PINC 2-week Summer Immersion Madrid

Welcome to PINC! Professional Immersions for Networking and Connections

At PINC we understand the importance of internacional internships and the impact it has on you academically, professionally, personally and beyond. We set ourselves apart by dedicating this program specifically to young women who are ambitious, open minded, and adventurous. Before we delve into all the bits and bobs of the program Lisette, the Founder & CEO does have a quick message for all young women interested in PINC. "Hi Guapas! I’m Lisette and I wanted to take a quick moment to send you this note: The PINC experiences are all about creating a real 360-‐degree experience abroad. One that will challenge and change you! An experience that gives your the perfect taste of living, learning and enjoying your time abroad. I started PINC because I've lived this experience! 5 years in Spain to be exact, and because of it I’ve developed programs that really are the best aspects about travel, learning abroad, and career development. I’m passionate about giving young women the opportunities for professional and personal growth. And finally, because I believe that empowering and educating young women on an international level is the key to building confident and innovative leaders of the future! I hope you will take this journey with me." Besos,

Lisette Miranda www.pincinternational.com [email protected]

PINC: PROFESSIONAL IMMERSIONS FOR NETWORKING & CONNECTIONS

Welcome to the PINC Summer Immersion Program!

PINC Summer Immersion Program is a 2-‐week experience in Madrid, filled with Spanish classes, 'Discover Madrid' activities; such as Royal Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, walking tour, flamenco show and Royal Palace, a day trip to enchanting Segovia, and development workshops to build hard and soft skills. There will also be a day of shadowing, mentorship, a networking event in order to meet professionals abroad, all while enjoying the Madrid summer sun! The PINC experience helps you set yourself apart from your peers with adding this international experience to your resume and as an interesting talking piece during interviews. By the end of these two weeks, you’ll explore modern and historic Spanish cities, meet people from across the globe, build relationships with new peers that you can add to your network, as well as leave feeling more confident personally and professionally. It’s time to feel and act like an adult!

Contents of this booklet:

I. Why international experience is an invaluable investment in yourself II. Detailed agenda of the PINC Internship Placement III. Personal & Professional Development Workshops IV. Spanish classes and other PINC activities V. Price & Payment Information VI. How to Apply VII. The Next Step: all your pre-‐departure questions answered VIII. Testimonials IX. Housing, safety and speaking Spanish, and support in Madrid X. Frequently Asked Questions

www.pincinternational.com [email protected] PINC: PROFESSIONAL IMMERSIONS FOR NETWORKING & CONNECTIONS

I. Why international experience is an invaluable investment in yourself

Going abroad is one of the most exciting and challenging experiences you can have as a student or young professional. Whether you are studying, working, or living abroad, it is inevitable that your horizons will be broadened, your language capabilities improved, and you interpersonal and intercultural skills sharpened. You will gain a whole new outlook as well as a unique perspective of the world and of yourself. Companies are placing more value on international experience today than they ever have before. Today’s world is a completely global one and given the widely accepted impact of globalization and in light of the new skills in demand by businesses, nonprofits, and government, it’s to your advantage to consider the career implications of what may be a once-‐in-‐a-‐lifetime international experience. Going abroad will provide a singular opportunity for you to set yourself apart from other job seekers and to build valuable new intercultural skills and competencies. While you may not have a clear career direction at the time you decide to go abroad, research shows that the experience is viewed as very important years later in shaping career mobility and influencing the choice of graduate study or work abroad. So let us here at PINC be your stepping stone this to life changing experience and help you discover more about yourself on the international scale. Continue reading to learn more in-‐detail about the international experience we are here to offer you.


II. PINC Immersion Program Weekly Breakdown: Sunday 24 July 2016 – Saturday 6 August 2016

Sunday 24 July 2016 Prior to your arrival, we hold an online orientation so all PINC students can virtually meet one another. During this session we go through brief introductions and go through the ‘PINC Pre-‐Departure Pack’. The pack covers topics concerning what to pack, how to exchange money, housing, and any additional questions that may arise. After we will send everything discussed in a detailed email to keep for your records. In addition, we gather your flight itinerary and organize an airport pick at Madrid-‐Barajas airport. Upon arrival, a PINC representative will greet you, assist you with your luggage and ensure that you arrive to your new apartment safely. PINC Orientation and Meet & Greet Luncheon. This day is designed to welcome all students to Madrid, get them oriented to the city and go through the breakdown of the program. We will spend the morning introducing ourselves, participating in icebreaker activities, a session in “Safety First in Madrid”, as well as discussing typical Spanish customs, to help us better communicate with the locals and how to make the most of our experience. After our morning at the academy, we will head out to enjoy a 2-‐hour relaxing and delicious Spanish lunch. Yes, a two-‐hour lunch -‐ one of the many wonderful Spanish customs! Building connections within the group is crucial to the success

of the experience and this lunch will begin that process. Monday 25 July 2016 A week of semi-‐intensive Spanish classes at an innovative and dynamic Spanish school located in the heart of Madrid, La Aventura Española. This Spanish school is also accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, the highest form of accreditation a language school in Spain can receive. This week include cultural activities such as tapa tours, exploring neighborhoods and museum tours with your classmates. (More info on Spanish classes below in the Spanish Class section)


II. PINC Immersion Program Weekly Breakdown: Sunday 24 July 2016 – Saturday 6 August 2016

Monday 25 July to Friday 29 July PINC plans FUN ‘Discover Madrid’ activities for you. We want you out and about getting to know the locals and falling in love with Madrid. We will organize fun activities in the afternoon, after Spanish classes and workshops. See more about the “Discover Madrid’ below. Thursday 28 July Shadowing is part of the immersion experience. It’s your opportunity to reflect on a job or positions you’d like to explore. One day is dedicated to shadowing a mentor in a position or industry you are interested in. You can talk to someone in your field of interest and see what “a day in the life of…” is like. Friday 29 July Day trip to Segovia is dedicated to exploring this culturally rich Spanish cities. See more about the day trips below. Monday 1 August to Friday 5 August 2016 Your final week is filled with 5 PINC Development Workshops, that focus on your personal and professional growth by learning various hard and soft skills. These leadership workshops build important skills that you can bring back with you after this program ends. Female trainers who are experts in their field lead the workshops. These workshops are informative and interactive. (For more detail about this workshops see the next section) Saturday 16 August 2016 Official move out day! If you've decided to do a bit more traveling, we will help you organize storage for your suitcases until the day of your departure.


III. Personal & Professional Development Workshops

• The New ‘Princess’ Goal – It’s not uncommon if you ask a little girl “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and receive “A princess!”. However, we’re all grown up now and even though Prince Harry is still on the market, he’s probably plan D. This workshop is dedicated to identifying women we admire personally and others professionally. We will cross-‐examine our strengths and weakness while we design our dream job and life. By the end of the workshop you will have a New ‘Princess’ Goal!

• Make Goals, Make it Happen – No more

“shoulda, woulda, coulda!” This workshop identifying goals and steps to make it happen and stay motivated. Learn how to purposely create exactly what you want and take control over your results. Learn what factors influence your happiness and success in life. Develop key skills to get you from where you are now to where you want to be!

• How to Fascinate Your Audience -‐ Learn how to

stand out, be remembered, and add value to the world based on your personality’s unique advantages. This workshop is designed to identify how your strengths can keep the attention of your audience. Don’t change who you are, become MORE of who you are.

• Hire Me! You Know You Want to – Our whole

life is an interview and this workshop will focus on designing a resume that won’t be thrown to the side or worse, deleted. In addition, we visit interview techniques that will set up apart and inch you closer to the job you want.

• Tweet, Like, Connect Your Way to the Top –

Social Media isn’t going anywhere and it’s only growing. This workshop focuses on introducing several social media platforms and how to use them to build your professional network. The power of being cyber friendly is crucial in opening doors and creating opportunity for yourself!

www.pincinternational.com [email protected]

PINC: PROFESSIONAL IMMERSIONS FOR NETWORKING & CONNECTIONS

IV. More PINC activities

Spanish Classes: The start of the program is dedicated to learning or improving your Spanish language skills. Classes are held at La Aventura Española. Prior to your arrival, the school and PINC, organize an online Spanish level assessment to help to find the appropriate class level for you. The school offers complimentary tea, coffee, fruit and pastries. The classes are fun and engaging, leaving you confident to communicate while you are in Madrid. Segovia Segovia is a picturesque old city with twisting alleyways, the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in all of Europe and pedestrian-‐only streets, all bordered by a medieval wall and two rivers. One of the main tourist attractions is Alcázar, a royal palace built sometime around the 11th century where Queen Isabel agreed to fund Christopher Columbus’ exploration of the New World. The picturesque palace is said to be Walt Disney’s inspiration for Cinderella's Castle. ‘Discover Madrid’ Activities: There are fun Discover Madrid activities in the afternoon. You can practice your Spanish in an immersed environment in the amazing city of Madrid. We organize fun activities such as; a three-‐hour walking tour, tapas tour, visit plaza mayor, royal palace, bullring tour and even see a flamenco show. We also like to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather in Madrid, so we will have activities such as picnics, bike rides and boat rides in Retiro Park! This is just to name a few. You also have free time to visit museums and go shopping!


IV. More PINC activities

Networking Events: Networking and building national and international connections is an integral part of the PINC program. Every week we inform you about networking events located throughout the city. They can be general international meet up groups or specific groups dedicated to women, small businesses and / or entrepreneurs. These networking opportunities, plus the connections you make at your internship placement, have you leaving Madrid with an abundance of new contacts that will create new opportunities in the future. PINC Mentorship

While on the program we pair you with a PINC professional based in Madrid. We refer to this as our ‘Big Sisters’ and ‘Little Sisters’. This mentorship is your opportunity to access information from someone with more experience and advice! Once you are part of that PINC family you become part of a legacy and a community of women who are there to support, guide and encourage you. After the internship we encourage that you stay in contact with your ‘Big Sis’, she is there to listen and give you as many perspectives as possible. PINC Professionals consist of women from all over the world and with a diverse range of professional fields, who will be at your disposal once you complete your internship program. "Mentorship is a crucial aspect for professional growth, especially for young women just starting out. But most struggle to find someone who is willing to openly offer support, guidance and growth. It's for no other reason than there's little access to those who have already walked the path. Which is why I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of PINC's mentorship program. I was so impressed with the poise, drive, and inquisitiveness of my "little sister". If only I had half of her confidence when I was her age! I loved passing on my knowledge and experience to someone who so enthusiastically received it. And my sentiment was shared by other mentors in the program. It's a real testament to PINC Internship's Founder, Lisette, that she is able to attract such amazing young ladies. I look forward to being a part of the PINC family in the future." From mentor, Kay Fabella -‐ Entrepreneur and business owner


V. PINC Price & Payment Options

PINC Price How much does this all cost? The PINC Summer Immersion Program costs Price: $2900 PINC Summer Immersion services include:

• Semi-‐intensive Spanish classes • 5 PINC Development Workshops (Breakfast

included) • Fun 'Discover Madrid' activities

o Spanish Wine Tasting o Flamenco Show

o Royal Palace o Walking Tour o Bullring Tour

• Day Trip to Segovia • Networking Event • Mentorship Pairing • Shadowing • Airport pick-‐up • 2 weeks of housing in Madrid’s city center • Onsite Coordinator available 24/7 • Medical & Accident Insurance • Assistance with travel arrangements • Pre-‐ departure orientation • PINC Meet & Greet Luncheon • Welcome pack with useful city information • Post-‐program follow up session

How does payment work? We will not ask for all the money up front, but we do ask for a deposit of $900 USD that will secure your spot in the course. A second and final payment with details of due dates will be provided in the invoice. These payments can be made through check, direct deposit or bank transfer.


VI. How to Apply

PINC summer immersion program in Madrid that can’t be missed! We know the stress that goes into looking and getting accepted into programs abroad and we are looking to make this as painless as possible. Visit our online application (http://pincinternational.com/apply-‐to-‐pinc/) to answer a few questions that we require in order for us to get to know you better. When answering, “Tell us your possible future career plans” and “Tell us why you are PINC fabulous” don’t stress out, just be as honest as possible. We understand that you are still figuring it all out and we look forward to reading what you have to say. After we review your application we will organize a phone chat and speak directly. We are always available via email at [email protected]. We look forward to receiving your application and hearing from you. Remember, we are always available to answer any questions you may have!

“Every Time I see the Unisphere near my home, I always take a moment to appreciate its beauty and how much it means to me. I now look at that globe as a friend, one that I've started to explore and because of that now know who I am even better. My mom once said to me when I was younger "Life isn't a dress rehearsal, it's the show-‐ so make it count." I hope you're making it count as well. Besos, Lisette”


VII. The NEXT steps: pre-‐departure information

Once you have made the best decision to spend some of your summer in Madrid, Spain you will inevitably have even more questions flooding your mind. Don’t worry! Here at PINC we have thought of everything for you and your trip and will have the opportunity to discuss these during our pre-‐departure online orientation. The orientation will include topics such as: what to pack, converters, using credit/debit cards abroad, ATMs (cash points), exchanging money, send and receiving mail, purchasing a flight, etc. Additionally, once our group of PINC students is formed, we encourage them to start getting to know each other as soon as possible. This includes us creating a messaging group, connecting on social media, etc. in order to feel comfortable with one another and to get excited for your big international experience. The PINC experience and support starts well before our students ever set foot in Madrid.


VIII. TESTIMONIALS

Gisel O., Miami University of Florida: “Best internship experience ever. This internship pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened so many doors for me. My first week alone I learned so many new words in my Spanish class even as a native speaker. I got to travel on the weekends to so many places thanks to how how central Madrid and Spain are. I travelled to Cuenca, Paris, Barcelona, Valencia, Dublin, Tunisia, and Ibiza. My internship was honestly the best work experience I've ever had because they understood my needs, treated me like family and I learned so much. The last week of workshops was also a big eye opener because we got to analyze our weaknesses, strengths, and goals. Overall, this program was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Once I came back from Madrid I was able to land two internships in just one and a half week of being back home. I now work at both and I swear it wouldn't have been possible without the experience I gained this summer.” Erica M., Tulane University: "Who wouldn't want to spend a summer in Madrid learning from and growing with some of the most amazing people you will meet? PINC was a phenomenal experience, giving me the opportunity to build confidence and experience while also taking in a new and beautiful culture. Lisette, the Founder and CEO, was and is continually always there to support and guide. The flexibility of the program allowed me to be independent and travel on weekends. Overall, I highly recommend."


VIII. TESTIMONIALS

Sarah S., Barnard College: "People say that high school is supposed to be the hardest point of your developmental life and in college it gets better. I say that "they" are wrong. Life didn't get better until I did the PINC program. I'll keep this to my top three things I gained from the program. 1) I got confidence. I dropped myself (though with a floaty) into Madrid, Spain with really rusty Spanish and thrived. I excelled at an internship where English was NOT the first language and learned HTML5 on the job. I traveled to 3 different countries by myself, one of which I didn't speak the native language, and lived to brag about it. Regardless of what it is you will do, you will build yourself up. 2) I got a taste of what it's like to live on my own. When you're at school, you live with friends. I moved to a new country with girls I had never met before for two months. I had to cook. I had to shop. I became independent, but at the same time built a whole new support system with my new roommates. 3) Spanish. The way I have always put it is "Spanish doesn't like me and I don't like Spanish"; it was consistently my lowest grade for 8 years. At the end, I was having full conversations and acting as a translator. I'm not promising miracles, but if you try, you will get results. Seriously people, this program is great. And it's owner is invested in seeing you succeed. I look forward to hearing more stories from future PINC graduates!" Ashley A., Indiana University: “PINC has been the scariest and the best experience I could have done with my summer. It has challenged me to learn more, take in another culture, and build new skills that I didn’t know I had. After 8 weeks, I’m going back to the U.S.A. a more confident woman who is excited to expand my growth in the professional field.”


VIII. TESTIMONIALS

Amanda P., Columbia University: "There are so many wonderful things I can say about the PINC Internship. Firstly, the program's director, Lisette, is one of the most personable and friendly women you could ever hope to meet. From my initial inquiry, to my arrival in Madrid and even to this day, she has been there as a plentiful resource and a positive influence. Lisette works with you to help find the internship that would be the best fit for you, not only in terms of the work you are doing, but also in terms of your office environment and the people that you are surrounded by. This program facilitates immersion into Spanish culture, and in doing so, allows the young women who take part to build their own journey. In addition to your internship, you will have access to workshops, networking events, and a mentorship program. All of these are invaluable assets to young women who want to be on top of personal and professional development. Do not pass up this wonderful opportunity; you will have the best time of your life!" Sydney S., Columbia University: "So the PINC internship program was exactly what I was looking for in terms of an amazing resume builder and a full blown cultural experience with a lot of travel. I always felt safe and always had something to do, see or eat. I can't recommend this program enough because honestly there's no better way to build character or make life long friends than through travel. You will not regret doing it and if you're thinking about it or second guessing it, just do it."


IX. Housing, Safety, Speaking Spanish, and Support in Spain

Housing We have been using the accommodation agent since 2007 and they have been in the industry for 15 years. They know that accommodation needs to be clean and safe – which is why we use them. Your apartment will be located in the city center, and near several metro stations. You share your housing with other students in the PINC program. You have an individual room (with a key) that will include a bed,

desk and closet. You do not need to pack linens as those are provided. The kitchen is stocked with utensils, a washer for your clothing, and the common area furnished. And of course there will be Wi-‐Fi! Safety First in Madrid! Overall, Madrid is a very safe city. But as always, it's better to be safe than sorry to make your time abroad as enjoyable as possible. The U.S. Embassy is located in the center of Madrid and makes U.S. citizens its first priority. PINC has a direct contact at the embassy should any issue arise. The U.S. Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to review “A Safe Trip Abroad,” which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. All U.S. citizens in Spain are encouraged to enroll online at the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP). Enrolling gives U.S. Citizens access to

updated information on travel and security within Spain and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency. You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips. Safety is first with us and we are here to answer any and all questions you may have!


IX. Housing, Safety, Speaking Spanish, and Support in Spain

PINC support in Madrid While it has been noted that you have continuous contact with Lisette, the program director, before your departure, it should also be emphasized that she will be with you in Madrid during the entirety of your stay. In addition to Lisette’s support you will also have access to your program coordinator for any issue that may arise. At PINC we provide you a constant system of support before, during, and after your time abroad in Madrid. Speaking Spanish We often get questions about how imperative it is to speak Spanish upon your arrival. The PINC experience is for the complete beginner as well as those with an advanced level of Spanish. For those with little to no Spanish, you will greatly benefit from the semi-‐intensive Spanish classes For those looking to jump-‐start their Spanish, we can recommend FREE apps, podcasts and websites to visit to begin your foundation. Each mentor and day of shadowing is customized for each student and your professional opportunity will

reflect this. For those who are concerned with the language barrier we will be placing you with a supervisor who speaks English natively or proficiently. We understand this be an adjustment for you already and we are looking to challenge you, not stress you out!


X. Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from the PINC program? Inspiration and motivation aka a fabulous and fierceness! PINC offers fun and attainable structure. Our participants are young adults and will want some independence and we understand that. It’s also summer and you want to enjoy your time, and we TOTALLY want you too as well! PINC insures that throughout your time with us you have direction, purpose and you shine! Why should I consider this program? Honestly we are a one-‐stop shop! You are placed in an internationally based company to build skills and contribute to a team. You learn a language and then get to practice it every day. Not only that, its Spanish! One of the most widely spoken languages globally. Also, you get to live abroad in Madrid. Interning abroad on your summer vacation is “two birds one stone”. In addition, you have a full week of training courses specifically designed for women in business, where you build your personal and professional profile, as well as attend networking events with other international business people where you build your networking foundation and connections. Is there a GPA requirement? No. Why? Because Lisette, the founder, was on academic probation TWICE in college and found that GPAs limited her to opportunities, clubs and work experience*. That’s not how the real-‐world works. PINC’s application process prides itself on a personal experience where you chat with Lisette about your past experience, your current studies and future goals. We look for well-‐rounded young women, who will represent themselves and PINC with high regard and respect. *Lisette subsequently was the cover of UAlbany’s Magazine Fall 2014 “30 Under 30” and ranked #2, and has been a guest speaker for Albany Center for Entrepreneurship and World of Entrepreneurship. Take that! Do I need a visa? No visa is required. As the programs are only 2 or 8 weeks, you will only need a passport. The USA passport alone can be used as a tourism visa, which means you are allowed to stay and travel throughout Europe for 12 weeks. Since the program is two months you have plenty of time before and after to travel! Is there an age requirement? Yes. PINC participants must be 18 years of age by the start of the program. Will I have free time during my program? Absolutely. It’s Europe and there is so much to do and see. You will have most weekends free to schedule trips and throughout the week you will have most evenings free to enjoy the beautiful city of Madrid and its surrounding treasures.


X. Frequently Asked Questions

Will I receive school credit? This depends on each university/college. We recommend that any intern interested in being part of the PINC Internship program contact their career service department and enquire about credit. We will gladly work with each intern and career service department representative to ensure we get the needed paperwork that could help you earn credit. Which companies offered for shadwoing? We work with many different types of companies for internship placements. This includes large global names like AXON Partners, Olympic Broadcasting Services, and dynamic start up companies such as Actors Agency, boutique PR Firms, language academies based in Madrid. We approach a variety of companies to ensure interns are placed in an environment that will allow them to contribute and learn throughout their internship duration. Will I have time to keep in touch with friends and family back home? Yes! We know that the PINC experience is a big exciting step and for some it is the first time away from friends and family. With this in mind we encourage you to check in with loved-‐ones back home and let them know about your experience. Like in the U.S. wifi is everywhere in Madrid. Also, when you arrive you receive a SIM card with data for your phone. There are also many apps that help you stay in touch while you are out and about!


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PINC 2-week Summer Immersion Madrid