio María de Hostos’ Birthday Martin Luther King’s Birthday
»» march 22 Emancipation Day 29 Good Friday 31 Easter
»» May 12 Mother’s Day 27 Memorial Day
»» July 4 15 25 27
Independence Day Luis Muñoz Rivera’s Birthday Commonwealth of Puerto Rico José Celso Barbosa’s Birthday
»» october 12 Colombus’ Day 31 Halloween
»» December 24 Holy Night 25 Christmas Day 31 New Years Eve
14 Valentine’s Day 18 Presidents’ Day
»» April 15 José de Diego’s Birthday
»» June 16 Father’s Day
»» SEPTEMBER 2 Labor Day
»» November 11 Veteran’s Day 19 Discovery of Puerto Rico 28 Thanksgiving ** The third week of January Puerto Rico celebrates the “San Sebastian Street Festival” or otherwise known as “Las Calles de San Sebastián”. Official dates are still pending.
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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.gov Hospitals: 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 | ramon.quinones@aiesec.net Timothy White (VP OGX) 1-516-320-4916 | timothy.white@aiesec.net Sebastián Cordero (VP FNZ) 787-361-0794 | sebastian.cordero@aiesec.net Gabriel Cordoves (VP OD) 787-390-0946 | gabriel.cordoves@aiesec.net Françoise Latortue (VP ER) 939-717-7227 | francoise.latortue@aiesec.net LC Rio Piedras President: Michael Vazquez NC! 787-346-2102 | michael.vazquez@aiesec.net
LC Sagrado President: Cristina Joan Bailey 787-636-7613 | cristinajoan.bailey@aiesec.net
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important Safety Tips
Mejor prevenir que lamentar”
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 consideration 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. - To increase your safety, we recomend you carry a Pepper Spray close to you. - 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 things unattended. If possible, leave them at home. - Always carry your IDs. - At night try to always go out with someone. - BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AT ALL TIMES.
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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, transportation or any other topic, do not hesitate and contact us. We are here to help you and make this experience a wonderful adventure.
Let the adventure, begin !
Welcome to Puerto Rico
Exchange Participant Reception Booklet
Rinc贸n Beach Resort, A帽asco