Accommodations/Housing
Banking
Communication
Health Insurance
Island Life
Mail/Shipping
School Life
Shopping
Transportation
Travel
Accommodations
What hotels are available when I visit the Medical Campus?
| Maho Beach Hotel | 011-599-545-2115 | resv@mahobeach.com | www.mahobeach.com |
| Summit Hotel | 011-599-545-2150 | summit@sintmaarten.net | www.thesummitresort.com |
| Travel Inn | 011-599-545-3353 | info@travlinnhotel.com | www.travelinnhotel.com |
| Turquoise Shell Inn | 011-599-545-2875 | info@tshellinn.com | www.tshellinn.com |
*Be sure to mention AUC when making a reservation. Some of the lodgings listed offer special AUC student/family discounts.
*This listing is for informational purposes only. The information provided does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AUC.
What housing accommodations are available at AUC?
In 2002, American University of the Caribbean opened a newly furnished student apartment building adjacent to the medical school and walking distance to the beach. Students have the option of selecting either a one or two-bedroom apartment, which features a kitchen and dining/living areas. Every bedroom has its own bathroom facilities. Most apartments have magnificent ocean views and are open to trade winds. Some apartments have a balcony. There is an aerobics room and a study area on the top level. The AUC housing office also has a list of off-campus housing, but does not serve as a rental agent for students.
Can I live in the dorms for all 5 semesters?
Some students have stayed in the dorms for all 5 semesters, but this is not common. It really depends on several factors including the number of incoming students, as well as, the current demand for dorm space. Basically, incoming students should plan on securing off-campus housing after their first semester. Please refer to the Housing Department for further information.
If I live off-campus, which town should I consider living in?
Students live in various towns including Cupecoy, Point Pirouette, Simpson Bay, Beacon Hill and Pelican Key. All of these small towns are close in proximity to AUC.
What, on average, do students pay for off-campus housing?
The average apartment rent is about $900, with a range of about $700-$1500. Your monthly rent will depend on factors such as quality, location, pet fees, and whether or not utilities are included.
What is the average cost of utilities?
The price of utilities can vary from $100 to $400, depending on where you live, and frequency of use (i.e. air conditioning). You may want to consider a location that exposes your apartment to trade winds in order to reduce the need for air conditioning. Be sure to inquire about the cost of utilities with previous tenants of the same complex, and the landlord, prior to signing the lease.
For further information regarding on-campus or off-campus housing, please consult the AUC Housing Office. housing@aucmed.edu
Banking
What is the accepted currency at St. Maarten?
The U.S. dollar, although not official, is accepted everywhere on the island. Traveler’s Checks are also widely accepted, while personal checks are generally not. It is advisable to have $1,500-$3,000 available either in the form of cash or an ATM card, to support you during the first few weeks. It takes a minimum of 10 calendar days for a refund check to become available after a loan check is received.
What banking services are available?
There are several banks on the island: Bank of Nova Scotia, Royal Bank of Trinidad & Tobago, First Caribbean Bank, and Windward Island Bank. It is suggested that students open a “non-resident” U.S. dollar savings account. Establishing a checking account is also available, however they are expensive to maintain and personal checks are not widely accepted by merchants. ATM machines are available for both savings and checking accounts. Another option is to leave money in a U.S. bank and use Cirrus ATM machines to make withdrawals.
Are there ATMs on campus?
No, there are no ATM’s on campus, but there is one nearby (up the street), and there are several located throughout the island.
Is there anything I should know about maintaining a U.S. bank account while I am living on the island?
In order to avoid being suspected of having fraudulent account activity, it is strongly recommended that you inform your bank that you will be studying abroad for an extended period of time. Additionally, consider asking the bank to raise your maximum daily withdrawal amount. Most U.S. banks will charge a $1-$3 fee for each ATM cash withdrawal. Find out if your bank will lower, or even wave, the fee for students studying abroad.
How should I send my loan check to the States for deposit?
You may send it via FedEx (at the Mailbox store), or through DHL (at the DHL store). Both stores are located in Simpson Bay, and provide overnight delivery service. To prevent any delays, be sure to carefully list what you are shipping. If you intend to ship a check in excess of $10,000, you must complete a customs form and declare the total value.
Communication
Does AUC provide access to the Internet?
Yes, American University of the Caribbean provides Internet access to students for study and personal use on campus. Several computers and extra ports for laptops are available in the AUC library, accessible during library hours. There are several Internet providers available for home use. Representatives of Internet companies will be on-hand during the first day of registration to answer any questions.
How much does it cost to install a landline?
Installing a landline requires a deposit in excess of $1,500.00. In addition to the high cost, the bills do not arrive on a regular basis. However, for those students choosing to live off-campus, some apartment complexes have landlines already set up and will only charge for monthly use.
What is the best way to communicate with the States?
There are several ways to communicate with the States including e-mail, instant messaging, call-back, and net-to-phone. In addition to e-mail, the call-back system is one of the most popular methods. The call-back service costs $0.20/min anywhere in the US with the MedAdvantage card, whereas the net-to-phone service charges about $0.05/min. Students choosing to utilize internet phone companies should realize that the internet service speeds on the island may not be comparable to what they are accustomed to in the States. Students may purchase prepaid phone cards online from www.cardsforstudents.com.
Health Insurance
Is health insurance needed?
Yes, all AUC students are required to obtain a medical health insurance policy as a condition of their Temporary Residency Permit unless they have proof of an existing global health policy.
Island Life
What is St. Maarten like?
St. Maarten is a Caribbean tourist destination comprising 37 square miles and located approximately 150 miles east of Puerto Rico. It is the smallest island in the world that is governed by two nationalities: the Netherlands Antilles on the southern side and the French West Indies on the northern side. Although English is spoken everywhere and the U.S. dollar is an accepted currency, the island retains many elements of European culture. The up-market lifestyle offers over 400 restaurants ranging from elegant French cuisine, sidewalk cafes, to American fast food. There are pristine beaches, excellent diving and other tropical sports activities, and duty-free shopping. For further details about St. Maarten, please visit
www.st-maarten.com
What is the average temperature on the island?
The campus at American University of the Caribbean is completely air-conditioned, but the local climate is warm all year round, day and night. Minimum temperatures are in the high 60s and maximum temperatures reach the low 90s. Moderate humidity is almost always tempered by trade winds.
What kinds of clothes are recommended?
Dress attire both on and off campus is generally informal for all occasions, but students are required to dress in a presentable manner in keeping with the standards of future physicians. At least one semi-formal outfit is suggested (e.g. jacket and tie for men, dress for women). Long sleeves and sweatshirt are occasionally worn, but coats are not needed.
What extracurricular activities are available on the island?
The pristine beaches on St. Maarten are ideal for host of water sports such as snorkeling, jet skiing, kite surfing, wind surfing, parasailing, etc. Indoor activities include movie theatres, a variety of international restaurants, pool halls, and a bowling alley in Phillipsburg. Please refer to the official St. Maarten website http://www.st-maarten.com for further ideas on recreation, or contact Dr. Sue Atcheley, Director of Community Services, at AUC (545-2298, ext.272) if you wish to participate in volunteer activities.
I would like to visit nearby islands - are there tours or special prices I should be made aware of?
Special offers are frequently advertised for travel to other islands. Some businesses even offer discounts to AUC students. These are usually advertised in the AUC Newsletter. Most airlines offer inexpensive flights to nearby islands (less than $100 roundtrip).
Mail/Shipping
Should appliances be shipped?
It is recommended that appliances be purchased on the island since the cost is generally equivalent to the amount spent on shipping. Still, should small appliances be brought, please note that the AUC campus is located on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, which has an electrical current of 110 volts, 60 cycles while the French side has an electrical current of 220 volts. Transformers may be purchased on the island for U.S. computers and small appliances.
How do I receive mail on the island?
Many students set up a U.S. mailing address through the Mailbox, a business located in Simpson Bay. Mailbox representatives actually come to AUC to disperse the mail twice a week. If you decide not to set up an account through the Mailbox, you can have packages sent to the school with your name on them and they will be dispersed through Note Service. Note Service maintains a list of the mail they receive and posts it outside their window.
What is the best method of shipping items from/ to St. Maarten?
When shipping items home, you may use DHL, FedEx, Four Star Cargo or US mail (through the Mailbox). Shipping via DHL and FedEx can get pricey – about $35 for documents. When ordering items online and having them shipped to your Mailbox account at school, make sure the company you are ordering from ships to a P.O. Box. You may also have mail sent directly to the school. The package must be clearly labeled with the student’s name, c/o American University of the Caribbean, #1 Jordan Road, Cupecoy, St.Maarten, NA.
School Life
Do students carry text books to lectures, daily?
Not usually, unless the student takes notes in the text books, or plans on staying after class to study.
Are we offered lecture notes from professors, or should we take our own notes?
Professors generally submit their lecture notes, or Power Point slides, to Note Service for print and student pick-up. Most professors make their notes available through the library or “P” drive (accessible through the PCs in the Computer Lab). Note Service is equipped to post all notes online for students to access from any computer - anywhere. Currently, SGA is working to have wireless routers installed in all classrooms. This will enable students with laptops, and wireless access, to download the day’s notes prior to lecture in the convenience of the lecture halls.
Are professors available for extra help, if needed?
Yes, all professors have designated office hours when they are available to answer questions. Professors are also willing to set up additional appointments with students as necessary.
Are there places I can go to print a document?
Yes, but several students decide to either bring a printer with them, or purchase one on the island. Printers can be purchased for about $100. Alternatively, you can print your documents from the school’s computer lab. This tends to be more expensive than printing your documents at home, however. Note Service is another option as long as the material being printed does not violate any copyright laws (i.e. Kaplan materials).
Are there places to fax/copy a document?
Yes, you can make copies at Note Service, the school library, or the Mailbox. You can fax documents at the Mailbox, as well.
Can students purchase snacks/food from school?
Yes, snacks are available in the cafeteria and Note Service. The cafeteria serves meals daily from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Note Service is open from 7:30 a.m.– 7:00 p.m. (until 4:30 p.m. on Friday).
Do we need to buy a microscope to bring it with us?
Effective September 2003, microscopes are no longer required. Microscopes will be provided for Microbiology II Labs, when indicated. Most histology lab work is done via digital images and CD-ROMs.
Do we need lab coats, dissection kits, etc.?
Yes, you will need a lab coat and a dissection kit. Both may be purchased in the States, or locally at Note Service. Some students prefer to wear a white coat to lab because it allows them to attend school in regular clothes. Other students choose to wear scrubs instead of a lab coat. You are required to wear a (short) white lab coat for the White Coat Ceremony.
Where do new students purchase 1 st semester text books?
First semester books can be ordered through Note Service, or can be ordered online (through a vendor of your choice) and delivered either to your State address, or directly to AUC.
Where can students study after/before school?
Students can study in a number of places. They may choose to study in one of the outdoor tables, or in the cafeteria, library or Histology lab. The Library and Histology lab are both used for quiet study, while the cafeteria is for group study.
What are the library and computer room hours?
Both the library and computer lab are open from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Shopping
Where can I buy electronic appliances on the island?
Electronic appliances can be purchased at Cost-U-Less, Quick Bargains, ACE and some shops in Phillipsburg. Quick Bargains and local shops in Phillipsburg may give you a better deal if paying cash. If using a credit card, be sure to have a photo ID.
Where do students purchase groceries?
There are a number of places to do your grocery shopping – Le Grand Marche (Phillipsburg), Cost-U-Less (Phillipsburg), Rams and Food Express (Maho). Students receive a 5% discount at Le Grand Marche.
Do I need to bring bed linens, pots/pans, etc. with me, or can I purchase these on the island?
No, all of these items can be purchased at Cost-U-Less, ACE and Quick Bargains. If you prefer nicer linens, you may want to bring those with you, as the finer linens are harder to obtain on the island.
Transportation
Is a St. Maarten Drivers License required?
Yes, if a student, spouse or significant other wants to drive a motor vehicle on the island, obtaining a St. Maarten Drivers License is mandatory.
Should I ship my car?
Shipping your car is not recommended since purchasing a car on St. Maarten is reasonable. Cars can be bought from students leaving the island, new/used car dealers, and from ads in the local newspaper. The typical price range for a used car is $800-$4,000 depending on the condition. Owning a car in St. Maarten requires insurance with a local company. Leasing a car is about $350-540 depending on the make and model.
What is the best mode of transportation (car, bike, moped, bus)?
Most students would agree that a car is the best mode of transportation due to unpredictable weather and infrequent bus service. Additionally, many stores and shops are not within walking distance.
Should I purchase, or lease, a car on the island?
A typical island car can be purchased for approximately $800-$4000. However, many of the roads on the island are not well paved. Therefore, most students will make, at minimum, minor repairs to their vehicles during their stay.
Leasing a car may require a slightly higher initial investment, but the leasing company generally covers repairs and other maintenance. If you do lease, you may wish to begin on a month-to-month basis. The most economical option would be to split the price of the car with a few friends. It is important to note, however, that everyone’s name can be put on the insurance, while only one person’s name is permitted on the lease.
Do I need to purchase car insurance?
Yes, you will need to obtain local insurance coverage. Some students choose to purchase liability insurance, which can cost about $300/year. Others opt for full coverage insurance, for about $1200/year. You will be eligible for an insurance discount if you provide a letter from your current insurance company declaring that you have an acceptable driving record. The longer you have been with your insurance company, the greater the discount will be. Be sure that the letter offers sufficient detail (e.g. dates, phone numbers, signature, amount paid, statement of clean record, etc…) in order to receive the best discount available. If you obtain your local driver’s license before you apply for insurance, you will receive an additional discount.
Travel
Which airport should I arrive at and how do I get from there to the Medical Campus?
You should book your flight to arrive at the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. From there, you can take a taxi to the AUC Campus (#1 University Drive at Jordan, Cupecoy, Lowlands) which is about a 5 mile scenic drive that will cost between $8 and $10.
Airfare to St. Maarten seems expensive. What do students do, if anything, to cut the cost of travel during semester breaks?
Sign up for US Air E-savers, and constantly look on Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, etc. for deals. The flights are usually cheaper if you do not leave or return on weekends (especially Saturday).