*The 3-year first-time residency attainment rate is the weighted average of the 2022-23, through 2024-25 academic years. For each year, the rate is the percent of students attaining a residency out of all graduates or expected graduates in the year who were active applicants in the NRMP match in that year or who attained a residency outside the NRMP match in that year. The 1-year first-time residency attainment rate is 95% for 2024-2025 graduates.
Living in Sint Maarten as a Medical Student: Life, Culture and Campus Experience
An island paradise in the Caribbean, Sint Maarten offers a vibrant cultural environment that shapes daily life for students living on the island. So for medical students relocating to Sint Maarten to complete their medical education, it’s easy to be drawn into the island’s relaxed lifestyle.
This guide is designed for prospective and current medical students considering life in Sint Maarten while pursuing their medical education. Beyond its natural beauty and cultural diversity, Sint Maarten offers a supportive environment for students completing rigorous medical training at American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. This article explores what daily life looks like for medical students living and studying on the island.
The Multicultural Environment Medical Students Experience
Sint Maarten is split into two sides: the Dutch side, on the southern part of the island, called Sint Maarten, and the Frenchside, to the north called St. Martin. The island’s official languages are Dutch and French, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Creole is also often spoken on the French side of the island.
From the architecture to the festivals, each side has its own unique feel that combines to create a stunning blend of European and Caribbean culture. While walking down the street, you may hear reggae on one corner and une chanson française on the next.
There’s no better representation of the island’s unique blend of cultures and traditions than the festivals. Carnival is a major event that happens twice a year and spans several weeks. It brings people from all walks of life together with lively music, intricate costumes and makeup, mouthwatering local cuisine, and dancing.
In short, Sint Maarten’s cultural diversity and community events contribute to a supportive living environment for students during medical school.
Daily Life for Medical Students Living in Sint Maarten
The unique way the island is governed shapes life there. The Dutch side is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the French side is an overseas collectivity of France. Being split into two territories means each side has its own local government and laws. Since the border is unmarked and open for tourists to cross freely, the two sides often collaborate on daily matters such as tourism, emergency services, and infrastructure vital for the island population.
Dutch Sint Maarten houses the island’s international airport, cruise port, and cosmopolitan capital of Philipsburg. The U.S. dollar is more commonly used here despite the official currency being the Netherlands Antillean guilder, which simplifies daily transactions for many international students. This side is known for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and nightlife that attracts millions of tourists each year. The Dutch side of the island has more of a Caribbean feel than the French side.
With sidewalk cafés and quaint villages, French St. Martin has a more laid-back, European feel. The euro is the main currency, and stores are closed between noon and 2 pm for lunch.
Tourism is a huge part of the island’s economy and the daily lives of those who live there. During peak seasons, it becomes crowded and prices may temporarily rise. Despite this, the island is filled to the brim with an enchanting mix of languages, food, and traditions that creates a dynamic and supportive environment for students living on the island during medical school.
Exploring French St. Martin
St. Martin offers a quieter, more European experience. It’s filled with beach resort areas such as Grand Case and Terres Basses, cafés, art galleries, and outdoor markets. This side’s capital, Marigot, has vibrantly colored buildings and open-air markets.
Ascend the stairs of Fort Louis, a historic French military fort, for a phenomenal view and brief history lesson. Once you’re done, you can browse boutiques for colorful clothing and locally made crafts and jewelry.
The island’s food culture is a popular part of student life outside the classroom. The town of Grand Case, known as the gourmet capital of the Caribbean, is home to both bistros and barbecue shacks–known locally as lolos. Here you can try everything from escargot to grilled lobster, all while enjoying the ocean breeze.
Exploring Dutch Sint Maarten
Boasting one of the largest cruise ports in the Caribbean, Sint Maarten is an important yachting hub. It is home to attractions like the Philipsburg Boardwalk, Maho Beach, Oyster Bay, and much more. Its Princess Juliana International Airport is the starting point for most visitors coming to the island.
Buildings are often painted vivid shades of yellow, coral, and turquoise, and the architecture blends Caribbean flair with Dutch practicality and French elegance. Students often explore local attractions during breaks from coursework and clinical preparation like riding the world’s steepest zipline at Rainforest Adventure Park, while others can enjoy shopping on Front Street. Interested in historical mansions? Check out the iconic Philipsburg Courthouse.
Balancing Medical School and Island Life
For medical students, music and cultural events provide opportunities to unwind outside of demanding coursework. You’ll encounter them whether you’re heading to class or simply enjoying downtime after your studies.
If the island had a soundtrack, it would be a mix of calypso, reggae, soca, and zouk music. Local artists perform at events, easily turning a casual night out into a dance party—though this pales in comparison to Carnival, which draws massive crowds from across the globe for days of costumes, parades, competitions, and more.
Student Activities and Recreation Outside the Classroom
Throughout the year, the island hosts many celebrations, including:
- SXM Festival
- St. Maarten Heineken Regatta
- St. Martin Carnival
- Sint Maarten Carnival
- Soul Beach Music Festival
- St. Martin’s Day
But that isn’t all the island has to offer. Grand Case Tuesdays in February, March, and April are a great opportunity to view local artwork, hear live music, and sample culinary delights. Whether you’re looking for traditional dishes like chicken colombo or roasted meats from local farmers, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.
Outside of academic commitments, students often enjoy outdoor activities such as snorkeling, sailing, and paddleboarding. Not in the mood for swimming? Join a local soccer match on sandy fields, hike through lush green hillsides, or host a beachside barbecue.
For medical students relocating from around the world, the island’s welcoming community helps ease the transition from an intensive academic environment. It’s a place where cultures blend in the most beautiful way. Two nations share one island to become one people. Life here feels like a celebration, and there’s always something new to discover. From food to history to nature, St. Martin offers a vibrant way of life that’s truly unforgettable.
Ready to begin your medical education in Sint Maarten? Learn more about AUC’s MD program and student experience!
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