Jan 2010 New Student questions.

[medicstuart]

I am an incoming student and have several questions. Please help.

1. How are lectures set up?
2. Do you need to take a laptop everyday?
3. Do people wear scrubs or normal clothes everyday?
4. Do most people buy their medical insurance from the school, or get their own?
5. Do you have to take notes by hand, or are they online?
6. Do you have to buy all the required books from the bookstore? Do you really use them all, or are some better as a reference?

These are just a few of the hundreds of questions in my head. I would appreciate any help!

[Itempest]

I am an incoming student and have several questions. Please help.

1. How are lectures set up?
2. Do you need to take a laptop everyday?
3. Do people wear scrubs or normal clothes everyday?
4. Do most people buy their medical insurance from the school, or get their own?
5. Do you have to take notes by hand, or are they online?
6. Do you have to buy all the required books from the bookstore? Do you really use them all, or are some better as a reference?

These are just a few of the hundreds of questions in my head. I would appreciate any help!

1. 80-100 students sit in a classroom and are lectured by professors. 3 classes a day going from 8-11:30. Anatomy lab for 2 hours in the afternoon. In subsequent semesters, Anatomy lab may be replaced by introduction to clinical medicine (ICM).

2. No. Some people pay for printed notes and take written notes on those.

3. Normal clothes. However, scrubs and white coat (purchasable from the school) are mandatory for the anatomy lab.

4. A mix.

5. Powerpoint slides are available online, but most will want to add notes to those either on their computer on in written form based on what the professor says and emphasizes. And if you're wondering, yes you are required to come to classes... there's a mandatory attendance policy at AUC.

6. Most people buy very few of the required books. Required books are used mostly as a reference. For exams in school, your notes are better. And for standardized exams after basic sciences (i.e. the USMLE Step 1), there are many review books that are better than text books. So no, most of the "required text books" are, in fact, not required. I would really only recommend buying two books for your first semester - Netter's Anatomy Atlas and Board Review Series Anatomy (aka BRS Anatomy).

[tegraphile]

I am an incoming student and have several questions. Please help.

1. How are lectures set up?
2. Do you need to take a laptop everyday?
3. Do people wear scrubs or normal clothes everyday?
4. Do most people buy their medical insurance from the school, or get their own?
5. Do you have to take notes by hand, or are they online?
6. Do you have to buy all the required books from the bookstore? Do you really use them all, or are some better as a reference?

These are just a few of the hundreds of questions in my head. I would appreciate any help!

1. Scheduled times, M-F (from 8am to 11:20am). Does vary with semester.
2. Do not need a laptop if you have the notes printed out (personally or through note services).
3. Casual clothes for class. Scrubs only for anatomy lab.
4. Some buy before, some buy while here. I went with IMG Insurance (advertisements on this site). Search forum for more information.
5. Lecture slides are available online. Note taking is personal preference.
6. Not all books are needed. Run a search.

[medicstuart]

Do you feel that the amount of information is overwhelming? Or are people able to keep up easily?

How many people per cadaver?
Do the professors teach in regions or body systems?
Is there any preparation/review you suggest prior to starting your first year?

[bogey]

I'm in my first semester...

1. all lectures are done with power point slides projected on to a large screen. professor uses a mic and discusses each slide.

2. no. unless you want to type your notes... etc.

3. most do not wear them to lecture but some do. usually there's enough time between your last lecture to eat and don your scrubs and coat for anatomy lab.

4. i don't know what most people do but i did not.

5. the power points are online available to download and you can buy a printed version from notes services. I think most people do that.

6. no. so far i really haven't read any of the books. i do use some for reference. BRS anatomy, netter's, first aid...

so far i'm not disappointed. there have been some minor nuisances but nothing to write home about. oh, and if you haven't been to the caribbean before, you might be a little culture shocked for the first few days but you'll soon get over it. if you bring a good attitude with you, it will be a huge asset.

good luck. see you in january.

[wao99]

Do you feel that the amount of information is overwhelming? Or are people able to keep up easily?

How many people per cadaver?
Do the professors teach in regions or body systems?
Is there any preparation/review you suggest prior to starting your first year?

The info tends to grow as the semesters progress. You can keep up if you review daily. Cramming is no good here as they set up the exams in a block fashion.
My entering class had 180+ students and there were 20 cadavers: 9 people per cadaver... but the schedule was staggered so only 6 per day.
The professors teach regions i.e. Back, Arm/Forearm/Hand, Head and Neck, Thorax, Abdomen, Pelvic Area, & Thigh/Leg/Foot.
Buy BRS Anatomy.
Bring your study A-game.

See you soon.

[bogey]

Do you feel that the amount of information is overwhelming? Or are people able to keep up easily?

How many people per cadaver?
Do the professors teach in regions or body systems?
Is there any preparation/review you suggest prior to starting your first year?

you'll be overwhelmed during the first week but you'll quickly learn how to deal and realize it's manageable.

per cadaver... your class will be smaller than mine but i think they'll have fewer bodies. anyhow, there's plenty of opportunity to work on your "first patient". you won't be disappointed with the anatomy lab experience.

this semester—first—we had some overlap in histology and anatomy.

don't do any prep. you'll be wasting your time and there's no need.

[medicstuart]

Is there a good hotel/resort that is near the school for family to stay at?

Do family usually come to the White Coat Ceremony?

Are the dorms nice? Do people tend to move off campus?

[Itempest]

Is there a good hotel/resort that is near the school for family to stay at?

Do family usually come to the White Coat Ceremony?

Are the dorms nice? Do people tend to move off campus?

Yes. Plenty. Aside from students and locals, St. Maarten is a popular vacation spot for many people, so lots of hotels and a fair few "vacationy" things to do for the family.

Some do. There's a party after the White Coat ceremony usually where a lot of students go to hang out and meet other students. So you'll want to keep that in mind - either you go hang out at this party and leave your family to do their own thing, or you hang out with them and ditch the party. Or I guess you could do both, not really sure.

Never stayed in the dorms, but it's got a lot of conveniences such as generator and the school's own water supply. Electricity and internet included in your rent, etc. You will almost certainly have to move out at the end of your first semester, though, unless you get lucky and get one of the "lottery" slots. And there's plenty of places around campus from 1-7 minutes walking distance.

[tegraphile]

Alright, I'm sending you my paypal account info. It's now a $1/question.

[medicstuart]

haha. Thanks. I have been out of school for a couple of years and I am nervous about going back. I have been working as a paramedic and getting a lot of clinical knowledge, but I am afraid that I forgot how to study. I really appreciate all the help

[bogey]

haha. Thanks. I have been out of school for a couple of years and I am nervous about going back. I have been working as a paramedic and getting a lot of clinical knowledge, but I am afraid that I forgot how to study. I really appreciate all the help

don't worry, it'll come back to you... might take a week or two but you'll be fine.

[medicstuart]

Thanks for all the help! I have been out of school for a couple of years and am nervous about going back. I have been working as a paramedic and getting a lot of clinical experience, but am worried that I forgot how to study. I really appreciate any help you can give me.

[wao99]

Is there a good hotel/resort that is near the school for family to stay at?

Do family usually come to the White Coat Ceremony?

Are the dorms nice? Do people tend to move off campus?

Yes there are hotels/resorts near by.
Some families do go to white coat. It is broadcasted via web also.

The dorms are the best place to live. AC, internet is included. Reliable electricity and water. I'm moving back for 5th semester :D
I've lived off campus semesters 2-4 and it's not as nice.

[EOK]

For me, I wish I read the introduction of Clinically Oriented Anatomy by Moore before class. I never took anatomy and there were some basics that helped me.

There will be resources here to help you study. Office hours, workshops, study skills counselor, advice from upper semesters... there's no shortage of ways to study. The hardest thing is figuring out what works for you, and EVERYONE has to find out that for themselves. It generally takes a semester or two.

[dreileen]

Thanks for all the help! I have been out of school for a couple of years and am nervous about going back. I have been working as a paramedic and getting a lot of clinical experience, but am worried that I forgot how to study. I really appreciate any help you can give me.

I have been out of college for 10 years and I have been doing well. I was scared about having been away for so long too, but things have been working out better than I expected. I do still feel a little rusty on my study skills, but it gets better every day. :D

[jj29]

Can anyone tell me how you go about getting the AUC health insurance? I tried looking on the website, and it seemed like it's included in the fees unless you waive it? Is that right? Thanks!

[dreileen]

Can anyone tell me how you go about getting the AUC health insurance? I tried looking on the website, and it seemed like it's included in the fees unless you waive it? Is that right? Thanks!

It is definitely NOT included in the fees, and you can't register until you show proof of insurance. That is step #1 on day #1, so take care of it ahead of time if you want something other than what the school offers. I bought something listed on the VMD home page and I found it to be cheaper and better coverage. The couple of students I saw trying to purchase the coverage the school offers, seemed to have more of a hastle because there was an issue with cash, check, or credit card. I don't remember which one.

Just a thought, a friend had to go to the ER. The ambulance ride, the ER visit (with stitches) and a prescription cost about $80 total. No insurance was billed, that was the TOTAL COST. Most students opt for fairly minimal coverage with a higher deductible to save $$. Your biggest worry would be if you needed to be air evacuated off the island. Otherwise, you will probably pay medical bills out of your own pocket regardless of your insurance. However, you are still required to have insurance.

[jj29]

Thanks for your reply! Just to clarify then, if I want the school insurance, I take care of it once I get to the island?

[bogey]

Thanks for your reply! Just to clarify then, if I want the school insurance, I take care of it once I get to the island?

yep, you got it.

[medicstuart]

Is there anything you wish you would have brought to the island, but didn't think of?

[bogey]

Is there anything you wish you would have brought to the island, but didn't think of?

the brs book(s). while you can find them here used, sometimes the questions at the end of each chapter have the answers circled... to me, it's a lot more useful to have to look up the answer on the key / explanation page. they are relatively inexpensive books and they're light / small enough to bring with you.

maybe some others can add more but that's about all i can think of.

[RebeccaB]

Is there anything you wish you would have brought to the island, but didn't think of?


I would recommend duct tape and bugspray.

[dreileen]

Is there anything you wish you would have brought to the island, but didn't think of?

That all comes down to how much you are willing to pay for something. You can get anything, within reason, but at a cost. Some things here are WAY more expensive (like cotton balls at $6 a bag versus 88 cents from Walmart). Other things are about the same price, but you don't get the brand selection. If you are stuck on ONE BRAND (shampoo, toothpaste, monthly girl supplies) you may want to consider bringing enough until you can stock up when you go home on your next break. Things that were suggested to me, Walmart jumbo size bottles of Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl, cold medicine, etc. Cheap plastic hangars (the 10 for $1 kind) were worth bringing. I did ship several (6) large boxes (5 cubic feet each). They cost about $45 a box from UPS to 4 Star Cargo and then about $150 for the 6 from Miami to here (VIA SHIP, NOT AIR!!!). Nice pots are hard to find at a good price. Nice sheets are hard to find too. A George Foreman grill is a good investment and so is an UNLOCKED cell phone (international version) that you can use for a local cell phone. I think if it is AT&T/Cingular it will work here. Alltel/Verizon phones will not. I also brought a year's supply of my contact lenses and 3-month supplies of prescriptions meds. Certain medications (prescriptions) apparently are hard to get here.

As far as books goes, if you order from Amazon, they usually have free shipping to a US address, so I send it to 4 Star Cargo and then they ship down here based on cubic feet, not pounds, so a heavy stack of books can be delivered for about $30, to your door. If you use "The Mailbox" or AIR FREIGHT with 4 Star Cargo, you will pay $3 a pound. That gets expensive very quick.

A MUST - get a Bank of America account. You can withdraw $$ at the ATM by the school in US dollars for no service fees. If you withdraw local currency (which you don't need) there will be a 3% fee. The FedEx people were at this last registration and when you get your "refund" check from the school, you can FedEx it from the school to the bank, or to a family member. I sent my school check FedEx on a Monday, it was deposited Tuesday by a family member, and the $$ was credited to my account by that same Friday.

Hope some of that helps.

[daoudyz28]

What are the specs for the white coat (for the ceremony), scrubs (certain color?), and the Anatomy lab coat? Also, should these be bought prior to arriving on the island? Thanks.

[Itempest]

The lab coat and white coat you wear to the White Coat Ceremony are the same and you buy that here on campus when you get here.

Scrubs you can buy here or bring with you (probably cheaper) and color doesn't matter.

[medicstuart]

Does anyone have names of specific global health insurance companies they are using?

[tegraphile]

Does anyone have names of specific global health insurance companies they are using?

I went with IMG Global's Patriot International plan. There is a link to their site in the "medical resources" tab. One year cost me $350, which comes out a cheaper than the plan AUC offers at registration.

This was with a $2500 deductible and $1,000,000 maximum coverage. It also has a stipulation for medical evacuation (by air) in case of an emergency (which is part of AUC's requirement for an outside insurance).

They send you an email with the certificate, which you'll need to print out and hand in during registration.

[Lemacfar]

1. 80-100 students sit in a classroom and are lectured by professors. 3 classes a day going from 8-11:30. Anatomy lab for 2 hours in the afternoon. In subsequent semesters, Anatomy lab may be replaced by introduction to clinical medicine (ICM).

2. No. Some people pay for printed notes and take written notes on those.

3. Normal clothes. However, scrubs and white coat (purchasable from the school) are mandatory for the anatomy lab.

4. A mix.

5. Powerpoint slides are available online, but most will want to add notes to those either on their computer on in written form based on what the professor says and emphasizes. And if you're wondering, yes you are required to come to classes... there's a mandatory attendance policy at AUC.

6. Most people buy very few of the required books. Required books are used mostly as a reference. For exams in school, your notes are better. And for standardized exams after basic sciences (i.e. the USMLE Step 1), there are many review books that are better than text books. So no, most of the "required text books" are, in fact, not required. I would really only recommend buying two books for your first semester - Netter's Anatomy Atlas and Board Review Series Anatomy (aka BRS Anatomy).


whats your definition of normal??? :p

[tegraphile]

whats your definition of normal??? :p

Anything you don't wear.

[daoudyz28]

Are the Powerpoint slides that are available to us online in Powerpoint or PDF format? Also, are we allowed to audio record the professors during lecture? Thanks.

[drpeppir]

Are the Powerpoint slides that are available to us online in Powerpoint or PDF format? Also, are we allowed to audio record the professors during lecture? Thanks.

Depends on the professor, most of the time Powerpoint. Maybe 5% of the time in PDF and you are allowed to audio record.

[Rfisher]

Are the Powerpoint slides that are available to us online in Powerpoint or PDF format? Also, are we allowed to audio record the professors during lecture? Thanks.

You can only audio record with permission, so be sure to ask first. But, I don't think too many of them have a problem with it.

[medicstuart]

I am working on packing my clothes for the island. Does it ever get cool there/ is there any reason to bring warmer clothes? Are the bugs a problem?

[slevit1]

I am working on packing my clothes for the island. Does it ever get cool there/ is there any reason to bring warmer clothes? Are the bugs a problem?

It depends on what you consider cool. It's usually 80's in the daytime, 70's in the nighttime. The real reason for warm clothes is not the island weather, but the lecture halls. If you have clothes to keep you warm in class, you'll have more than enough to keep you warm on the few chilly nights you may get during your time on the island. The bugs bother some people, but not everyone. I was absolutely destroyed by mosquitos my first semester, and have no idea how I avoided dengue! However, after first semester, they left me alone. There are also plenty spiders, roaches, and ants around, but most do not become a problem if you clean up properly.

[daoudyz28]

Are the apartments on the island furnished?

[AlanLeeKU]

Are the apartments on the island furnished?

I think most of the places are furnished.

[kp17]

Is there anything I should study or read up on before I begin my first sem in terms of school and classes? I don't want to be behind before I even start med school.

[Itempest]

Is there anything I should study or read up on before I begin my first sem in terms of school and classes? I don't want to be behind before I even start med school.

Not really. You'll want to come here rested, relaxed and ready to go. Nobody expects you to know anything beyond the kind of stuff you are tested on with the MCAT so as long as you have your basic biology / chemistry and stuff handy, you should be good to go.

[valueschool]

Is there anything I should study or read up on before I begin my first sem in terms of school and classes? I don't want to be behind before I even start med school.

Maybe check out the anatomy of the back and upper limb so it u wont be completely shocked when u are learning it at a very fast pace.

[AlanLeeKU]

Not really. You'll want to come here rested, relaxed and ready to go. Nobody expects you to know anything beyond the kind of stuff you are tested on with the MCAT so as long as you have your basic biology / chemistry and stuff handy, you should be good to go.

I would stick with this.

Taking a few sips out of a water fountain in preparation for a fire hydrant isn't really that useful.

Just relax and try to enjoy what little time you have left.

[valueschool]

I would stick with this.

Taking a few sips out of a water fountain in preparation for a fire hydrant isn't really that useful.

Just relax and try to enjoy what little time you have left.


haha u r funny

[daoudyz28]

Housing question:

I plan on living on campus for the first semester. Is this the norm, and/or is it preferred?

Also, I understand a $1,650 deposit is required prior to moving in for the reservation of a dorm on a first-come, first-served basis. However, in reading the agreement just forwarded to me by AUC, it seems that the entire semester's rent is due in advance ($5,100 for single unit). Is this accurate?

I have no problem paying the $1,650 security deposit, but the $5,100 is a little steep for me until I receive my financial aid. Will the school allow one to move in prior to paying the $5,100, and accept payment when our financial aid money is received?

I would contact the school directly, but due to the time and the day, I figured I would ping this here to see if I could get a response from someone who has already encountered this transaction.

Thank you very much for your time.

[georgelucas45]

Housing question:

I plan on living on campus for the first semester. Is this the norm, and/or is it preferred?

Also, I understand a $1,650 deposit is required prior to moving in for the reservation of a dorm on a first-come, first-served basis. However, in reading the agreement just forwarded to me by AUC, it seems that the entire semester's rent is due in advance ($5,100 for single unit). Is this accurate?

I have no problem paying the $1,650 security deposit, but the $5,100 is a little steep for me until I receive my financial aid. Will the school allow one to move in prior to paying the $5,100, and accept payment when our financial aid money is received?

I would contact the school directly, but due to the time and the day, I figured I would ping this here to see if I could get a response from someone who has already encountered this transaction.

Thank you very much for your time.

They take the dorm money from your financial aid check whenever that comes in.

[Doctor MD]

Housing question:

I plan on living on campus for the first semester. Is this the norm, and/or is it preferred?

Also, I understand a $1,650 deposit is required prior to moving in for the reservation of a dorm on a first-come, first-served basis. However, in reading the agreement just forwarded to me by AUC, it seems that the entire semester's rent is due in advance ($5,100 for single unit). Is this accurate?

I have no problem paying the $1,650 security deposit, but the $5,100 is a little steep for me until I receive my financial aid. Will the school allow one to move in prior to paying the $5,100, and accept payment when our financial aid money is received?

I would contact the school directly, but due to the time and the day, I figured I would ping this here to see if I could get a response from someone who has already encountered this transaction.

Thank you very much for your time.

I am in for Jan 2010 and I noticed the $100 difference in the rent from what was previously mentioned,too. And from what I heard, the spaces fill very quickly and since the deposit is refundable, you should consider sending your deposit asap !!

[Macgyver1MD]

Is there anything I should study or read up on before I begin my first sem in terms of school and classes? I don't want to be behind before I even start med school.

I asked the same question too before I started. I even bought a USMLE Step 1 book and was looking at the types of questions I would need to know. It was nice to just see the caliper of quesitons that was going to be on the boards.

But remember the questions on exams will be based on the material covered in class. Even though a good portion of the covered material will be similar to USMLE Step 1 questions, it won't be exact. It will be close enough that if you do about 20 questions a day of USMLE Step 1 from a Qbook or BRS (Board review Series) of that topic, it can really come in handy for exams.

A good number of professors look at other USMLE Step 1 questions, and model their questions on the covered material. I would get a few questions on each exam just because I did a handful of USMLE questions everyday.

Quesitons I would have missed otherwise, I got correct because I did 20 USMLE Step 1 questions a day. Its sooo worth it. Just do questions on the topic being studied. ie. Anatomy and Biochemistry/Genetics (1st Semester Classes)

[medicstuart]

I have seen it several places where people say PM me. What is it? Is it like IM ing?

[tegraphile]

I have seen it several places where people say PM me. What is it? Is it like IM ing?

Click on user's name to see dropdown menu, then click on "Send Private Message (PM) to X"

To check your inbox, click on User CP button on the upper left of the page.

[medicstuart]

Thanks alot!

[Doctor MD]

Hi,

1. Do a lot of people use unlocked iPhones on the island ?

2. I was hoping to use the Skype app that will work over wifi. And some pre-paid service for local calls. Is data very expensive with local providers ?

3. Do they have wifi in dorms ?

4. Reading the forums, it looks like most people opt for IMG global insurance. Any thoughts ?


Thank You

[tegraphile]

Hi,

1. Do a lot of people use unlocked iPhones on the island ?

2. I was hoping to use the Skype app that will work over wifi. And some pre-paid service for local calls. Is data very expensive with local providers ?

3. Do they have wifi in dorms ?

4. Reading the forums, it looks like most people opt for IMG global insurance. Any thoughts ?


Thank You

1. Not everyone, but a fair amount do.

2. Don't know about Skype app personally, but I'm planning on bringing an iPod touch on my trip down after break. Don't know of anyone with a data plan on the island. Most people use the WiFi on campus.

3. WiFi does not reach dorms reliably, but people haved used routers in the dorms.

4. I have IMG insurance. Thankfully, I have not had to use it, so I don't know how good/bad they are. They do fulfill the requirements for school and have medical evac coverage, which is of major importance.

Hope that helps.

[Rfisher]

Hi,

1. Do a lot of people use unlocked iPhones on the island ?

2. I was hoping to use the Skype app that will work over wifi. And some pre-paid service for local calls. Is data very expensive with local providers ?

3. Do they have wifi in dorms ?

4. Reading the forums, it looks like most people opt for IMG global insurance. Any thoughts ?


Thank You

1. Some; I do.
2. The skype app works really well over reliable wifi. (reliable being the key word.) Prepaid calls are all the cell companies use. I dont think they offer data packages.
3. There was no wifi in the dorms last semester, but i think they added it recently. I picked it up on the 5th floor recently. Most people have wifi routers.
4. I have the AUC/Bollinger insurance. I had a $250 deductible with no copays. Recently they have been trying to get me to admit I am married so they can deny my claims, but I have not given in. We'll see how it goes.

[Doctor MD]

Thank you "Rfisher" and "tegraphile"..

Quick question: How cheaper/expensive are these insurances, if you could please give me a general comparison..

Thanks

[Doctor MD]

Too much for my questions.. I got the email today about the mandatory insurance policy..

[vin108]

Whats the best way to pay for stuff on the island? credit cards from the US work? cash? what do most people who live on campus do for food? is there a dining hall? i have heard that there is a grocery store but far away. whats the best way to keep in touch with people when on the island, either back home in the US or classmates? thanks.

[drpeppir]

1. You can use credit cards at the major shopping places (Grande Marche, Cost-U-Less, etc)
2. If you have a Bank of America account you can withdraw from the Scotia ATM at the nearby casino (in walking distance) for free.
3. There is a cafeteria, the times it is open for food are limited however.
4. You don't need a car but maybe every 3-4 weeks which you can rent from within walking distance at Thrifty in the Wyndham Sapphire hotel for about $30-40/day.
5. US Dollars are accepted everywhere.
6. Most people use Skype to keep in touch with classmates and family back home. (Receiving calls is free, so just get a US number and your parents can call you anytime.)

[Itempest]

Whats the best way to pay for stuff on the island? credit cards from the US work? cash? what do most people who live on campus do for food? is there a dining hall? i have heard that there is a grocery store but far away. whats the best way to keep in touch with people when on the island, either back home in the US or classmates? thanks.

US credit cards work at many major stores but most places prefer cash. It's best to bring a credit card, some cash, and a debit card so you can withdraw more cash. And inform your bank that you will be living in St. Maarten for the time being.

There is a dining hall open from about 7:30 AM - 6 PM.
There are also grocery stores, but yes, they are not in walking distance. You can either get yourself a car, rent one every one in a while, or get rides from friends who have cars.

Best way to keep in touch I'd say is Skype. For local use, you can get a local island phone and a Chippie card (do a search for "Chippie" to learn more).

[southstar99]

Are the electrical outlets the same as the US or is a converter required??

[southstar99]

Also are there any motorcycle dealers on the island...the crotch rocket type?

[AgeQuodAgis]

Are the electrical outlets the same as the US or is a converter required??

Every electrical outlet i've seen has been a US outlet. Some electronics (like the phone i bought on island) come with Euro plug-in. So it may be wise to buy a single converter, you can get one from walmart or a target for cheap.

[Rfisher]

Are the electrical outlets the same as the US or is a converter required??

Dutch side is generally all 110V/ 50W so a US plug is fine, but expect any plugged in clocks to be off on the time; get a battery alarm clock! The French side is generally 220V/60W so a converter is needed for many things. Most small electronics have a converter in them, so you would only need an adapter.

Don't forget to surge protect and use a UPS for your computer; we get some pretty good voltage fluctuations on the island.

[kp17]

Are there any cheap hotels near AUC? After running a search, the only hotels mentioned are the summit, sonesta, and sapphire..any others?

[Rfisher]

Are there any cheap hotels near AUC? After running a search, the only hotels mentioned are the summit, sonesta, and sapphire..any others?

Close to campus, that's about it. If you call the sonesta and tell them you are an AUC student you can get a room for $100/night.

[TxShan]

I don't know if someone already said this bug bring OFF bug spray. The deep woods kind. Bring lots of it. Damn mosquitos will tear your *** up.

[daoudyz28]

Do you need a St Maarten Drivers License to rent a car on the island?

[slevit1]

Do you need a St Maarten Drivers License to rent a car on the island?

nope...US will work just fine. Wouldn't be a lot of rental car business if they required tourists to have SXM drivers licenses!