8) 8) 8) GOT MY TICKETS 8) 8) 8)

Hi Everyone,

Wow time flies! Seems like only yesterday my wife and I made the decision to enroll in med school. I will be coming down to SXM Monday March 1st and leaving Friday March 5th. I have a couple of questions:

1) Which day (Tues, Wed, Thurs) is best to visit the school? How long does a school visit take? I assume I need to contact MEIO to arrange for this.

2) I have the current housing list, should I make appointments with people on this list ahead of time, or should I just "wing" it when I get there. I hesitate to make arrangements ahead of time since I'm not sure how things will unfold.

3) I'd really like to meet some of the people I've been exchanging with during the past months... You guys get together for a beer anywhere?

4) Where do you recommend I stay? Is there a hotel near the school? I've heard something to the effect that MEIO could put you up. Is this true?

5) Any advice on renting a car?

Unfortunately, my wife will not be able to accompany me. 26 hours of flight in a couple of days will be too much for our little angels...
A good friend of mine will be coming with me... He's very interested in AUC and would like to check it out... I think I've spread the fever!

I'm just starting to plan this visit, I made a last minute decision yesterday to go. I'd really appreciate any advice, inputs, suggestions... That any of you might have.

I owe a bunch of you some beer, it would be pretty cool to meet.

Thanks!

WantMD :-)

Hi WantMD,

Congrats, you will have an amazing time visiting St. Maarten it is a great place to be.

I would try to call MEIO to arrange a day where you can get a proper tour of the school. They seem to be very busy so try to call asap. When I went to visit in December I called to arrange a tour but they never got back to me, so I just went to the school, they have security gaurds at the parking lot entrance so you just have to explain your situation to the guard.

I stayed at an all inclusive resort called the Great Bay Beach resort. It is not close to the school but the island is not that big. We rented a car for $40 US per day, and they have plenty of gas stations on the island (Shell etc).

So does this mean that you are going to AUC and not Saba? How much did the tickets cost you?

Hope this information helps.
Good luck and I hope you have a great time.

Doc

Hi Docsmile!

We still haven't finalized our decision yet, but unless something major happens, I think we're going to AUC.

The plane tickets were not cheap! They cost me $800.00 each. I tried everything to save, I looked at doing JetBlue to San Juan... I tried the Priceline thing, I spent hours on travelocity, expedia...etc... I found a way to get the tickets for about half price, but I would have spent 4 out of the 5 days travelling. Doesn't matter, I want to go and see it. :-)

Thanks for your advice!

WantMD :-)

Hey WantMD,

Thanks for the info.
Hope you have a great time (try to have some fun while you are there). When you get back please do update the "Valuemd family" on your thoughts and feedback.


DOC

I just returned from visiting St. Maarten and SABA. Let MEIO know that you are coming and see if they can help you out as far as places to stay. They will also set you up for a tour of the campus. Talk to as many of the professors as you can and let them know you might be coming and sit in on a class or two It could make a difference when you return for classes. Most of all, have fun and make sure you wear sunblock.

1) Which day (Tues, Wed, Thurs) is best to visit the school? How long does a school visit take? I assume I need to contact MEIO to arrange for this.

We're in session Mon - Fri...pick a day...we'll be here.

2) I have the current housing list, should I make appointments with people on this list ahead of time, or should I just "wing" it when I get there. I hesitate to make arrangements ahead of time since I'm not sure how things will unfold.

Wing it...5 days should be enough time for you to see what's on the island, and also give you a better idea of the apartment you're really interested in based upon you and your wife's preference.

3) I'd really like to meet some of the people I've been exchanging with during the past months... You guys get together for a beer anywhere?

A vast majority of us are going to be coming off of exams, plus, you have the privilege of coming into town the same week the Heineken Regatta begins...I am sure we will all be cutting loose

4) Where do you recommend I stay? Is there a hotel near the school? I've heard something to the effect that MEIO could put you up. Is this true?

Near school (2 mile radius), you have Delfina Guest House, Summit, Caravanserai, Maho, Sapphire Beach Club, etc...check for availability now!

5) Any advice on renting a car?
Don't rent from Arthur's Car Rental


Aloha,

__________________
Pathology
PGY-1.75

WantMD,
While you're at it, why don't you spend the $60 for the round trip ferry to Saba on the Edge II to see what it's like? You'll be here...may as well make the most informed decision you can!

Aloha,

__________________
Pathology
PGY-1.75

Thanks for the info Jon!

I am planning on going to Saba for one day just to see. Looking forward to seeing you all.

WantMD :-)

Summerset Car Rental right near Schzechuan Chinese restaurant (behind the school). It's a little hole in the wall shack, covered with trees, overgorwn, just a shingle hung out, but they rent the SAME cars (usually Toyota Corollas or something) as the big boys... $25 a day. If they don't have any there ready to rent, take a walk, or they'll drive you all over the island trying to find some local who's willing to rent out his car (or so I hear).

Otherwise DITTO on EVERYTHING anencephalic said. He's right on the money.

Good luck!

I've found a room at the Summit Resort Hotel for $120.00 a night. Does this price sound right or should I call them and ask for a student rate?

Thanks!

WantMD :-)