Many of you, potential students, are probably wondering what it would be like to pack up and move for school. I can't tell you what you would experience, but I will share a few of my observations so far.

I am a new student to IAU. I have been on the island for 4 weeks now. My initial impression was very depressing. I had heard stories about how nice the island was, and how fun it was going to be. Unfortunately, the people I had spoken to, regarding the island, were people who never left the resorts they stayed at.

The beaches I have seen are not white sandy beaches litered with toursits. Instead, the majority of the beaches I have seen are covered in trash. The water is nice and warm though. You won't have much time to go to the beach anyway.

The locals are generally rude. They show some politeness, but if you give a bum some money, they will find you everyday and you will have to give them more. Sometimes they like to find you in the store and put stuff on the register so you hava to pay for it.

I lost count of how many times I have been cut off in line. It happens at the store, it happens at a restraunt, it happens pretty much everywhere. You can be standing there, waiting your turn, and they just walk in front of you like they own the place. The exception is a restraunt called "scooby's". The owners are extremely nice, and will deliver to you no problem. The food is great too.

So far the school is the one thing that is keeping me sane. I spend so much time on campus, that I do not have to deal with the locals. Our classes begin at 8am. They made a big deal about attendance and punctuation, but most of the instructors are late. The instructors are as expected.

Our physiology class is, by far, the best. Dr. A** is easy to understand and very approachable. He doesn't hide the fact that his test questions are going to be hard. He expects you to learn the information and gives you more than enough help to do so. If I fail this class, its my own fault.

Biochemistry is on the same level, but the instructor has a heavy accent. He is nice enough, and aware that he can be difficult to understand at times. Just ask him to repeat and he will. His lectures are to the point, and follow the book well. From what I have heard, the lippincott biochem review book is all you really need. I recomend purchasing the BRS (board review) book as well.

Embryology.... this class has proven to be the easiest and hardest at the same time. The lectures have been very scattered, and the instructor reads directly from the text. There have been no powerpoint lectures to date, and I have found it difficult to follow. I do not hold it against the instructor, as no one will speak to her directly about the class. Instead, we just complain to each other and do it on our own. Most of my time is spent reading the book, and the "high yeild" book. I recomend purchasing the high yeild book. The BRS for embryo is good for questions, but you are really going to need the high yeild if you want to retain the information.

Doctoring 1 is great. The instructor seems a bit confrontational, but he has to be. The whole idea of becoming a Dr. is to be able to respond accordingly to any given scenario. I've heard mixed reviews of the class. People have told me to read the book, and others have said everything you need to know is in the lecture notes. I read both, because extra information can never hurt. This class is a "sleeper" so don't neglect to study for it!

Clinics- The clinics are great. I love Dr. A*******. He has a special sense of humor, and if you mess up, he will defiantely let you know... every time he sees you. So don't mess up! The clinics are held in either Vieux Fort, or Laborie. I have only been to the Laborie clinic as of now. It is definately 3rd world feel. It is hot, humid, and there will be no AC. You must be accustomed to standing for a long period of time. You must also dress professionally (but no tie required). Your labcoat must be clean, and pressed. I had originally asked what the dress code for school was, and I was told that shorts and t-shirts would be ok. so that is all I brought with me. This however is not the case! You really should invest in some wrinkle free dress pants, and shirts. Short sleeve is recomended. Bring some polo shirts too. You can't were those at the clinics, but you will wear them to class everyday. It's hot, so get some stuff that breathes. I have already seen 3 students pass out while in the doctors office at clinic.

The clinics are the best part of the week. You get to meet the nice locals. They are very polite, and well mannered. Please return the favor. I have already seen my first tumor, and heard my first irregular heart beat. Four years of hands on education is priceless! I cannot stress this enough.

Case studies- The senior students said it was too easy, and voiced their opinion to the administration. The Dean ripped us a new one today in class. He asked why no one has started our presentations yet, and we replied "we have a test on monday". Apparently this is not a viable excuse. It kind of gave me a negative impression, and a feeling like they want us to fail, but then again it seems like they just want to make it hard so we actually have to apply ourselves. They have made it clear that we are expected to avoid food, and sleep, so we can complete the work load and study. It's too early to tell, but feel free to ask for updates.

So do I regret my choice to come here? Personally, I'd have to say no. I like a challenge. I like the 4 years of hands on. I really like the friendly instructors, and their willingness to be available 24hours a day. The island life is sub-par, but I didn't come here to party so it doesn't bother me at all. I like it here so far. I would definately recomend this school to my friends. Any questions?