I think a FAQ would be very helpful. I went through briefly and came up with a few things. If anyone has anything they think should be added or deleted, please PM me. Don't post your suggestions, a PM will allow me to integrate them

Link to SGA website: http://www.aucsga.org/students/live_stmart.htm




Ii. THE SCHOOL

What are the average student stats?

Diversity in the classroom.
90% are U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
5% are Canadians
5% are International

42% are Female students
59% are Male students

98% have Bachelor's degree or pending degree
10% have Master's degree
1% have Doctorate degree

Average Cumulative GPA: 3.1
Average Science GPA: 2.9
Average MCAT: 22

Taken from the AUC website

Does AUC require the MCAT?

Yes.

Is it possible to transfer to AUC from another Caribbean school?

Yes. Call the school to make sure they will accept credits from the school you are currently attending. Not all schools are recognized by AUC.

Can I get licensed in all 50 states ?

The short answer is “yes”. Each state has its own requirements. Some are very easy, while others are very stringent. AUC is approved in CA, which has been considered the “most difficult” state. You do need to pay attention to which states require all “Green Book” rotations. Some states also require that you complete certain rotations, such as Family practice or Neurology. Don’t post specific questions on the forum about state licensure. Call the state licensing boards to make sure you have accurate information.

If I start in << insert month and year here >>, can I finish by << insert month and year here >> ?

It isn’t possible to estimate. It depends on a few factors. How soon you take, and pass, step 1. If you have a preference in clinical spots, is that spot available, etc.

If I fail a course do I have to take the entire semester over again?

No. You are only required to take the course that you failed.

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.


Does AUC supply health insurance?

No. You should have it. One thing to look for in a policy is that off-island transportation is provided in the event of an emergency. Airlifting you off the island for a serious injury can be very expensive. Nobody will care how sick you were. When you get better you will get a bill. Routine medical care on the island is reasonable. $25 for an office visit, and prescriptions are reasonable as well. Look at www.studentresources.net
and International Health Insurance from ValueMD.com

Is there a gym at AUC?

Yes, there is. You can work on your championship bodybuilding physique while you learn medicine.


IIi. THE ISLAND

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 Official St Maarten Site


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.


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.


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.


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 do I need to get onto SXM?

You need a passport or a birth certificate to get onto the island.

Departure Tax

Since they know you can’t wait to get off the rock, there is a $30 charge for leaving.

What type of power is used on St. Maarten?

The French side uses 220v, the dutch uses 110v. A surge protector is recommended for any expensive/sensitive electronics.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes, dogs and cats should be up to date on all immunizations, especially rabies. There is no quarantine time required.

What type of food is available?

There are several western style grocery stores on the island. Most of what you buy in the U.S. should be available.

Where can I do my laundry?

Clean underwear is appreciated by all. You can do your laundry in the dorms, if you live there. ($4 to wash, $2 to dry). There are several laundromats on the island. You can also pay local women to do your laundry. Ask some of the upperclassmen for recommendations.


Calling Home

How are you going to call your parents to ask for money? There are call-back services. You dial a number, and they call you back with a US landline. Cost is about .20 to .30 cents per minute (Yahoo! Voice - Make Free and Low Cost Calls From Your PC). There are also some calling cards you can use (Cards 4 Students)

Can I use internet phone service?

Yes, you can. The quality will be dependant on the quality of your internet service. Quality is reported to be poor.
Vonage - A better phone service for less
AT&T: VoIP

What type of power is used on St. Maarten?

The French side uses 220v, the dutch uses 110v. A surge protector is recommended for any expensive/sensitive electronics.


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.


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.

__________________
AUC Class of '99
Bored certified
I may be a jerk, but I'm a Jedi jerk like my father.

Some say I look like Buzz Lightyear....
(They're right)

DISCLAIMER: I have no financial stake in ValueMD, or any medical school.

G,

Thanks for making this happen...a good many of us were pushing for something like this for the longest time...

Aloha,

__________________
Pathology
PGY-1.75