Santo Domingo at your Fingertips

IN SANTO DOMINGO

A Guide for Students to Living and Studying in Santo Domingo

Hispaniola Academia Caribe de Lenguas, Santo Domingo Version 2.2 , Dec 2011

This material is property of Hispaniola Academia Caribe de Lenguas, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Special thanks to Doc. Lynne Guitar for her precious contribute and her special friendship

Introduccin

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his guide is intended to provide you with essential information for your stay in the Dominican Republic. It not only contains hands-on practical information, e.g., how to get around in Santo Domingo or how to order a meal, but it is also a guide that helps you to understand the Dominican people: their culture, their way of doing

things, and how and why these may be different than in your home country. We hope this package will prepare for your arrival and survival in Santo Domingo and will continue to serve you as a reference for your entire stay. Enjoy reading it. We are looking forward to seeing you soon in Santo Domingo.

Travel broadens the mind

raveling to the Caribbean, studying in the Dominican Republic, living in Santo Domingoall this will be an exciting experience for you. You will visit another part of the world, encounter a culture with many centuries of history and traditions; you will hear different points of view, observe that things are being done in a different way, smell different aromas, taste new flavors. These perceptions and the comprehension of them are likely to stimulate major changes in you. You may end up with a different view of the world and yourself. Isnt this what you are coming for? All you need for this is curiosity and openness: observe, listen, try out, understand and learn. Most of all, dont judge, but rather appreciate the diversity you encounter and try to understand where the differences are coming from. Relate them to the cultural and historical context you will be learning about (and which you may want to start reading about before you commence this journey.) You will notice that Dominicans have many different values and priorities than Americans. For example, convenience and speed of transaction seem less important to people in the Dominican Republic than in the U.S. Spending time and hanging together with friends and family, on the other hand, is an essential element and takes up a large part of their life. Differences in values have fundamental significance and a large impact on everyday life. Again, observe and listen, share your experiences and ideas, but dont impose your, or the American way of life, upon others. Most probably there will also be a difficult aspect during the first few weeks of this great learning experience: the so-called culture shock. It refers to a state of physical and emotional discomfort when living in a new environment. After an initial

period of excitement about the exotic impressions, you may find yourself becoming insecure about how to handle this new environment, critical about how certain things are done in your host country, angry that things seem more difficult to achieve. Be patient, keep your sense of humor, be curious, and make Dominican friendsthese are just a few hints for overcoming this common phenomenon. Similarly challenging are the problems you may face when returning home, full of new impressions and insights, confronting your old environment that will not have changed along with you. This phenomenon is called reverse culture shock or re-entry shock. If you are interested in learning more about culture shock, reverse culture/re-entry shock and how to cope with them, here are some suggestions: "Racial" categories-Here in the Dominican Republic, the concept of race is very different

than it is in the U.S. Here there is wide-open acceptance of what Americans call "people of color" at all levels of society, for most Dominicans are one of a wide variety of shades of brown, the result of centuries of intermarriage among Europeans, Africans and Indians. Nonetheless, it is far more difficult for morenos, very dark-colored Dominicans, to get ahead, for they are frequently mistaken for Haitians, and there has been bitter enmity for centuries between the two republics that share this one small island. In general, the whiter you are, the easier it is for you to get ahead and to get good jobs in the Dominican Republic, but with education, hard work and perseveranceand most particularly with money and/or political pull-even the darkest Dominican can enter the most elite business and social circles. In the end, what makes you "white" is less colorbased and more based upon your level of education, your occupation, your friends, how you dress, etc.

http://www.intlcounselingservices.net/3a.html http://wings.buffalo.edu/studyabroad/rculture.html (on reverse culture shock) http://www.worldwide.edu/planning_guide/Culture_Re-entry_Shock/ (in depth)

Preparing for the trip

here is more to preparing your trip to the Dominican Republic than just purchasing an airline ticket and packing your suitcase. There are many details to arrange beforehand, such as obtaining a passport, getting a visa (if necessary), etc. As such, it is always a good idea to plan ahead. to have a valid passport. A passport and a return ticket lets British, Canadian, and U.S. citizens remain for 90 days. While you are on the island, we recommend that you make a copy of it and carry it with you instead of the original.

YOUR DOCUMENTATION Passport

Once you have decided to come to the Dominican Republic, it is important

Upon arrival everyone entering the country has to obtain a tourist card. The tourist card can be purchased at a booth near the immigration booths for $10. Also, to exit the Dominican Republic, one has to pay an additional $10.

Travel/Medical Insurance
Check to see if your health insurance or other policies cover you for medical expenses and/or baggage lost while abroad. If you have an American Express credit card that may provide coverage as well. You may be able to purchase insurance through your travel agent or you can call one of the following companies: Travelex: 1-800-228-9792 Scholastic Overseas Services: 1-800-767-1403 Travelers: 1-800-243-3174

School Information Sheet

It is important to bring your School Information sheet with you. This letter has the address of the school, so have it handy in your purse or hand luggage during your trip. You will also receive the address of your accommodation 1-2 weeks before your departure via email. Make sure to take your accommodation address with you also. If you like, you can write these addresses at the end if this handbook to keep with you.

NOTE: Travel & Medical insurance is highly recommended.

Money
We recommend that you bring some cash for the trip for the first few days and an international credit card, to be able to withdraw money during your stay. You can also bring travelers checks to exchange money at the bank (most charge a high fee).

Visas
Visa requirements can and do change without notice. It is your responsibility to determine whether or not you require a visa or any other documentation to enter The Dominican Republic.

NOTE: Hispaniola Academia Caribe de Lenguas. will not be held liable for a failure on your part to obtain the necessary documentation needed to enter the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Embassies in each country determine the specific requirements necessary for obtaining a visa. If you have any uncertainty as to your visa status please contact the Dominican Embassy at:
http://www.domrep.org/

NOTE: In Santo Domingo and other tourist areas you may be approached by people in the street to change money. Dont do it, it is illegal and can get you into serious trouble, make sure you stick with the banks and hotels.

In case of a stay of more than three but less than six months, a visa is required. Also, if you are a resident of the U.S. but do not hold U.S. citizenship, a visa may be required.

The money you need to bring with you mainly depends on the accommodation type you choose and your living style. We recommend that you budget approximately $150$250 per week. It is possible to spend much less and of course you could spend much more if you shop a lot, go out every night, etc Count on some pocketmoney for other personal expense, for example: excursions

during the weekends (23-28 dollars). If you wish to participate in some of the cultural activities, you must pay some money. For example, a movie ticket costs about 4 to 5 dollars. Local public transportation is cheap. All major credit cards are accepted by many commercial establishments like hotels and gift shops. If you must pay by credit card, be sure there is no special commission, and check to be sure that the ultimate price is in pesos, not dollars. .

Climate and Clothing

It doesnt matter when you go to the Dominican Republic, because youll find the temperatures pretty much the same from month to month. On average, the temperatures in most of the Dominican Republic are around the upper 80s F (upper 20s C), falling a few degrees during the night. The weather is hot and humid with tropical temperatures all year long but it is never unpleasant thanks to winds and breezes and huge cumulus clouds which hide the sun for long periods. The rainy season is from June to October. Hurricanes may sometimes occur during this time. In Santo Domingo, the temperatures during the day are quite reasonable until about noon, when the sun, standing straight overhead, tends to become very hot. By two or three in the afternoon,

the temperatures moderate considerably. Being near the sea, the climate is influenced by morning and evening breezes, which further alleviate the tropical heat. Evenings are always mild, almost perfect. Santo Domingo has two pronounced rainy seasons: one in the fall, and one in early summer. Rain arrives in brief squalls and thunder showers, usually no longer than 20 or 30 minutes in duration. Things can get humid in Santo Domingo, especially during and immediately after a squall. Only during the late summer and fall, at the height of the hurricane season, is Santo Domingo in danger of hurricanes. Santo Domingo annually averages around 55 in of rain a year. Showers, frequent during the rainy season, occur often at night, sometimes very late, leaving the days sunny and mild.

Suggestions for Clothing:

Two pairs of comfortable shoes, one pair of formal shoes, one dressy outfit, swimsuit/beach wear, T-shirts or lightweight cotton good sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 8 or 15+), beach towel, toiletries, umbrella (during rainy season), beach shoes (such as Tevas), hat/cap, travel alarm clock, insect repellent, camera and film, dictionary, a money belt or shoulder wallet.
NOTE: Dominicans for the most part tend to dress well! Bring casual (but modest) clothing to school. Easy care fabric is advisable. Bring at least one outfit for dress up occasions. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes for school and travel.

How to get to your Accommodation

inally you are in The Dominican Republic! Soon you will be in your new home with your Dominican host family or with your flat mates.

Arrival at Las Americas International Airport

Las Americas is Santo Domingos international airport, located about 35 minutes from Santo Domingo. When you first arrive, youll think it is kind of dirty and crowded, but the airport works pretty well, and you can get through it easily with a little foreknowledge. FIRST, buy your tourist card at the point of departure OR on the incoming plane. SECOND, try to get to the baggage carousal quickly, and watch your luggage carefully. Dominican immigration laws allow tourists to stay up to 90 days with a Tourist Card which costs $10US and may be purchased at accredited Dominican Consulates abroad or upon their arrival in one of the country's international airports. For an extension of time in the country you may call the General Direction of Immigration, Tel: 685-2535 and pay a small fee. You can choose to wait until your departure and pay directly at the airport for the extra period you stayed in the Dominican Republic.

If you are using the airport transfer service.

If you have requested the airport transfer service, a representative from the school will meet you at the airport and will take you to your accommodations. The cost for airport pickup will be more expensive from the Puerta Plata and Punta Cana airports than from the main airport, Las Americas since they are very far from Santo Domingo.
NOTE: Somebody is waiting for you to pick you up and waiting time is limited according to the estimate hour of incoming. Any change and/or delay MUST be communicate immediately to the number (809) 856-5026 and only to this number to avoid loosing the pick-up. If, for same reason, nobody answer, try in 10 minutes again or leave a clear message with all the new data: the message will be heard in a very short time.

Tips for Students:

1. After landing, try to go out of the airplane quickly and go to the tourist card desk with your passport, $10US cash, flight details (arrival and departure), and destination address in Santo Domingo. Before arriving at the immigration desk, first go to the right side of the room and buy the Tourist Card ($10US), and then go to the immigration desk. Keep the receipt. The line will get really long very quickly. 2. Change a little bit of money at the airport, enough for the weekend. 3. If you are using the schools airport pickup service, a representative from the school will be at arrivals waiting for you.

Look for a sign with either your name or the name of the school. 4.Do not trust anybody at the airport to give you a ride, go directly to a taxi parked outside. The taxi costs $25-30US from the Las Americas airport. Settle on a price before you get in.

NOTE: Somebody is waiting for you to give you the keys of your accommodation and waiting time is limited according to the estimate hour of incoming. Any change and/or delay MUST be communicate immediately to the number (809) 856-5026 and only to this number. If, for same reason, nobody answer, try in 10 minutes again or leave a clear message with all the new data: the message will be heard in a very short time.

Logistics and transportation

Autobuses and guaguas
Metro Tours and Caribe Tours are the largest bus companies in the country, with large, comfortable buses for longrange travel to all destinations. Their buses are modern and normally in excellent condition, the schedule is strict, and drivers are normally well trained. Long-range travel may be made also with minor companies that run smaller buses and who normally charge cheaper prices. These smaller buses are often called guaguas. These guaguas make more stops and are less comfortable than the big buses.

Most guaguas are used for urban routes and, in this case, the number of seats is not

enough for the number of passengers, for they adopt the norm of placing 3 passengers on 2 seats, to which Dominicans are accustomed, but it might make you uncomfortable. This kind of transportation is not strictly organized, either. There are no fixed bus stops. Just make a sign when you are in the street and wish to board, or scream "!Djenme!" or something when you are on board and wish to leave. It can be a fun or frustrating experience, depending on your point of view. Urban service is also offered by OMSA, a stateowned company with large buses, fixed bus stops, longer routes than most guaguas, and cheap prices but they are very crowded. Apart from any consideration of the quality, the system seems to work, and it is possible to go everywhere using various kinds of public transportation and, often, within reasonable time frames.

chos. These are motorcycle taxis. Each motoconcho carries up to 2 passengers, plus the driver, and takes you directly to your destination. It is a fun transportation option, but sometimes pretty dangerous.

Taxi
Taxi rides are normally inexpensive in Santo Domingo; however, its not a good idea in the Dominican Republic to hail taxis from the street, unless you are very experienced. They can usually found at most corners in principle areas, e.g.: El Conde, Plaza Central, and at most bus/guagua stations. Alternatively, you can phone a taxi company directly and request a cab (these have the cheapest rates because they are radio dispatched). Here are some companies in the Capital: - Apolo Taxi (809) 537-0000, - Aero Taxi (809) 686-1212 - Anacaona Taxi (809) 530-4800. Once you give your address, you will be put on hold while the dispatcher locates a taxi. HOLD THE LINE. The dispatcher will confirm your booking and give you the number of the taxi, the color, and the approximate waiting time. Use only licensed taxis with a taxi shield. Unofficial taxis are likely to overcharge you. Standardized taxi rates do not exist. Always agree upon a price before the ride by telling the driver where you are going and asking how much (Cuanto cuesta?).

Carros pblicos and motoconchos

The urban king of transportation is the carro pblico (often called a concho). It is a kind of shared taxi, although it is a normal car, that has a fixed route. Carros pblicos carry 2 passengers in the front seat and 4 passengers in the backyes, plus the driver. Carros pblicos are everywhere and go nearly everywhere along short urban routes. You can ride in one, then get out and switch to another, and another but for longer distances, its better to take a guagua. Where there are no carros pblicos and in some places where public transportation is not available, there are usually motocon-

Taxis are a very safe means of transportation, however, a few drivers may try to rip you off, e.g. by taking the long way to your destination, if they can tell you are a foreigner. One way to prevent this is to have a look at a map to know generally in which direction you should be headed before you get into the taxi.

particular emphasis must be placed on the insurance and damages policies. Note that, unless you speak Spanish well enough to ask for and to understand route directions, it is not advisable to rent a car because, in general, roads in the Dominican Republic are not well marked. A special note about Police: they have the right (and often do it) to stop you just for a control. They do not need a special reason to check your documents and your car. Very often they do that as an excuse to ask you for some tip: it is up to you to accept or not (Lo siento no tengo minudo sorry I have no change). You are supposed to stop when a police indicate it you but late at night or in a very isolated place when just one or two "officers" are present it is common to go ahead. Use your discretion doing that.

Car hire
It may or may not be cheaper or more convenient to arrange a car rental from home. To rent a car in the Dominican Republic, you must be over 21 and have had your drivers license for at least a year. Payment with a credit card is recommended, otherwise you will need to leave a substantial cash deposit. There are dozens of agencies but according to our experience, international ones are more reliable. At the moment of rental,

Money and banking

The Dominican Peso (DOP or RD$)
Dominican currency is the peso. Rates of exchange vary, but generally waiver around 38 pesos to 1 American dollar. You can ex- change dollars for pesos at any bank (most are open Mon-Fri until 4:30PM and Sat until noon), or at a Casa de Cambio, which are es- pecially prevalent in tourist districts. Do not, however, change money on the street, no matter how high a rate of exchange is offe- red. The risk of being short-changed is not worth the extra percentage points.

come in denominations of 5 pesos and 1 peso. There are also coins worth 50, 25, 10, and 5 cents, but they are seldom used.

Credit cards and ATM

All mayor credit cards are honored. You can use it nearly everywhere. ATM machines are also present widely and debit cards are also accepted in many establishments.

Bank notes and coins

Peso notes come in denominations of 2000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins

The use of credit cards is convenient even if the risk of fraud is high: all charges that you deny will be easily credited back from the credit card company at the moment of your complaint. On the other side you avoid the need to carry much cash with you Just in case: before your arrival in Dominican Republic you can fix with your bank a policy of safety for your card. If the amount is higher than what you fixed no international use will be possible without your previous permission/call.

counter marked Cambio. The exchange rates vary from bank to bank, but should always be posted somewhere in the bank. Bank hours are generally 8.30am16:30pm from Monday to Friday. They are closed Saturdays (although some are open until noon), Sundays and national holidays. We suggest: Banco LeonCalle Isabel la Catlica, esquina Mercedes. Commercial change offices (Casas de Cambio) These exchange offices are located throughout the city and are especially concentrated in tourist areas. They often have more favorable exchange rates than the banks, hence they are an economically wise choice. We suggest: Doa Elsa, Calle Isabel la Catlica, esquina Luperon.
NOTE: School secretariat will inform you upon request about the daily rate. NOTE: School secretariat is also available to change your money while you are in class. Before you enter you lessons you may leave the currency to secretary and we will send somebody to change it for you so when you get out from class you will receive your pesos.

Changing money
When it is time for you to change money, there are a number of things that you should consider. Planning ahead is the best way to make sure that you will get good exchange rates and thus get the most pesos for your dollars. Exchange Rate: The exchange rate you will receive for your dollars will vary almost daily, based on the official exchange rate. It will also vary based on where you change money, i.e. bank vs. change office. Finally, the exchange rate will always be less favorable in tourist areas and in places where you may have no other choice. Commission: Normally no commission is charged. The best way to make sure that you get the best exchange rate for your money is to plan ahead and to do a bit of looking around. The following are some suggestions and information about where to exchange money. Also: if you carry travelers checks, you will need to show your passport in order to exchange them. In this case, the exchange will be lower. Banks You may exchange money at many banks in Santo Domingo, often at the

Getting Money From Home

Receiving money from the United States can go from being easy to being extremely complicated. The mail service is slow and unpredictable, and charges for wire transfer services and the like are expensive. NEVER have cash mailed to you from home. It can easily be lost or stolen and cannot be replaced. Below are some suggestions for receiving money from home. Automatic teller machines (ATM): This is the easiest, safest and most economical way to receive money from the U.S., as-

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suming of course that you have an ATM card with a PIN (your secret Personal Identification Number) that works on one of the international banking systems like Cirrus, Plus, Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, etc. If you do, all you need to do is locate a machine that displays the logo of the system your card uses. You will withdraw money in pesos, and the amount in dollars will be debited from your account at home. The exchange rates for these transactions are often very good and most U.S. banks charge only small fees. This is also an excellent way of receiving money in case of an emergency, as someone at home can deposit money into your American account and you can withdraw it, usually within a day or two. Credit card cash advance: If you dont have a PIN, you can also get a cash advance from your credit card at most banks during regular hours. There is often a considerable charge for this, however, both at the bank here and at your home bank. American Express or Western Union: Another way to receive money from abroad is through American Express, even if you do not carry an American Express Card, Western Union. However, it is expensive and must be done during their business hours. Anyone at home, with or without an American Express Card, can arrange for money to be wired to you at the American Express office or Western Union office in Santo Domingo. It usually takes two days for the money to arrive for the American Express and 1 to 2 hours for Western Union. You can vist http://www.westernunion.com/info/selec t Country.asp to find the nearest Western union Agency

Wire transfer to the school: You can ask your parents to send you a wire transfer to school account. You will receive the money in Dominican pesos cash as soon as the wire transfer will be credited (usually 24-48 hours). Some bank fees may apply depending by the source of the transfer.

Additional tips about banking and exchanging money

Avoid exchanging money in hotels, restaurants, stores, and railroad stations. The rate is usually not very good. Never let an individual who offers you pesos for your dollars on the street exchange money for you, no matter how good the exchange rate is; counterfeit bills have already appeared, and in general, you are likely to be ripped off. Try to avoid exchanging money on the weekends; since the exchange offices know you are desperate, they may try and take advantage of the situation. When possible, use a credit card for hotels, restaurants, train tickets, and major purchases in order to save your cash and traveler's checks for later. The exchange rate on credit card purchases is often one of the best you can get. Always be aware of your surroundings when exchanging money. Take the extra time to understand your transaction and put your money away safely. If you exchange money at an exchange place, their walk-up counters can be an invitation for people to watch your entire transaction from the street behind you: BE ALERT! Useful vocabulary for currency exchange Cul es la tasa de cambio hoy? - What is the exchange rate today? Dnde puedo cambiar dlares? - Where can I exchange dollars?

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Communication
Public telephones
In the Dominican Republic you can find public phones that accept coins or phone cards with a numeric code. If you find a phone with a slot for money, it can be activated by inserting at least 5RD$. Comunication centers (such as the Verizon center on El Conde) are a good alternative. You make your phone call, and a little display shows how much are you spending in RD$. At the end of your call/calls, you pay at the desk with cash and/or a credit or debit card. cal general stores) and lots of shops. With this card, you can call anywhere in world from any telephone. You rub off the strip to reveal your "account number" and dial the toll-free number from a public or private phone to access the provider. Then you follow the recorded instructions (which are also written on the cards). Communication Centers: Every city has one or more communication centers with different fares. Near school, the Verizon center, on the Conde street, offers telephone, fax and internet services for reasonable rates. Time Zones: Remember that, while the U.S. is on Daylight Savings Time (from October through March), you are one hour ahead of the East Coast, two hours ahead of the Midwest, and four hours ahead of the West Coast. The rest of the year, Dominican time is the same as Eastern Standard Time.

NOTE: Emergency calls (911) from any phone are free of charge.

Calling abroad
There are different ways to make calls outside of the Dominican Republic, ranging from good value to horrendously expensive. Phone cards: An economical way to place international calls is by using the ComuniCard phone card, available in various values, and obtainable at any colmado (lo-

Dialing instructions
To call the U.S. from the Dominican Republic:

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The Dominican Republic belongs to the U.S. phone network. To call the U.S. from the Dominican Republic, it is not necessary the 011 code, but just the 1 and then the area code and phone number.

- from inside the city : 809 689-8350 - from anywhere else in the Dominican Republic:1-809 689-8350 - from a cellular phone anywhere in the Dominican Republic: 809 689-8350 - from abroad: + 809 689 8350 *

1 + Area Code + Local Number. To call another country from the Dominican Republic (not the U.S.): 011 + Country Code (see list below) + City (Area) Code + Local Number. Here are some commonly used country and city codes: Austria Belgium France Germany United Kingdom Greece Holland Italy Japan Spain Switzerland (43) - Vienna (1) (32) - Brussels (2) (33) - Paris (1) (49) - Berlin (30), Munich (89) (44) (30) (31) (39) (81) (34) (41) - London (171) or (181) - Athens (1) - Amsterdam (20) - Rome (6) - Tokyo (3) - Madrid (1) - Zurich (1) To call the Hispaniola emergency cellular: from a wired telephone anywhere in Dominican Republic: 1-809-856-5026 from a cellular phone anywhere in Dominican Republic: 809-856-5026 from abroad: + 809 856 5026 * To call the Dominican Republic from abroad: The Dominican Republic belongs to the U.S. phone network. To call the Dominican Republic from the U.S., it is not necessary to dial the 011 code, but just the 1 and then the area code (809). To call the DR from anywhere else in the world, you need to dial the international 011 code, then the area code (809) then the number. International Code (different in every country; 1 from the US) + 809 (Dominican Republic's Country Code) + Local Number Example: To call the Hispaniola office in Santo Domingo from the U.S.: 1 809 856 5026

To call within the Dominican Republic:

- Local Number for local calls - 1+ local number for national long distance (out of the city) - 1+ number for wired telephone to any cellular phone - number only for cellular phone to any national phone (cellular or wired) Example To call the Hispaniola office in Santo Domingo (wired telephone):

NOTE: The numbers "809", "829" and 849 indicate the Dominican Republic in the international telephonic system. In this case the sign "+" indicates the number/s you have to dial to call abroad. This number/s may change from country to country (may be 1 or 0 or 00 or 01 or 001or 011..). Please refer to a local provider.

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Indicating the time

Some official functions use the 24-hour international system when referring to time, although people in conversation usually do not. Normally the "am-pm" system is the most widely used.

E-mail and Internet

Internet terminals are available at the school at no charge. You can also receive e-mail via the school e-mail address: info@hispaniola.org. Tell your friends and family to always mention your name in the subject line of the e-mail! Internet Caf closest to school: Verizon Communication Center, calle El Conde.

The Post Office

The local post office can be found near the Cathedral, on calle Isabel la Catlica between El Conde and Billini. It is usually open weekdays from 8.30am4.00pm, and Saturdays from 8.30am12.30pm. The post office is the only reliable way to send mail. Mail boxes in the street are not reliable. We recommend using Priority Mail (Correo Prioritario) with guaranteed delivery times (within the Dominican Republic, next day, to the U.S., 3 days, rest of the world, 4-9 days). Its faster and only marginally more expensive. Ask for sellos (stamps) posta prioritaria and youll receive the stamps and additional priority stickers to be stuck to the letter. No additional AIRMAIL sticker is necessary since posta prioritaria is always mailed by air.

Newspapers
If you want to keep up with the world, there are options for you in Santo Domingo. To read in English, you can buy most U.S. papers at the shop located on Arzobispo Nouel between Hostos and Merio. Local newspapers can be found for sale at any corner. You should also try to read a newspaper in Spanish. Beginners in Spanish should try to read Listin Diario; for the vocabulary used is relatively simple. El Caribe is a higher quality newspaper, thus may be more difficult to understand. Dominican magazines of general interest include Mercado featuring articles on the Dominican Republic and on world affairs, Estrategia y Negocios featuring articles on business in DR, Banca, focused on bank and finance, and Suceso, focused on scandalistic press. Also interesting is the monthly Guia al Dia with a review of social/cultural/entertainment activities of the month.

Useful vocabulary
Un sello postal A stamp / Direccion / Address Posta prioritaria Priority Mail / Un sobre / An envelope Va area Air mail / Una postal / A postcard

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When in Santo Domingo

Etiquette in the Dominican Republic
Most Dominicans, particularly citizens of Santo Domingo who are used to foreigners, are fairly tolerant about the cultural differences between themselves and Americans, provided they feel you are making the effort to "fit in." You, too, therefore, should try to be understanding about their differences and attempt to understand rather than just tolerate them, or become frustrated. Living in Santo Domingo is your chance to learn about the Dominican culture and different ways of doing things. Your success will depend on how open your mind is. Always remember to be considerate, respectful, polite, and optimistic in all your dealings: at home, the post office, the store, with friends, in the bus, etc. When you enter a room or store, acknowledge the presence of others by saying "Buenos dias" or "Buenas tardes," for example. Similarly, when you leave a shop or an office (even if you are only looking), thank them ("Muchas gracias"). form of address. First names are not used as often as they are in the U.S. When addressing a man, call him "Seor + (last name)," and a woman, "Seora + (last name)." You may use the "tu," the informal form of address, with friends, children, and students of your own age; with adults ONLY when they tell you to do so.

Hugging, kissing, and holding hands

Dominicans seldom just shake hands. Thats considered to be somewhat too formal, cold, rude. They kiss each other hello and goodbye on the cheek. The trick is to turn your head slightly to the left and kiss his or her right cheek, while theyre kissing your right cheek. The kiss will no doubt be followed and/or preceded by a hug. It is not considered to be unmanly for a man to greet another close male friend or family member in this way, either, although the American thump on the back or hearty handshake is becoming more common. Women friends walk hand in hand or arm in arm down the street without fear of being labeled gay its how friends show their affection. Likewise, mothers and fathers still cuddle their children, hug them, kiss them, and walk hand

Greetings
Social relations are still formal in the Dominican Republic. When speaking to any adult, you must use the Usted, the formal

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in hand with them in public, without the children being in the least bit embarrassed. Its wonderful.

Manners
Dominicans may appear to you as being more formal even at home. Avoid slouching when sitting, and never put your feet on the furniture: It is considered bad manners in the U.S., but is extremely rude in the Dominican Republic. Also, if staying with a family, observe respectable hours: Don't sleep the entire day away and if you do come home late at night, do your best not to disturb the others at home.

Table manners
When at the dining table, you should keep both hands above the table. The U.S. way of keeping one hand on your lap while you eat is not considered proper. Furthermore, Dominicans don't switch hands when using a fork and a knife to cut food; they simply turn the fork around and put the bite of food in their mouth. If you can't do this, don't worry, they'll understand. Finally, observe the manners you learned as a child: place your napkin on your lap; offer food to others before you serve yourself; take small portions and wait until the host(ess) has sat down and begun eating before you start. After dinner, offer to help clear the table. Most importantly, try everything! Eating is sacred for Dominicans: sharing, trying and enjoying a meal together is very important. If you are a picky eater and are invited to a Dominican home for dinnerdecide for that night not to be so picky! You may discover new dishes that youll love.

TIME: A common complaint is that Dominicans are never on time. Thats true, but not because they are "lazy" or because they are "careless" or "unthinking." The Protestant equation of "time is money" does not exist here. In the Dominican Republic, people are more important than things. If a Dominican has an appointment at 3 p.m. and is en route to keep that appointment, he or she would think it very rude not to stop and chat with friends and family along the way far ruder than keeping you waiting. After all, they assume that you will be chatting with someone at the appointed location. And thats the best way to pass the time, socializing. Also keep in mind that most Dominicans use public transportation, so have only limited control over how fast or how slowly they cover the route. And if they are driving their own vehicle or taking a taxi, there are all those tapones (traffic jams) to deal with, which are a fact of life no matter the hour in the Capitals busy, congested streets. So relax, theyll join you ahorita--flexible in meaning, the word initially meant "right away," but in the modern Dominican Republic it means "whenever."

NO PROBLEMA: Sometimes the Dominicans tendency to say that there is "no problem" is a big problem for foreigners! Its a clash of cultures. Dominicans dont want to upset you by saying that they dont know, are uncertain, or that things are not proceeding in a positive way. So, for example, if you ask directions to a particular place, and they dont know where it is, theyll point you in a convenient direction, assuming that youll ask again up the road and someone there will know and will give you the correct information. Try not to get frustrated, nor to think badly of them. No one is intentionally lying to you or misleading you. And who knows? You might just see something interesting along the unintentional routeyou might have a serendipitous adventure. Remember that time is more flexible here, is to be enjoyed, not guarded as a scarce resource.

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Pssssst!!! "What is that hissing noise?" many visitors ask themselves. It's a Dominican trying to get a pretty woman's attention, or his male friend's attention, or another cup of coffee, or perhaps he's trying to get his check from the waitor. Going "Psssst!" is not rude here, it's how things get done.

let paper in on itself and place it in the wastebasket, not in the toilets.

Electricity
The current is 110 volts, 60 cycles - just like in North America. You'll hear much talk about electrical blackouts, but they occur less frequently than they used to and tend to last only one to two minutes (when they're over, everyone claps). Hotels and most restaurants have generators.

La siesta: Most shops close for siesta from 1 pm to 3 pm, so get what you need before they close. Most shops reopen at around 3pm and close around 7pm. GARBAGE & SANITATION- One of the biggest complaints that tourists have about the Dominican Republic is the garbage. True, there is a lot of litter strewn about, especially in the Capital. This is partly due to lax anti-litter laws (in the Trujillo Era, the country was squeaky clean under penalty of death!), partly due to a shortage of garbage cans (garbage cans cost money, which is a scarce resource here), and to too many people living together too closely in too small a space. Its also due, in part, to lack of interest. Who cares about litter when you and your family are trying to scrounge up enough money for food and rent? Do like Dominicans do. Step over or around the garbage and ignore it as best you can. But please remember your manners and carry your own litter with you until you find a garbage canhopefully youll set a good example. (Note that garbage IS picked up on a regular basis here in the Capital. It just accumulates quickly.) *A special note about toilet paper & sanitationThe Dominican sewage cleaning system cannot handle much paper. In the bathrooms of private homes, in hotel bathrooms, restaurant bathrooms, bar and nightclub bathrooms, airport bathrooms... In every bathroom here, there are waste receptacles beside the toilet. These are for used toilet paper. Please fold your used toi-

Time
Dominican time is the same as U.S. Eastern Time.

National Holidays
The majority of the holidays in the Dominican Republic coincide with religious holidays. The school is normally open to standard course 9-12 but sometimes it takes some one of these holidays off. In this case lessons will be held on the nearest saturday 9-12. All students will be advised few days in advance. However, banks and other institutions may be closed, so plan accordingly. New Years Day- January 1 Epiphany- January 6 Our Lady of Altagracia January 21 Duartes Birthday January 26 Independence Day, Carnival February 27 Good Friday- Easter Sunday- March/April Labor Day- May 1 Restoration Day August 16 Our Lady of Las Mercedes September 24 Constitution Day November 6 Christmas - December 25 New Years Eve- December 31

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NOTE: There are some additional regional holidays, so be aware!

Jobs and what they pay-In many countries of the world, workers work and lazy people do not. That is not the case here. Here, there are very few jobs available for the average Dominican, and most of those jobs pay very little-the average worker here earns RD$ 2 per day, about US$7, and is lucky to get that; female domestics earn half that or less. So Dominicans use creativity to earn money. Little boys at the beach offer to run and buy you cold drinks or cigarettes for the peso or two of change they hope you will give them, or will shine your shoes in the park for RD$5, but are hopeful that you'll pay more. Young and old alike sell nuts, fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, tv antennas, and a wide variety of other products at the street corner or driver-direct when the traffic light turns red, as well as from impromptu stands set up in front of permanent stores, or they set up shop in parking lots, or sell door to door or along the beach. They sell their services as guides, as drivers, as translators, as runners, as hair dressers and hair braiders... they sell their fruits and vegetables, and their hot, sweet coffee, and homemade empanadas, and candy and cigarettes, and lottery tickets, etc., etc., etc. Wherever there are buyers, there are sellers here. If there is a market niche for goods or services of any kind, a creative Dominican will discover it and fill the niche. Dominicans are not "hassling" you, nor trying to "hustle" you. They are trying to earn enough money to live on and to support their familes. Unfortunately, some of the

open niches are for prostitution and other unsavory activities, mostly because tourists come here to buy them. Drug use and sales, however, are both harshly dealt with by the Dominican police and justice system, so are not the problem that they are elsewhere. There's even a market niche for sympathy, which the multitude of beggars both young and old here fill in their own charismatic ways. They are human beings trying to survive in a world without welfare, a world that depends on your charity. If you can't give money, at least smile and say hello.

Improving your Spanish

No matter what level of language you are studying, there are many ways to improve your Spanish on a daily basis. Much of the reason for studying in a foreign country is to have constant access to the language and its speakers. Below are some suggestions, which may or may not be obvious, of ways to improve your Spanish outside the classroom. Try to speak Spanish with your friends as much as possible. Even speaking Spanish with other language students helps you improve your use of the language. Therefore, make the effort and dont take the easy route (given that most students in our school speak English to some extent)! Frequent typical Dominican places. Making Dominican friends IS easy and if you surround yourself only with other American students, you can be sure that you won't make Dominican friends. By going to bars and cafes "off the beaten path" you have a better chance to meet Dominicans and to speak Spanish.

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 Try to make conversation with the people you see every day: the butcher, baker, barkeeper, etc. If you frequent the same places regularly, the store owners will recognize you and take an interest in how and what you are doing. Try to listen to spoken Spanish as much as possible: watch TV, go to the movies in Spanish, listen to the radio, or shadow a Spanish tour group in a church or museum. Try to read everything you see: street signs, advertisements, the newspaper, clothing descriptions in store windows, food labels, comic books, magazines. Just

saying the words to yourself, even in your head, will help you develop vocabulary. Look up words in your dictionary if you don't know their meaning; if you don't look them up when you first see them, you will be twice as frustrated if you still don't know their meaning the second (and third) time you see the same word! Write it down! Always carry a small notebook with you to jot down the new terms you hear. It will be your source of "real life" vocabulary that you will quickly absorb and utilize.

Dominican food and restaurants

nyone not familiar with the Dominican cuisine, or who is in the Dominican Republic for the first time, may be surprised to find out that the Dominican cuisine here is quite different from what is called "Dominican food" in the U.S. Does this mean that Dominicans in the U.S are not real Dominicans? No, but many dishes considered Dominican in the U.S. (a) were imported from Dominicans long ago, and (b) have been adapted more or less to the American taste buds over the time. Criollo Foods-One of the most fascinating areas in which to study the blending of cultures that became "Dominican" is through foodways. Extensive Tano influence is found here in the choice of foods-yucca, squash, beans and other root vegetables are still daily

staples, as they were in the days before Europeans arrived. Tano influence is evident in how those daily staples are grown, for many Dominican peasants still grow them on conucos (the Tanos' term for their gardens) using coas (the Tanos digging sticks). And Tano influence is evident in how foods are prepared-cassabe bread is still made in the traditional way, and the Dominican national dish of salcocho or sancocho, a stewed dish made with several meats and root vegetables seasoned with onion, peppers and bitter orange, is obviously a relative of the Tanos' traditional ajiaco that was a stew made of whatever protein was available (mainly fish) and root vegetables seasoned with peppers and the juice of bitter yucca. The island's people quickly adopted Europe's domestic chickens, cows, pigs and

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Restaurant: Formal restaurant offering more refined and expensive dining; you are expected to order a meal consisting of at least two courses. Comedor: Casual, often family-run place with simple, hearty dishes and a menu often written in chalk on a board, rather than printed and handed to you. Pizzeria: What you would expect: usually a rustic place for pizza, salads and starters; often

fairly inexpensive. Cafeteria: Place with ready-made hot food to take out or to eat at one of the few small tables often available. Fast Food: Same franchises as in the U.S. Pica pollo: Sells fried chicken or chicken cooked on a spit. Chimi: Ham-

burger or pork sandwich prepared in the street with special seasonings. These are delicious to eat, especially when accompanied by typically very cold Presidente (the most popular local beer).

goats, garden vegetables such as lettuce, parsley, onions, garlic and carrots, citrus fruits, bananas and plantains, and the carbohydrate staple that was introduced into the Spanish diet by the Moors-rice. The Spaniards also introduced sugar and rum, and coffee, all of which are important to Dominicans today. From Africa came more vegetables (okra, eggplant), a taste for beer, and new cooking methods, such as steaming foods in palm leaves, cooking them with coconut milk, and preparing quipes (these are the Dominican equivalent of the Arabic raw ground beef, whole wheat and spice mixture called kibe, but Dominicans roll it into cones and deep fry it).

ce, menu, size and quality. They fall into the following categories:

The menu
Menus sometimes are displayed outside, but not normally. Its best to check the prices before you decide to eat somewhere. There is a full range of restaurants in the city where you can find any cuisine you desire, from the familiar American fast-foods to exotic international dishes. Note that Dominicans are especially fond of pizza, fried chicken, and ice cream, all of which are abundant.

Eating out
There are a number of different types of eating establishments in the Dominican Republic. They vary in pri-

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Generally speaking, street food here in the capital is safe for most people to eat (those with super-sensitive stomachs know who they are and should avoid street vendors), though its best to look for the most popular vendors and eat at key times of day, so that the food is fresh. When going out for dinner, Dominicans will either have a simple pizza evening, perhaps adding a starter to their pizza, or will order the main dish with a dessert. The menu in Dominican Republic looks something like this: Picadera: Spanish-style appetizers. Cold little snacks to accompany your drink (trago). Good at any time. Entrada: Appetizers in the U.S. style, to eat before the main course. Plato fuerte: Main coursesalways served with side dishes (you choose among options). Pizza: Depending where you are, you can find pizza thin and crispy or thick and doughy. The pizza can be for one person or familiar (personal o grande). Toppings by request. Postres Desserts--Cake, fruit, ice cream. Try el flan de leche. Caff: Coffeeit is not so normal to drink coffee after eating as it is in the U.S.. Typical Dominican coffee is stronger than American style; often available as expresso. Dont worry, unless youre in an expensive restaurant, you're under no pressure to or-

der a certain number of courses. It's perfectly normal to order just a picadera and a drink (trago), or just your trago. Some places offer a fixed-price tourist menu (men del dia) including a La Bandera (beans and rice, salad, choice of meat).

Drinking alcohol
Beer and rum are inexpensive in the Dominican Republic, and young Dominicans have relatively easy access to alcohol. Great alcohol consumers, Dominicans drink their tragos at any moment and consider it sacred. They never leave half of their drink if they have to move. Any restaurant, bar, disco, comedor, etc., will provide a plastic glass so you can take your drink with you. In any social activity, an alcoholic drink is a "must," but normally the drink is just social. In any case, dont make a bad impression,by drinking more than you can handle, losing control and getting yourself into trouble, possibly with the police, who have no tolerance with drunkards with bad manners with and disturbing behavior. Being seen drunk in public is considered to be in very poor taste. Getting the check at a bar or restaurant is not automatic in the Republic Republic. The waiter will not bring it to you just because you've finished your meal, your dessert, and your coffee. To do so would be considered the height of rudeness here! You virtually "own" the table

until you call for the check (with a hearty "Psssst!" as described above), pay it, and get up and leave.

SAFETY Food and Water

Take it easy the first few days in the Dominican Republic (eat and drink with moderation). Allow your body time to adjust to the different foods, drinks, climate, etc. Be careful with respect to buying food from street venders. If you must eat this food, buy from a vender where you see many Dominicans eating. While many people never experience problems eating the food from street venders, to be on the safe side, just avoid them altogether. Be careful with undercooked dishes and avoid un-refrigerated dairy products. Wipe off the top of any can or bottle before you drink from it. Stick to bottled water. All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated and sterilization should be considered essential. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise purified. Milk is pasteurized. Powdered or tinned milk is available. Only eat well-cooked meat, preferably served hot. Many Dominicans do not eat fish because of contamination, so avoid eating fish at low end restaurants. Salad may carry increased risk: vegetables should be always cooked and fruit peeled. DRINKING WATER: Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration in the tropical heat, but drink only bottled water or the 1-peso plastic bags. Dont worry about ice. All ice used or sold commercially is made from purified water.

Tipping
Waiters in the Dominican Republic receive a poor salary. Tips are essential. When you pay the bill, you are already charged with a 10% tip, by law (and a 16% tax, making a 26% extra that is not normally reflected in the menus prices). You should leave extra money if you received good service, but please do not go by the U.S. rule and leave 20% or more. Honestly, you will ruin the prices and the waiters attitudes, who may in future expect the same from every client. A good rule of thumb is to leave around 5% to 10%. If service has been slack or rude, don't feel ashamed to leave nothingor to check the bill in detail, as there is still the very occasional restaurateur who becomes strangely poor at mathematics when dealing with tourists.

Grocery shopping
If you choose to eat in, the possibilities are endless as to what you can buy. Doing the grocery shopping is part of the experience and fun of cooking and eating, e.g. with friends. In most neighborhoods, youll find a supermercado. There are a number of chains in Santo Domingo, among others, Nacional, Despensa, and Dominicano. However, the more traditional way is to buy your food in small grocery shops called colmados. It is a mom-and-pop store around the corner with a small selection of almost everything you need in the Dominican kitchen. For produce, local markets (many openair) are the best for freshness and price.

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SUN PROTECTION: Walk and stand in the shade whenever you can, and wear sun protection lotion for those times when you cant find shade (minimum #15). Super sunsensitive people will want to wear long sleeves and a brimmed hat, or maybe even carry a "parasol." Sunglasses are almost a necessity for everyone. As mentioned above, drink lots of bottled water to avoid dehydration. Passport Security We recommend that you make three photocopies of your passports photo page and place them in a "strategic" place, e.g., in your suitcase or a drawer in your room. While in Santo Domingo, you should carry a photocopy with you at all times. Carry your actual passport with you only when you need to exchange money, check into a hotel while traveling (even within the Dominican Republic), or cross the Dominican border. When not in use, the passport should be put safely away somewhere in your room, hidden from view. General safety advice for Santo Domingo Santo Domingo is a surprisingly safe city. Apart from the occasional pickpocket, especially in tourist areas, or late-night mugging, there is little true violence in Santo Domingo. Nevertheless, normal and common sense precautions are important, as they are at home: Never carry large sums of money with you. Avoid carrying your passport with you. Carry a photocopy instead. Take your passport with you only when exchanging money or traveling. Carry your wallet in a front or breast pocket; never carry it in a back pocket! Carry your purse or bag with the strap hung diagonally across your torso, tucked under your arm when possible. When on a bus or in a crowded place (e.g. a market),

keep your hand on your wallet, or on the zipper or clip of the bag. You shouldn't carry anything of value in a backpack, since they are easily rummaged through without you knowing it! Though they seem practical, fanny packs are an invitation for most thieves! Watch your step when out walking! Pedestrians do NOT have the right of way. Look both ways and wait until traffic is clear to cross streets. And look DOWN as well ahead while walking to avoid twisted ankles or worse in the many areas where the sidewalks are broken or water-valve covers are missing. Finally: Watch out and use your head! Safety at home Fortunately, most homes and apartments are very safe and the chances of an incident are very slim. However, you are responsible for keeping your home safe. Here are some important rules to follow concerning home safety: Never write your name or address on your keys! If they are lost, this is a direct indication to your house and belongings. Lost keys should be reported immediately to the Hispaniola school secretariat Keep the windows of your room and apartment securely locked when you are not home. Keep your personal belongings of value locked in a suitcase or closet. Never let anyone you don't know into the building. Living in your apartment For your own safety in your rented apartment you must observe the following rules: Keep shared areas (kitchen, bathroom, lounge if applicable) clean and tidy,

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wash your dishes after meals, and take out your garbage. Dont bring alcohol and/or drugs into the apartment. Dont have parties, and avoid other noise at night that would only provoke neighbors to call the policewith foreseeable consequences. Overnight guests are not permitted. Violation of these basic rules will lead to expulsion from the apartment and, in serious cases, from the program. There will be zero tolerance! Safety while traveling Buses/Guaguas: The buses in Santo Domingo, by U.S. standards, are very safe. However, at rush hours buses can become very crowded, and this is the ideal working environment for pickpockets. Follow the general safety procedures described above. Carros Pblicos: When riding in public cars (also called conchos) get your 10-peso fee out before you enter the car and guard your purse on your lap. Hired Cars: If you decide to drive your own car" agregarle: "This option should be considered only if you are a very experimented driver as roads in Dominican Republic are "not very good" while traffic is very "anarchic". In case you decide to rent a car, never forget to hire a full-cover insurance, a handy copy of your documents (photo ID&driving licence), a detailed map of Dominican Republic and cellular phone.

Also, possibly DON'T leave the car parked in the street during the night. Safety for women MACHISMO & PIROPOS: Much has been written about Latin American machismo, the ancient tradition that is so opposite to the ideals of modern Womens Liberation. If you are female, please do not be offended when a Dominican man opens doors for you, offers his hand or his arm, assists you across a street, or any of a number of other caballeroso (gentlemanly) things he may insist on doing, including commenting on your beauty, your charm, etc., in a way that may seem to you to be excessive or even rude (see "Piropos" in the section that follows). It is a longstanding Dominican tradition to be excessively, attentively a gentleman around women of all ages. Despite what is often seen by foreigners as too much machismo "posing," Dominican men are far more free to express their loving feelings and emotions with their children, friends, and family members, whether male or female, than most Americans or Europeans. Its not even unusual to see two Dominican men dancing togethermerengue, of course, or other fast-paced music, not a romantic bolero. Piropos (wolf calls)Many American and European women become upset because of all the piropos thrown their way by Dominican men. They interpret the remarks and suggestions as "wolf calls," but in point of fact the word is more properly translated as

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"compliments." Americans and Europeans are "exotics" here, thus are almost all seen as handsome or beautiful. And Dominican men genuinely appreciate even large women and older women of all nationalities, seeing them for the attributes they have. And when a Dominican man sees a beautiful woman, he cant help but comment upon her beauty and, frequently, how hed like to spend time with her. In point of fact, a Dominican man would think it horribly rude and uncultured not to say something complimentary to a beautiful woman as she passes by. So please do not interpret either the remarks or the men who make them by the standards of your home country. The piropos are compliments by appreciative men. Smile, say "gracias," and walk on. Especially young foreign women will experience this well-known phenomenon of piropos in the Dominican Republic. In general, it doesnt go beyond staring, whistling, calling out and honking, but it can become annoying. Here are some important suggestions to follow: Pay attention to how you dress: try not to show too much skin (tank tops, short skirts or pants) if you aren't comfortable attracting attention. Avoiding "touristy" attire (college shirts, sneakers, Birkenstocks) can also prevent unwanted attention.

Adopt the attitude of Dominican women: walk like you know where you are going, avoid eye contact (sunglasses may be helpful) and meet all advances with dignity, silence, and an impassive gaze. If somebody is bothering you on an overcrowded bus, move toward the driver or turn to another person next to you. Most Dominicans are embarrassed by the treatment that foreign women receive in the Dominican Republic and will be supportive and helpful if they see that you are being bothered. Hitchhiking is an absolute NO-NO! Above all, use common sense. Don't walk around alone late at night (let's say, after 11pm). Dont put yourself at risk when you might not know how to handle the situation. Pssssst!!! "What is that hissing noise?" many visitors ask themselves. It's a Dominican trying to get a pretty woman's attention, or his male friend's attention, or another cup of coffee, or perhaps he's trying to get his check from the waitor. Going "Psssst!" is not rude here, it's how things get done. POLICE HEADQUARTERS: Palacio de la Policia Lepoldo Navarro Tel: (809) 221-2151 For thefts, passport problems etc.

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Accommodation
Living with a Dominican Family
Host families are a very important part of your overall language immersion experience because you will not only have the opportunity to learn about the culture but also you will be able to practice Spanish. Bed linens and laundry. Linens are provided by your family and will be changed once a week. You will need to bring a towel and all personal toiletries. Laundry is included but for delicate wear you may prefer to wash it yourself or use a professional laundry. There are also some Laundromats in the city of Santo Domingo.

What is the family like?

The process of selecting host families is in the hands of the schools. The homes are all middle class by local standards. (This means a little lower than U.S. middle class). The family may be a married couple or a woman with or without children. There is a family atmosphere and only Spanish is spoken in the home. You will find it easy to make friends with the other students in the home and there may be other students in the family with you. Meals. According to your choice you may be provided with meals. Most Dominican people tend to eat meals much later than you may be used to. Breakfast usually consists of coffee or milk, juices, fruits and rolls. Lunch is the most important meal of the day, usually served between 2pm and 4pm. Dinner is a lighter meal usually eaten from 7 to 7:30pm. Unless you have indicated special diet restrictions on your application form, you should not expect your family to make you special meals. If for some reason you are having dinner elsewhere, please be courteous and notify your family of your change of plans. Telephone. The cost of the telephone and phone calls in the Dominican Republic is very expensive compared with other countries. You can receive calls in the home, but you cannot make any calls. There are many public telephones where you can make telephone calls. Showers. Students are allowed and strongly suggested to have 2 or 3 shower daily. Suggestions for establishing a good relationship with the family Common sense. Making your stay with the family a pleasant one depends on you. We recommend that you observe the family and adapt your behavior according to the norms and schedules of the household.

NOTE: You should consider the host family as your own, but recognize that you are a guest in their home. Take special consideration to observe and follow the household norms, such as turning off the light when you leave a room, keep noise to a minimum at night, keep your room organized and clean, etc Also, make sure to close and lock doors and gates properlyit may seem silly, but many locks here seem to have tricks to them. Learn them before you get locked out or lock someone else out.

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Communication with the family. Observe, listen, and ask questions and talk. We recommend that during the first few days you are in the host family home, that you observe the familys routine, listen closely when a family member tells you something about the familys particular norms and ask when you do not know how to act or react in a particular situation. But you dont need to worry, the family is used to having international students in their home and is always available to help make your stay more comfortable. If you have any doubts you can talk to the family as if it were your own family. We advise you to make every effort to speak with the family members and try to get to k n o w them better. The family will be pleased to learn about you and the country you come from and would like to help you in your study of the Spanish language and culture.

and share a communal kitchen and bathrooms with other students. Normally, furnished apartments have 3 to 5 bedrooms, with one or two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen without a washing machine, and a living room with a television. The apartments are located no more than 20 minutes walk from the school. Apartment mates. The people you will share the apartment with are international students from the school. The number of students in each apartment varies, depending on the apartment and the time of year. Some apartments have 2-3 students and others, between 5-8. The school makes every effort to place students of different native languages in the apartments/residences, so that students always will be speaking Spanish. The school will also place male and female students in the same apartment, unless the student specifically requests to be placed in this type of apartment. The school will never place two students of the opposite sex (that dont know each other) in a shared room. Meals. There are no meals provided in this option, but you can make arrangements with the school secretary to get two to three meals a day. We also recommend that you discuss with the other students at the beginning to decide whether you will cook meals together or separately. Bed linens and towels. Bed linen is provided, although you will need to bring your own towels and personal belongings. Cleaning. The school doesnt provides a cleaning service so you should divide up some of the basic cleaning responsibilities among everyone who lives there.

Living in an Apartment
Living in an apartment, is a good option if you prefer more independence. It is also a good way to make international friends.

What are the apartments like? Most apartments are located in the colonial center, just a short distance from the school. Usually students rent private rooms

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Suggestions for establishing a good relationship with your apartment mates Making your stay a pleasant one depends to a large extent on you. As a responsible adult, take extra care with your behavior: maintain common areas clean, keep noise to a minimum at night, etc. In general, respect the other students schedules and customs. We recommend that you make an effort to get to know the other people living in the apartment. Take into account that since each person comes from a different culture, their reactions and behavior, and even their foods, may be somewhat different from what you are used to. It is best to keep an open mind in each situation. Hot Water-Due to the mild climate, homes in the Dominican Republic usually only have hot water in the shower. Most use an electric heating device for this purpose, so do not expect a steaming hot stream of water like you are accustomed to at home. Since these devices work through an instant heating process, the more you open the water, the colder the water gets. To activate the heating device, a small flow of water is required. Fully open the faucet and then reduce the flow of water until you get an acceptable water temperature. If you feel that the water temperature is unacceptable, talk to the family/owner about this problem. If nothing improves, please talk to your home stay coordinator.
Note: in case of apartment accommodation a US$100 deposit apply. Deposit has to be paid the day of the check-in to receive the set of keys and will be paid back the day of leaving when the set of keys will be returned to the administration. Please note that without the deposit the administration will retain the set of keys. Note:Another US$100 deposit apply if you wish to use the security box (when available) Deposit has to be paid the day of the check-in to receive the key and will be paid back the day of leaving when the key will be returned to the administration

HEALTH
Health Issues While the Dominican Republic is generally considered a safe place to visit, those who plan to do extensive traveling may want to take the following health concerns into advisement. For the most up-to-date information we recommend that you contact: your local doctor with your plans to travel abroad, and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) hotline at 404-332-4559 for recorded messages about disease prevention when traveling, or visit there web site at www.cdc.gov. DiseasesMalaria risk, exclusively in the malignant falciparum form, exists throughout the year in rural areas of the western provinces of Monte Cristi, Estrella and Valverde (eastern part). Chloroquine is the recommended prophylaxis. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well-chlorinated and maintained are safe. Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis has been reported. Hepatitis A may occur.

Emergency aid (emergencias) Emergency Aid (emergencias) with a doctor on hand can be found in all public hospitals and private clinics. Emergency treatment in public hospitals is free, but medicines you are prescribed have to be paid for in full.

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Clinics and emergencias near the school: - Ospedale Padre Billini (public), Calle Santome between Billini and Nouel, Tel. 686-2833 - Clinica Abreu (not public), av. Indipendencia esq. Beller 42, Tel. 688-4411. Emergency phone number: 911 In case of any emergency. Simply state whether you need police, ambulance, or fire service. Seeing a doctor Hispaniola Academia Caribe de Lenguas, Santo Domingo has a general doctor for home visits (US$30). If you need a specialist, the nearest clinic is: Clinica Abreu Tel. 688-4411 av. Independencia esq. Beller 42, Mon-Fri 912am, 37pm All specialists available. Average price of 1st visit is US$ 40 Pharmacy (farmacia) Pharmacies have a large selection of medicine. The pharmacists are qualified and able to give basic medical advice. Some are open 24 hours. Near school: _ Farmacia Mercier, Nouel esq Duarte _ Farmacia San Judas Tadeo, Independencia 57, Tel. 685-8165 (24 hours)

Illegal drugs Penalties are very severe in the Dominican Republic for possessing or selling narcotics. Even to be related with persons who deal with illegal drugs is dangerous. If you violate the Dominican Republics narcotics laws, you may not be eligible for bail, and there is little either the program or the U.S. Consulate can do. Do not experiment with drugs in Dominican Republic. Home-based religion and healingAlthough officially Roman Catholic, the average Dominican worships in ways quite different from those of strict orthodox Catholics. Many visitors report that Dominicans are "superstitious." It's more correct to say that their home-based religious beliefs and rituals are a vibrant, everyday part of their lives. These beliefs and rituals are a syncretic mixture of various Indian, African and European beliefs and rituals that are very similar to the Santera beliefs and rituals in Cuba that have received so much academic and media attention in recent decades. For example, many Dominicans maintain home "altars" with images of their favorite saints, to whom they give gifts and pray to for favors. Each saint has his or her own favorite color, favorite gifts and special area of expertise-you can buy these items in one of the local botnicas. In scat-

Useful vocabulary for aches and pains

allergy cough band-aid blood burn a cold allergia tos curita sangre quemadura resfriado dizzy fever flu fracture headache indigestion mareado/a fiebre gripe fractura dolor de cabeza indigestion cramps a cut diarrhea stomach-ache vomit nausea calambres herida diarrea dolor de barriga vomito nausea

tered places in the countryside and in the urban barrios, you can find people invoking Dominican chanting and dancing rituals (most definitely a cross between Tano and African rites) to induce the saints to "mount" their worshippers. Across the country, the traditional dances, songs, musics and foods used to celebrate fiestas patronales have ancient roots among Indian, African and early Christian rites-try to see one of the Show Folklrico presentations if you cannot participate in a festival itself. As for healing, Dominicans seek out those who are wise in the ancient use of herbs and/or spells. They go to them for charms to improve their lovelife, their luck, their health, etc. And all Dominicans apparently know home cures for whatever ails you! Beware, however, if you tell a Dominican that you are not feeling well. First and foremost, he or she will most likely recommend the ancient Tano cure-all of purging yourself at both ends. Song and dance here are like breathing!The Tanos celebrated weddings, births, deaths, visitors, coming-of-age ceremonies, all manner of victories, planting and harvest events, etc., with areitos, communal song and dance celebrations. Music, song and dance were equally important to the Africans who came both voluntarily and involuntarily, and, to a lesser degree, to the Europeans. Today's Dominicans continue that ancient island tradition. Music is a necessity of life here! You will hear the lively sounds of merengue, the national rhythm, as well as bachata and salsa blaring from radios and loudspeakers everywhere-at the beach, in buses and taxi cabs, and along the street, where it emanates from houses, stores, road-side stalls and passing vehicles. Dominicans sing and dance while

they walk, while they work, while they play. Small perico ripiaos, groups composed of musicians playing the gira (a scraper instrument), tambora (a special small drum) and button accordion or guitar stroll the streets and sidewalk cafs, playing and singing their lively tunes. Live concerts are set up many weekends and every holiday along the Malecn, the broad boulevard that runs along the Caribbean's edge in the Capital, fronted by luxury hotels, restaurants and bars. Concerts also take place in the parking lot of the new Puerto Don Diego, the port in the Zona Colonial where the cruiseships dock. On nights when there's no live concert, there's radio music blasting from 2 '-high speakers and hundreds, if not thousands, of Dominicans of all ages to enjoy it until the wee hours of the morning. You may find the music too loud, and if you understand Spanish, you may find the lyrics too boldly suggestive, but you'd have to be dead not to move your feet to the infectious, dynamic rhythms of Dominican music. If you are lucky, you might witness an ancient Dominican musical tradition-the serenade. (The gift of a song was one of the most valuable gifts one Tano could give another.) Today it is mostly country men who serenade the women they love, but sometimes a man in the city will also do so, hiring some of his friends or professional musicians to play while he sings his heart out, hoping to win the woman's favor. If you are very lucky, the lady will be you! CARNAVAL!!!--The month of February is an especially festive time in the Dominican Republic-it's Carnaval time!-with music and dance celebrations throughout the month, increasing in frequency and intensity as the

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27th approaches, for Carnaval is not only a pre-Lenten festival here, it's also a celebration of Dominican independence. And at the end of August/early September, we celebrate the Merengue Festival across the island. There are also nationwide celebrations of Corpus Christi and Semana Santa (Easter Week), not to mention that each of the cities

and towns has its own patron saint, who is honored with lively fiestas patronales. All of these fiestas incorporate song and dance along with other traditional rituals. One of the most popular is the feast of St. John the Baptist on June 24. There's always something to celebrate here in the Dominican Republic! And music and dance are as important to Dominicans as eating or breathing.

Culture & Entertainment

Events and entertainment
There are many interesting things to do in Santo Domingo. Whether you like to listen to music, dance, drink, or just people-watch, there is something for everyone and for every budget. There are three magazines youll find at newsstands with up-to-date listings of all cultural events: Uepawww.uepa.com.do Oh! Magazine Thursday supplement of Listin Diario newspaper Bureo Thursday supplement of El Caribe newspaper

Movies
There are many movie theaters (cinemas) in Santo Domingo, all of them multi-room. The schedules can be found in the Dominican newspapers, at the info point of the school, and also in many magazines. A great way to practice your listening skills in Spanish is to watch a movie. If you are a beginner, choose a movie you have already seen. This way you will be able to follow the story in Spanish a little better. Most cinemas show movies in the original English language version with subtitles in Spanish. Cinema Centro ave. George Washington ( malecon) telefono (809) 687-8710 Broadway cinemas ave. 27 de febrero esq. Winston Churchill, Plaza central,

La Gua al Da issued once a month, in Spanish.

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3er nivel, telefono (809) 872-0271 At the Acropolis ave. Winston Churchill 3er. nivel (809) 955-1010 Palacio del cine ave. 27 de febrero telefono (809) 567-2560 Palacio del cine Bella Vista mall ave. Sarasota, telefono (809) 255-0921

Atarazana 9 calle Las Atarazanas, Plaza Espaa Zona Colonial Nowhere bar calle Hostos#205 Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo

Eating out
El Conuco Calle Casimiro de Moya#152, Gazcue santo Domingo Mesn DBari Calle Hostos 302, esquina Salom Urea, Zona Colonial Tonys comida vegetariana calle 30 de marzo acsi esqueina Imbert, Gazcue Meson de Luis calle Hostos Zona Colonial LOsteria del Cappuccino, av. Mexico frente al Teatro Nacional, Gazcue

Dancing
Tro Caf Avenida Lincoln 12-A, Plaza Castilla. Santo Domingo Montecristo Caf Avenida Abraham Lincoln esq. Jos Amado Soler. Edificio Concordia. Piantini, Jet Set Avenida Independencia#2253, centro comercial El portal Guacara Taina Parque Mirador Sur, Av. de la salud

Recommended acivities
Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, a city of two million people, was the first city of the New World founded in 1502 by Bartholomew Columbus, Christopher Columbus brother. The modern city of Santo Domingo is a thriving port city, equipped with discotheques, gambling casinos, shops, cafes, chic restaurants. The center of life in the city is hands down in the Colonial District of the city, full of 16th century Spanish architecture. The Colonial District has been carefully restored to retain its original charm, and is home to the first university, cathedral and hospital built in the New World. The starting point would have to be the Parque Coln, a pleasant place to have a stroll under leafy trees watching blending in with the locals and listening to street musicians playing the national music, meringue. Directly south of Par-

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que Coln lies the oldest church in the Americas, Catedral Baslica Menor de Santa Maria. This church was completed in 1544, but the bell tower has never been completed. In the southeastern corner of the Colonial District lies the Fortaleza Ozama, a fortress built in 1503, the oldest military building complex in the Americas. The best place to watch the evening sunset is in the tower there. Around the corner facing the fortress stands a large black statue of one of the Dominican Republics national heroes, Antonio Montesino, who appealed to the Spanish government for justice to the natives in the 16th century. One of the most interesting sites in Santo Domingo is the Palacio Nacional, located in the Plaza de la Cultura. This is the seat of the Dominican government and was built in 1947 by Rafael Trujillo, the fascist president that came into power in 1930 and ran the country for 31 years. Also in the Plaza de la Cultura is the Museo del Hombre Dominicano, one of the best museums in the country. This museum houses anthropological displays of the indigenous peoples of the island as well as African slaves and early Spanish conquerors. Near the museum is the Galeria de Arte Moderno, which houses a collection of modern art from Spain, Latin America and the Dominican itself, with special attention given to one of the Dominican masters, Albert Ulloa. One of the must sees in Santo Domingo is El Jardn Botnico Nacional, a wonderful garden containing 2.5 million square meters of flowers, forests, and beautiful fountains. If you like orchids, this is the place for you, with hundreds of varieties en every color and size, and once a year the garden

has an orchid competition and sale, where you can buy orchids that would fetch over 100 dollars in the for next to nothing. To the west of the city is a remarkable cave complex, Los Tres Ojos de Agua (The Three Eyes of Water), so-called because it contains three turquoise lagoons on three different levels, each fed by an underground river and surrounded by countless stalactites, stalagmites and lush tropical vegetation.

La Romana
One hour and 45 minutes east of Santo Domingo is the city of La Romana, home to the understated elegance and graceful charm of the 7000-acre Casa de Campo resort, designed by Oscar de la Renta. Nestled within the resort is Altos de Chavon, a reconstructed 15th-century Mediterraneanstyle village for culture and art that is perched high on a cliff overlooking the tropical Chavon River and Caribbean Sea. Altos de Chavon hosts major events in a 5000-seat Greek amphitheatre, built in the traditional design of Epidaurus.

Amber Coast (Northern Coast)

The Amber Coast is so named because some of the most beautiful amber in the world is mined here. The Amber Museum houses a display of unusual amber pieces found in the area.

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Puerto Plata (Silver Port)

Puerto Plata has some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean Islands. It was founded in 1504 and boasts Victorian architecture. The Fort San Felipe was built in the 1600s by the Spanish to protect the settlement from pirates. The Atlantic coast of the country is renowned for its miles of unspoiled beaches that surround Puerto Plata, the most popular being Sosa. Just two miles from the town is the Playa Dorada resort complex, within which is the Jack Tar Village resort. Just outside the Playa Dorada complex, in Puerto Plata, is the Costambar Beach Resort, with 5km (3 miles) of beach. Mount Isabel de Torres features a cable car that climbs over 760m (2500ft) above sea level. The breathtaking view of the Atlantic and the port of Puerto Plata is well worth the 7-minute climb up to the top of the mountain. 10 sq km (4 sq miles) of botanical gardens can be explored here. Rio San Juan is still a virgin land awaiting the adventurer to discover Playa Grande (with a few resorts under construction) and the beautiful Playa Caletn and the Gri-Gri lagoon.

dozens of caves waiting to be explored, is a romantic paradise. Other resorts include The Gran Bahia Beach Resort, Cayo Levantado and El Portillo Beach Club.

San Cristobal
This town was where the first constitution was signed on November 6, 1844, and is probably the most visited city besides Santo Domingo, particularly by those wishing to get a closer look at the historical sites linked to the life of Trujillo. La Iglesia de San Cristobal houses Trujillos formal tomb, though he may be buried elsewhere. In the church and Caves of Santa Mara the patron saint's day is celebrated with drums and dance rituals.

Azua De Compostela
Founded in 1504 by Diego Velzquez, who later conquered and destroyed Cuba on three different occasions by fire. In particular, the ruins of the colonial city in Pueblo Viejo are well worth a visit.

Barahona Saman Peninsula

The Seman Peninsula is located on the northern portion of the island, approximately two hours from Puerto Plata's international airport. Saman, with its transparent blue waters, miles of unspoilt beaches, and Humid with beautiful beaches of white sand. Cabritos Island, a national park in the center of Lake Enriquillo, is the greatest preserve of the wild American Crocodile, large populations of flamingoes, and two species of iguana.

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Shopping
Where to shop
Santo Domingo offers temptations of every kind. You will notice immediately that Santo Domingo is full of shops where you can browse and buy. Prices are not generally cheaper than in other major cities, but you have an immense choice ranging from designer labels, decently priced street wear, discounted clothes, articles and junk. The rule is simple: luxury shops and tourist areas charge more, neighborhood shops generally charge less. During the sales in January and July, you may spot some great bargains. Note that not all shops accept credit cards. For starters, the major shopping thoroughfares are: - Plaza Central 4-floor mall with everything inside. Cinema, fast food and restaurants on the top floor. Very popular. Medium prices. - Acropolis: high-range fashion, leather and shoe stores, and entertainment floor. - But also try the shopping streets in the districts, such as El Conde (see below), for a wide variety of merchandise at reasonable prices. If digging in piles of second-hand and junk, and bargaining about your discoveries is what excites you, Santo Domingos markets may be the right place for you. (As always: Beware of pickpockets!) - Mercado Modelo (every day): where you will find everything a tourist can ask for, but bargain the vendors downthe "real" price is half or less of whats on the price tag. - Plaza Criolla (every day): 27 de Febrero near Gomez. Shops and service in the pure Creole style. Shopping in and about the Zona Colonia - Prices in clothing stores, grocery stores and the like are well marked and fixed (grocery stores are the best places to buy such Dominican products as coffee, vanilla, chocolate, and rum). In most shops that specialize in souvenirs, however, you can bargain for lower prices than the sticker prices. Expect perhaps a 10-20% reduction--lower prices if you pay in cash (en efectivo), not so big a discount if with a credit card. At the Avenida Mella near Calle Santom that caters to tourists, youll find a vast array of arts and crafts. Best advice is not to buy anything that does not have a price tag and to bargain down to approximately half of the listed price, which is closer to the "real" price. It is lively and colorful, a dynamic crossroads where the countryside and the city meet. A note of

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caution, however: its better to buy expensive, high-quality jewelry at established stores, not in the market stalls, to insure that you get what you pay for.

Best buys in the Dominican Republic

hand rolled cigars ceramics of all kinds, including the unique faceless dolls and replicas of Tano artifacts carved and painted wooden sculptures and household objects drums, maracas and giras (the latter are rhythmic scraper instruments) beautifully carved gourds

baskets vanilla & chocolate stick cinnamon, nutmeg and other whole spices rum Presidente beer coffee amber (the Dominican Republic is the worlds amber capital) larimar (a creamy turquoise stone unique to the island) leather goods CDs and cassettes of merengues and bachatas colorful paintings imaginative t-shirts, beach wraps, and towels

The school
Emergency number (for incoming day, 24h) 809-856-5026 (cellular) Academia Hispaniola 809-688-9192 take placement test and interview and fix any administrative details. Regular lessons will start on Tuesday 8:30am.

Who is who
General Mr Luca Pellegrini Didactic Mrs Julissa Puello Secretariat: Mrs Ana Guzman Standard lessons take place monday to friday, 8:30 to 12:30 with a coffee break 10:30-11:00 Intensive Lessons take place in the afternoon between 1:00 and 3:00 depending by the course you selected. Personal and Special lessons take place according to the custom agenda fixed in advance During holiday, lessons will take place 9-

School location:
Calle Arzobispo Nouel #103 Casi esquina Duarte Zona Colonial web-page: www.hispaniola.org e-mail: info@hispaniola.org Please be at school Monday 8.30am to

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12 or moved to the nearest saturday. All students will be advised few days in advance COMPLAINTS: Dear client, we do our best to ensure you are satisfied with you language vacation; in case you have some complaint please inform us as soon as possible. You will be requested to fill in a complaint form. We evaluate all complaints carefully: we investigate the matter and give you a written answer/proposal no later than 2 working days. For didactic please enquire Mrs Julissa Puello For accommodation, please enquire Mrs Ana Guzman And/or ask for the complaint form. Any other or if you feel more comfortable you can also direct all your enquires or complaints to the secretariat.

The Dominican Tourist Information Center, located at the corner of Avenidas Mexico and 30 de Marzo, Apartment 497, tel: 809-221-4660, fax: 682-3806. Las Americas International Airport, tel: 809-542-0102. This booth is operated by multilingual personnel can help you in a pinch, though theyre not intended as full-service operations. Emergency (Police/Ambulance/Fire): 911 Hospital (Emergency Aid): Hospital Padre Billini (public) Calle Santome between Billini and Nouel 686-2833 Clinica Abreu (not public), av. Independencia esq. Beller 42

688-4411

Important telephone numbers

School Address: Calle Arzobispo Nouel #103 Casi esquina Duarte Zona Colonial Tel: 809-689-8350 Fax: 809- 688-9192 Weekend emergency number (only for real emergencies, NOT an info line) 809- 856-5026 Informations 1411

Doctors Home Visit ask the school Police Central Headquarters: Palacio de la Policia Lepoldo Navarro 221-2151 Taxi: 537-0000 U.S. Diplomacy: Embassy: Cesar Nicolas Penson equina L. Navarro 221-2171 689-5882 Consulate: Cesar Nicols Penson equina Mximo Gomez 221-0110

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Checklist
Dont forget these items:
1. 2. 3. 4. A money belt or shoulder wallet A backpack or weekend bag Sunscreen and good sunglasses Camera and lots of film or digital camara 5. A pair of comfortable walking shoes 6. Beach towel, swim wear, sandals, beach shoes, and a hat (in summerdepending on the location). 7. One nice outfit 8. Umbrella 9. Pens and paper 10. Travel alarm clock 11. Spanish-English dictionary 12. A `501 Spanish Verbs' book 13. A travel guide 14. Give your family/friends the school address to send packages 15. Bring some local currency with you (at least $50) 16. Make sure to bring a credit card (and the PIN number) and a telephone card 17. Bring emergency numbers and this orientation guide!!!

Suggested items
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. A small padlock Ear plugs Flashlight Daypack First aid kit Aspirin Passport sized photos Your personal medicine

Last but not least

While youre here in the Dominican Republic, keep an open mind. Be ready to enjoy yourself among a people who have a world-renowned reputation for being sincerely warm-hearted, open and friendly. But do remember that this is a "developing world." The majority of the people here are not middle class, like they are in the U.S., Canada and Europe. There is a small, elite upper class, a very small middle class, and a vastly huge class of very poor people. You will definitely see some things here and have some experiences here that are very different from "back home." That doesnt mean the Dominican people or their ways are wrongjust different. Dont spend your precious little time here lamenting how things could be so much better "if only they did it like back in _________." After all, learning something new, having new experiences and meeting new people is what you came here for, isnt it?

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