Merp april 2010 in the bahamas

[Dr. Nomad]

I just got accepted in to Ross's MERP program in the Bahamas. I was told the April 2010 class would be the first one in the Bahamas. Does that spook anyone else? Also on a side note could someone weigh in on the loans that are listed for the MERP program? Are they deferred like the rest of the undergrad loans I am sure so many of us have or do we have to pay them back? What are the details? Lastly has anyone that got accepted to Ross thought about going the military road as a way of paying for medical school? Does anyone know if the military will take M.D's from the Caribbean schools?

Last but not least anyone else get in to this session? I would love to talk to someone from the 50 other students I was told got in and decided to go this road.

[mednole87]

Hi!

I am from Florida and doing Merp in April as well! This will be the second merp session in the bahamas. The current november merp had a choice of miami or bahamas. As for the military funding, unfortuantely they don't recognize schools in the bahamas. They only recognize schools in the US. In terms of loans for merp you have to take out a private loan, and I believe Sallie Mae and Wells Fargo are the two lenders. You can search threads because there are numerous postings on this with more specific information, or contact the school. Im probably going to go down in january or sometime early to look at housing, because im going to want a place relatively close.

[Dr. Nomad]

Hey mednole 87 thanks for the reply. Its great to hear from another MERP student! I kind of want to go down and check things out as well before I leave. I still have an interview for the same kind of program out of St. George's at this point so I don't know what will happen but Im still happy to be given a shot at Ross. Even though I got MERP'ed i'm just thrilled to be given a shot at the dream. I have been reading up and have heard some things from the 07' class about rotations issues amongst 4th year students.


Trouble with getting Ob/peds rotations as well as Surg before their step II exams. Do you know anything about the current status on that?

[spaz-a-mystic]

hey guys I got merped for nov in the bahamas but dont graduate until dec so will have to defer it until april. do you think ross will be ok with that? btw - i'm from texas!

[Dr. Nomad]

hey guys I got merped for nov in the bahamas but dont graduate until dec so will have to defer it until april. do you think ross will be ok with that? btw - i'm from texas!


Hey spaz-o-mystic I remember reading someplace that if you ask Ross will let you defer a semester. I am pretty sure they won't mind. I'm from NJ looking forward to meeting you on campus.

[mednole87]

I was accepted for nov merp but graduate in december as well. I contacted my interviewer and he was able to make the appropiate changes and had me all set up for April Merp!

[mednole87]

Does anyone know for April Merp 2010 is there an option of Miami or Bahamas? I thought the only option was the bahamas.

[spaz-a-mystic]

Cool- thanks guys! I talked to Ross and they are totally ok with deferring merp until April. :) However, I'm so psyched about starting, I'm going to go talk to my professors and see if they are cool with letting me take my finals early so I can maybe squeeze in with the Nov class :eek: .

Interesting note, not that it would sway anyone by any means, but did you know you dont have to graduate to start if you have been accepted? As long as u have 90 hours and have ur pre- reqs done - u can quit school and start up.

Would I do that? probably not because I like the idea of having another degree to hang on the wall next my M.D. one (when I eventually get it!) - makes me feel like a super acheiver ;) but i thought i'd throw it in for those who are struggling in their final semester to help ease the pressure- MERP will be there regardless how you do since ur already in :D . So just relax and cruise through rest of school :cool:

Good luck guys! Start harvesting the brain cells cuz we are going to need everyone of them when we merp. After all, we are all going to pass it and become official rossies right?

[spaz-a-mystic]

I was wondering, has any one heard anything about or seen sunset aprts? it's right by the plaza where our classes will be held - within walking distance actually. curious if folks would recommend it or not.

[spaz-a-mystic]

Does anyone know for April Merp 2010 is there an option of Miami or Bahamas? I thought the only option was the bahamas.

They hold it in both miami and bahamas. I'm sure since it's so early if you ask they might let you go to the other site if you like.

[spaz-a-mystic]

yes folks, it exists. apparently we have to dress business casual everyday to class and if we go to the offices related to Ross. The reasoning behind this is because they want the bahamas site to be identical to the miami one. In miami the program is held in a health professional building so students are required to dress at least business casual. So basically, if folks in miami have to do it, bahama folks do to. :doh:

No jeans, shorts, tennis shoes, flip flops, t-shirts, or tank tops are allowed to be worn to class. :faint:

but on the bright side - it's still the B-A-H-A-M-A-S!!!!! :cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:

[mednole87]

Im looking at sunset lodge apartments too, but im planning on visiting early to check out other apartments equally close and affordable. By the way, I went ahead and made a facebook group if anyone wants to join it. You can search it under Ross Merp April 2010-Bahamas.

[spaz-a-mystic]

The two most frequent airlines that go to Freeport are Continental and American Airlines. I called both today and here are their baggage weight limits:

Continental allows 2 50lbs bags
American Airline allows 1 50 lbs bag

I forgot to ask if there is a weight limit on the carry on bags :doh: I'll call them again and post it here.

[hokie459]

I forgot to ask if there is a weight limit on the carry on bags :doh: I'll call them again and post it here.

US Air also flies here. Directly from Charlotte, NC and Philly, PA. Delta has a direct flight from ATL (sorry I only know East Coast). Both of which only allow 2 bags and I believe you have to pay for them regardless. In terms of carry on bags, they have a "limit" but it's really whatever that you can fit under the seat or in the overhead w/o making it look like you loaded them up with rocks. I've never seen them stop anyone before for carry-on unless it was physically too big to fit in the overhead.

[spaz-a-mystic]

US Air also flies here. Directly from Charlotte, NC and Philly, PA. Delta has a direct flight from ATL (sorry I only know East Coast). Both of which only allow 2 bags and I believe you have to pay for them regardless. In terms of carry on bags, they have a "limit" but it's really whatever that you can fit under the seat or in the overhead w/o making it look like you loaded them up with rocks. I've never seen them stop anyone before for carry-on unless it was physically too big to fit in the overhead.

Thanks for pointing those two out - I had forgotten to call them :doh: I just checked with Continental and AA because where I live delta and US Air do not have many flights going out to Freeport, so there is little flexibility with them (I'm from Texas and they each have only one flight daily where as Continental and AA have several flights throughout the day)

As for the carry on weight limit - i think weighing carry-ons has been a fairly new implementation with some of the airlines, at least internationally. I actually flew internationally this summer from houston and my carry on was weighed to make sure it did not exceed a certain weight (which was totally new to me- i had never seen that done before).

I'll call and find out all the limitations with all four airlines and post them up here. I'll also post their numbers so if anyone has any additional questions or concerns they can easily call the airline directly :)

[spaz-a-mystic]

I have managed to find a few links to what to bring to Dominica, but not to the Bahamas.

I few questions i have are:

- do we need to bring flash lights?
- do we need to get apartments with window bars like in Dominica?
- are there frequent (or any) power outages?
- is there regular milk available there? In DOM there isn't so curious if we can have the real stuff a little longer
- is it possible to get good pillows/ linens there or do we need to bring our own?

[Gijian]

Im looking at sunset lodge apartments too, but im planning on visiting early to check out other apartments equally close and affordable. By the way, I went ahead and made a facebook group if anyone wants to join it. You can search it under Ross Merp April 2010-Bahamas.

I'm currently housing there, it's great. Double is the best, room up and spare some expense

yes folks, it exists. apparently we have to dress business casual everyday to class and if we go to the offices related to Ross. The reasoning behind this is because they want the bahamas site to be identical to the miami one. In miami the program is held in a health professional building so students are required to dress at least business casual. So basically, if folks in miami have to do it, bahama folks do to. http://static.valuemd.com:81/images/smilies/doh.gif

No jeans, shorts, tennis shoes, flip flops, t-shirts, or tank tops are allowed to be worn to class. http://static.valuemd.com:81/images/smilies/faint.gif

but on the bright side - it's still the B-A-H-A-M-A-S!!!!! http://static.valuemd.com:81/images/smilies/icon_cool.gifhttp://static.valuemd.com:81/images/smilies/icon_cool.gifhttp://static.valuemd.com:81/images/smilies/icon_cool.gifhttp://static.valuemd.com:81/images/smilies/icon_cool.gifhttp://static.valuemd.com:81/images/smilies/icon_cool.gif
Umm 3rd and 4th semester students don't have to. Sort of weird to be mixed. The only reason it was required in MERP Miami is because of the stupid building that it was located in. I feel sorry you all! LOL

- do we need to bring flash lights?
- do we need to get apartments with window bars like in Dominica?
- are there frequent (or any) power outages?
- is there regular milk available there? In DOM there isn't so curious if we can have the real stuff a little longer
- is it possible to get good pillows/ linens there or do we need to bring our own?

1. No, don't expect to be walking home in the dark often, plus there are many street light. Power outage...haven't occurred yet...In dominca, it happens a couple of time a semester.
2. Unlike Dominica, where the whole city is dedicated to student, thus it is a really easy to pinpoint student for crime and criminal knows exactly where to look. In Bahamas, you are pretty merged with the communities like the US. So there isn't bulls-eye on you and your place to be target of crime. Of course common sense matter, don't walk the street at 2 AM and expect to be safe.
3. Hasn't happen yet....
4. Yes, there is milk...real milk!
5. Most apartment complex comes with everything you need to get settle. You can also buy your own. Items here are pretty much similar to US...except a little more expensive due to import duty. EXCEPT! Electronic! Bring the best electronic you want to use, don't ever buy them here. MP3 player, phone, and laptop = WASTE of MONEY here. Lower quality and more expensive. (ex. Old model IPhone = 1 grand here)

[spaz-a-mystic]

Umm 3rd and 4th semester students don't have to. Sort of weird to be mixed. The only reason it was required in MERP Miami is because of the stupid building that it was located in. I feel sorry you all! LOL






When I talked to the Ross advisor in charge of the MERP program students, I pointed out that the students in the pictures of the Bahamas location were all shown wearing shorts and t shirts so why do merpers have to dress up. Apparently the students in the pics are 3rd and 4th termers; in domincia its not required for the 3rd and 4th termers to dress up so they dont require the 3rd and 4th termers in bahamas to dress up either. But because miami merper have to, like u said because of the location of the classes, bahama merpers do. I asked what would happen if we did not adhere to the dress code what would happen. Answer: you would be sent home. won't be allowed to attend lecture until u changed.

I hope to god classes dont start before 9 or 10 am, that way I don't have to get up until 7:30 or 8 am to get ready.....

I feel sorry for us too..... we are going to stick out like oscar the grouch in happy candy dream land.....

[spaz-a-mystic]

Aside from the electronics, is there anything else you would recommend we bring to the bahamas? that is besides clothes, toiletries, and ourselves...

[hokie459]

Aside from the electronics, is there anything else you would recommend we bring to the bahamas? that is besides clothes, toiletries, and ourselves...

There really aren't many things you must bring down here. 95% of the stuff you want you can find down here, the only difference is more often than not, it's going to be over-priced. I honestly can't think of anything off the top of my head. Dominica on the other hand...I could probably write a novel.

[spaz-a-mystic]

I was looking at a 1 bedroom apartment at the sunset lodge aprts at myross account. They had one available 4/1 and another 3/27 but both have not available pasted in gray over them. Does that mean some one has already booked them starting 4/1 or 3/27? Non of them give the option to reserve the listing so was wondering if it will be available later or it's already gone....

Does anyone have any other apartment recommendations?

[hokie459]

I was looking at a 1 bedroom apartment at the sunset lodge aprts at myross account. They had one available 4/1 and another 3/27 but both have not available pasted in gray over them. Does that mean some one has already booked them starting 4/1 or 3/27? Non of them give the option to reserve the listing so was wondering if it will be available later or it's already gone....

Does anyone have any other apartment recommendations?

since you're looking for something so far in advance, I would probably assume that it's just because it's for the up-coming jan. semester. you can always email and find out from housing. I know a couple should be opening up after this semester since a couple of my friends live there and we're skeedaddling back to the US in t-minus 35 days.

[spaz-a-mystic]

hokie,

u said that u know a few people who live at the sunset lodge. Do u happen to know if they have a dishwasher? Are the dishes they provide microwave safe? Do they provide bakeware (like pyrex)?

[hokie459]

hokie,

u said that u know a few people who live at the sunset lodge. Do u happen to know if they have a dishwasher? Are the dishes they provide microwave safe? Do they provide bakeware (like pyrex)?

I believe they have dishwashers and probably give you microwave safe dishes, however, I doubt they provide bakeware (at least pyrex)...but you can buy that stuff at the grocery store next to campus. I think you'll get your standards, some silverware, pots and pans, some plates and cups. I know there's a new MERP Q&A email, I'm sure if you ask them they can find someone who would know for sure to help you out.

[spaz-a-mystic]

cool! thanks! :yeah:

[spaz-a-mystic]

k guys, all the airlines allow 2 - 50 lb bags (except AA - allows only one) and they do not weigh the carry-ons- cheers!

[eventualDR]

Hey guys, I applied for May but after reading through stats of people on here, I am pretty sure I will end up in MERP. I actually kind of like this program... yes it's extra money and an extra semester but the worst thing would be if I went straight to Ross, got overwhelmed and dropped out. At least this way I'll be well prepared for the first semester. Plus the money isn't a big deal, we're all going to be in lots of debt anyway.

Once you get MERP'ed do they let you choose between Bahamas and Miami? I think I would prefer Bahamas over Miami.

[PachaasPaisaa]

i got merped for april in bahamas as well

nice to meet you guys

[mednole87]

Nice to meet you as well! I made a facebook group for our merp class if you are interested in joining that.

On another note, the physiology book for merp doesn't seem to be too difficult. I hear it's the class most people struggle with during merp, why is that??

[hokie459]

On another note, the physiology book for merp doesn't seem to be too difficult. I hear it's the class most people struggle with during merp, why is that??

doesn't "seem" too difficult. trust me, physiology is one of the big classes folks struggle with in first year, esp. respiratory and renal, maybe cardio as well. But it's also supposedly one of the better gauges as to how well you will do on Step 1 since a vast majority of the exam is focused on pathophysiology (that's just what I heard). Don't take it lightly, it may appear straightforward, but it can be pretty rough.

[spaz-a-mystic]

physiology tends to get difficult because of the volume of info you have to know in detail. If you have lots of time to study it, it shouldn't be bad, but because we have to know all of its intricacies in a set time, its gets hard....

[bigmedical]

I have managed to find a few links to what to bring to Dominica, but not to the Bahamas.

I few questions i have are:

- do we need to bring flash lights?
- do we need to get apartments with window bars like in Dominica?
- are there frequent (or any) power outages?
- is there regular milk available there? In DOM there isn't so curious if we can have the real stuff a little longer
- is it possible to get good pillows/ linens there or do we need to bring our own?

-you most likely wont need flash lights but never bad to have
-if you stay at a decent place no bars are needed lol
-there are occasionally outages the island is run off of a huge generator or something, but most decent places have their own backup generator
- there is milk, real milk, most of the food/milk and stuff is right from florida so in those terms its great,
- again it depends where you stay, but whereever you stay you should be able to launder all your stuff, so you should be fine, i bring my own, to be safe and either way you have an extra set,

it is like being in florida, with a relaxing island vibe?

[mednole87]

Yea, I understand that physio is compared to a water hose, it's the volume of info that kills people. I've heard there's only 25 questions on a mini, which I was surprised to hear of such a short exam. Is this true?
Also, at my undergrad we had large transportable whiteboards, and I used them consistently. Are these by chance available as study tools?

[Gijian]

Yea, I understand that physio is compared to a water hose, it's the volume of info that kills people. I've heard there's only 25 questions on a mini, which I was surprised to hear of such a short exam. Is this true?
Also, at my undergrad we had large transportable whiteboards, and I used them consistently. Are these by chance available as study tools?

25 per class and 4 classes = 100 questions per mini. Ain't that short buddy. Beside this ain't like undergrad where you take 1 subject exam at a time, but rather all 4 subjects at once. Since it is only 25 questions, your ground for error run thin, one or 2 questions can make a big difference between passing and failing. Plus, you have know the material of all 4 different subjects. In undergrad you can procrastinate and cram everything down for a subject in a day or 2 and be okay. But for 4 subjects or more at one time, you are asking for butt whoopin' if you try that. =) Thus is the differences between Ross and your undergrad school. Use whatever method you want as long as the material get in that head of yours. :)

[spaz-a-mystic]

k this is a stupid question - but what currency is used in the bahamas? Do we do laundry using US quarters or something else? just curious...

[Gijian]

k this is a stupid question - but what currency is used in the bahamas? Do we do laundry using US quarters or something else? just curious...

US Dollars and Bahamas Dollars. They are equivalent so people use them interchangeability. Quarters are same size so they both fit in washer just fine. If you go to the bank and ask for a rolls of quarters it will come in mixed with bahamian and us quarters.

[spaz-a-mystic]

The sunset lodge apartments come with tv according to the myross listing. Does anyone know if they provide a dvd player or there are connections on the TV to connect your laptop to it with a wire? I was going to bring my aerobics dvds with me :-D

[spaz-a-mystic]

does anyone have any idea what the phone number for the people/ person in charge of the Bahamas housing is? I've been trying to call ross to get it but they just keep giving me the number for the Dominica housing. When I call the domincia housing people, they tell me to call the main office again and get the right number...

[fiddler205]

The sunset lodge apartments come with tv according to the myross listing. Does anyone know if they provide a dvd player or there are connections on the TV to connect your laptop to it with a wire? I was going to bring my aerobics dvds with me :-D

There's no DVD player provided. I'm not sure about connections to connect your laptop to it.

[BiZi-MD-2b]

Does anyone know how much or the range price they will be paying for housing? I am in for April Merp (Miami), but I am thinking about joining Bahamas instead, mainly because of the living expensives of miami. I currently live in miami, so it will also be a good way for me to get away from distractions. What do you guys/gals think?:confused:

[mednole87]

Does anyone know how much or the range price they will be paying for housing? I am in for April Merp (Miami), but I am thinking about joining Bahamas instead, mainly because of the living expensives of miami. I currently live in miami, so it will also be a good way for me to get away from distractions. What do you guys/gals think?:confused:

You can browse housing listings at myross which have their prices listed. From that I am currently interested in sunset lodge apartments which for a double is 1150 per month, so that would be split two ways. I believe it covers all expenses except electricity. Not sure how much thats going to be. I am planning on going down early to check out any closer and cheaper properties.

Were you planning on living at home in Miami? That would save lots of money. But then again, less distractions in freeport for sure. I am not a fan of traffic, and the stress of driving far to and from school may be less enticing than a 5 minute walk to school in the bahamas :)

[BiZi-MD-2b]

Thanks mednole87 for promptly reply.
I am a non-trad and independent student. I own a condo in miami, which I am paying $1200 a month for and I live 18 miles away from the campus. Therefore, I don't think that I am getting anything out of attending Miami compare to Bahamas. I instead believe that I could save more if I rent the place and attend the Bahamas. Does the ross housing website accessible to anyone?

[BrianK0220]

Lastly has anyone that got accepted to Ross thought about going the military road as a way of paying for medical school? Does anyone know if the military will take M.D's from the Caribbean schools

The U.S. military will not pay for a caribbean medical education, but they will reimburse you up to $40k per year of active duty service after you complete a U.S. residency.

[medic300107]

Brian there was a couple people who posted that for some reason the Air Force had approved Ross and only Ross. If you are serious about the military route and HPSP (i think its called) than def call an Air Force recruiter and find out. Can't hurt to make 1 phone call.

[mednole87]

Thanks mednole87 for promptly reply.
I am a non-trad and independent student. I own a condo in miami, which I am paying $1200 a month for and I live 18 miles away from the campus. Therefore, I don't think that I am getting anything out of attending Miami compare to Bahamas. I instead believe that I could save more if I rent the place and attend the Bahamas. Does the ross housing website accessible to anyone?


I think you could probably save lots more by renting it out. However, the program only lasts from april 5th to july 16th. Would you be able to rent your apartment out for only 3 months? That might be a little tricky! You should have received an email soon after acceptance with your login credentials for the myross site. If not, then just call and im sure they can tell you.

[spaz-a-mystic]

hey do ya'll think it's worth investing in a light weight metal cart for laundry and groceries (well mainly groceries)? I saw them at the container store and was tempted to buy one but wasn't sure if it was feasible for the bahamas (basically I thought it would be great if the grocery store was within walking distance so can just drag a week's worth home at a time)

[medic300107]

spaz idk about you but if you really want to shop for a week at a time just walk to the store, catch a cab back, this way you don't have to lock up your cart outside the store next to the bicycles ;)

[spaz-a-mystic]

hey guys - a little fyi-

The april merp session has been postponed by a week.....

here is the email I got....

Hello April MERP class,

Please be advised that there has been a change in the dates for the upcoming April MERP session. In order to allow time for students to remain at home over the April holidays, we have decided to push back the start of MERP one week. The change in dates will apply to both the Miami and Bahamas programs. The new dates for the April MERP program are as follows:

Program start: April 12, 2010
Program end: July 23, 2010

Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions regarding this change.

Take care

[spaz-a-mystic]

also, here is what i got about the visa and flight stuff - I'm posting this in case someone in the april class didn't get the email for it

Greetings student,

Now that you've begun your preparations for matriculating to the April Medical Education Review Program in Freeport, Grand Bahama, the next step is securing your travel arrangements and preparing your student visa applications.

Within the next couple of weeks, you will receive your paperwork to complete your Bahamian student visa application. Please carefully read the instructions that will be included in your packet and have your completed visa application submitted to the NJ office by February 1, 2010. Please email me right away if you have a spouse or companion who will be staying with you in Freeport for more than four weeks. If you will be joined by a companion, we will send both student and companion visa paperwork.

All new incoming students for the April MERP session are due to be in Freeport for orientation on April 12, 2010 and must have an arriving flight no later than April 11, 2010. Please note that travel to Freeport is very busy during this time of year, therefore, we suggest you purchase your airline tickets to Freeport as soon as possible (airport code: FPO). Ross Health Sciences requires that all April Bahamas MERP students submit their flight itineraries to our admissions office by February 1, 2010. If your flight plans are not received by this date, you risk forfeiting your seat for the MERP program.

In preparation for travelling to the Bahamas, the following information will assist you in making arrangements.

Airlines


The following airlines fly to Freeport-American, USAir, Continental, Spirit and Delta. Both American and Continental have multiple flights per day to Freeport. Others such as USAir, Spirit and Delta arrive daily.
When booking your ticket, please do not book a ticket for a flight that arrives in Freeport after 7pm. If you arrive before 7pm, you will be met at the airport by Ross University representatives and transported to your living accommodations.

Arrival after 7pm will result in you being responsible for your own transportation to your apartment.


Please be sure to book your flight into Freeport and NOT through Nassau, as Immigration in Freeport is prepared for your arrival.
It is IMPERATIVE you book a roundtrip ticket. The program will conclude on July 23, 2010 allowing for travel on July 24th.



Please have your flight itinerary emailed. If you were issued a paper ticket, you can mail a copy.

[iwantscrubs]

Hey all, I'll be with you guys in the Bahamas in April as well!

I just found out two days ago that I got in and I'm a little behind so I had a few questions.

Do most people get 1 bedroom apartments or is it more ideal to have a roommate?

I've been receiving mixed information from the internet about the Visa situation as well. Do US citizens need to get Visas?

Has anyone heard any news on how smooth the process is once we arrive in the Bahamas in terms of getting to our apartments and getting setup?

Also, if anyone is booking flights from the NJ/NY area, whats the best airline to go with?

I would really appreciate the feedback and am excited to get started in a few months :)

[AD1987]

Hey guys! I was informed yesterday that I was accepted to MERP for April 2010 in the Bahamas. See you all there!

[spaz-a-mystic]

Hey guys,

I found this site online - thought It would be a nice glimpse of things to come our way.... it kind of touches on several different stuff..

Ross Life - Life at Ross University School of Medicine (http://rosslife.com/)

[fiddler205]

Hey all, I'll be with you guys in the Bahamas in April as well!

I just found out two days ago that I got in and I'm a little behind so I had a few questions.

Do most people get 1 bedroom apartments or is it more ideal to have a roommate?

I've been receiving mixed information from the internet about the Visa situation as well. Do US citizens need to get Visas?

Has anyone heard any news on how smooth the process is once we arrive in the Bahamas in terms of getting to our apartments and getting setup?

Also, if anyone is booking flights from the NJ/NY area, whats the best airline to go with?

I would really appreciate the feedback and am excited to get started in a few months :)

Hey, I'm a Nov MERP student in the Bahamas.

I live in Sunset Lodge with a roommate and pay $575 for my half of the rent. We're sharing a nice 2 bed/2 bath apartment that we are the first people to use. I have friends who have a 1 person apartment and they like it fine, I think they're paying $850.

As a U.S. citizen, you will need to get a visa for the Bahamas. You'll hear from the Ross admin and get the paperwork in the mail for it.

All my classmates and I took care of the apartment situation before arriving. M roommate and I paid 1st month's rent, electricity deposit and another month's rent as security deposit before we got there. Someone from the Ross campus will be there to pick you up at the airport and take you to your place of residence. They help you take your bags to your apartment and even gave us a welcome bag with a gallon of water, a roll of paper towels, popcorn, TP, and some cup-a-noodles.

I'm not sure what the best airlines are to use flying there. I flew US airways to get there but am flying via Delta airlines to get back Jan 2nd. Delta is more expensive but I needed to book a flight directly to Freeport.

[eventualDR]

Thanks for the info Fiddler. How are the classes/professors? How is it overall, are you happy with Bahamas or do you think Miami would've been better? Thanks man, I think you guys are the first in the Bahamas so there isn't much info out there yet.

[iwantscrubs]

thanks fiddler!

2 more questions for anyone thats looked into this already:

Is everyone taking cell phones from the US there and buying a cell phone plan once reaching the Bahamas or setting that up ahead of time?

Does Ross have any affiliations with local banks in the Bahamas for student accounts? Seeing as we'll be there for a few months, I would like to setup a bank account instead of walking around with cash.

Happy New Year everyone!

[edymra]

I'm in the PACE program in Freeport.
I don't think Ross has any affiliations with banks here. You can't open an account in a bank here until you have begun the process of getting a student visa after you arrive here.
There's many banks to choose from. I chose RBC because I thought I would get the most professional service there, and because of their online banking, and because i'm canadian, so it felt good
So far I'm very pleased with them, but maybe it's because i'm comparing them with the National Bank of Dominica campus branch (just you wait).

Regarding cell phones, make sure that any phone you bring with you is unlocked. buying one here is very expensive, i bought the cheapest one possible, and it was $50

[spaz-a-mystic]

probably a stupid questions but...

can we use US stamps to mail stuff from freeport or does bahamas have its own stamps we have to use?

also, is it possible to get good hangers in freeport or are we better off bringing our own?

I'm trying to stick to the advice given here and packing light but it seems i still have a million things i need to bring....

[iwantscrubs]

Hey guys

For those of you that stayed at sunset lodge, how is the walk to campus? Is it long enough that we should worry about getting lightweight laptops and such or thats not really a big deal? Do you bring your laptops to class daily or just use them at home?

Also, were there things that sunset lodge didn't provide that you thought they would. Irons, pots, pans, etc. Are the electrical outlets the same as here or do we need to purchase converters?

Thanks!

[spaz-a-mystic]

hey,

those of you who have previously stayed at sunset lodge aprts, was the landlord pretty good about returning the deposits we give?

[mednole87]

I was only able to get 1 copy of an original police report.

For the immigration packet, it states that 2 certified copies are required. Is anyone else having this same problem? Can I just photocopy my original?

Also anyone start the loan process, and encounter any problems with it?

Thanks!

[medic300107]

I was only able to get 1 copy of an original police report.

For the immigration packet, it states that 2 certified copies are required. Is anyone else having this same problem? Can I just photocopy my original?

Also anyone start the loan process, and encounter any problems with it?

Thanks!

no you are not supposed to just photocopy the 1, that is why it says 2 ORIGINALS. go back to the agency where you got the 1st and get another. simple as that

[PaoMD]

no you are not supposed to just photocopy the 1, that is why it says 2 ORIGINALS. go back to the agency where you got the 1st and get another. simple as that

Agreed, don't skimp on the immigration documentation! You might end up getting an email 2 days before your flight asking for something, and that is stress you don't want.

[mednole87]

Unfortunately, its not as simple as one would think. I asked her but she WOULD not give me another copy, even though I said it was a requirement for immigration. I am planning to go a different day and get one, hopefully they won't know I already picked up a copy! Thanks.

[spaz-a-mystic]

I'd call Ross first and explain the police report situation to them and ask. I had problems getting 2 original copies too and was told to get the copies notarized....

[medic300107]

Unfortunately, its not as simple as one would think. I asked her but she WOULD not give me another copy, even though I said it was a requirement for immigration. I am planning to go a different day and get one, hopefully they won't know I already picked up a copy! Thanks.

go to a different police agency and get it. doesn't have to be from your home town. For instance my sisters town offers them for free, so i went there.

[mednole87]

Thanks!

If they are signed official, must they also be notarized?

[medic300107]

Thanks!

If they are signed official, must they also be notarized?

mine weren't notorized, just signed.

[spaz-a-mystic]

just out of curiosity, is there a gym close to the school in the bahamas? Also, are there adequate printing facilities or should we bring our own printers? I've read quite a bit about the printing for DOM but nothing really for the bahamas....

[fiddler205]

just out of curiosity, is there a gym close to the school in the bahamas? Also, are there adequate printing facilities or should we bring our own printers? I've read quite a bit about the printing for DOM but nothing really for the bahamas....

1) The campus has gym facilities....it's nothing spectacular but it's alright. it has relatively new equipment. 3 treadmills, 3 crosstrainers, free weights, bench press, a pull up bar

2) You don't need to bring a printer, you can print on campus.

[heyhello]

Hey guys Im also starting the MERP program in April in the Bahamas..Anyone looking for a roommate preferring to live at Sunset Lodge?? PM me if you are... by the way im male and not messy,

[sweet_am2000]

Anyone bring a dog to the bahamas? My hubby and 2 baby weiner dogs are coming with me. Wondering what I need to do to import them?

[austinmom]

Are we suppose to include the application fee in our visa packet. $100 per application, or does Ross pay for that. It's not clear in the instructions. Anyone know? Thanks

[medic300107]

you have to include a money order

[austinmom]

you have to include a money order


Thanks medica, Do you know who I make the money order out to? Ross or the Bahamas visa place

[medic300107]

not sure, never went to the Bahamas, call NJ and ask

[spaz-a-mystic]

the school pays the $100 processing fee, not you. The letter Ross sends with the visa application says that.

[medic300107]

guess Bahamas is dif than the DOM. They made us pay for our visas.

[hummeraholic]

Hey guys, excited to hear about joining MERP this april in the bahamas, I talked to the landlord at sunset lodge, and no single rooms are available but there a few double units. I am looking for a roommate for the duration of the MERP program. Info about me : 22/Male/South Asian/ from the DC area (Potomac), went to UMD and had too much fun, hence the MERP program. PM me or just reply to this message if anyone is looking or know anyone looking for a roommate. Preferably someone who also understands the mentality work hard/play hard. Thanks
- J

[PachaasPaisaa]

I am bumping this thread up because April is coming closer and I think it would be beneficial for us to try to talk to one another and see what is going on.

I am going to be living in sunset lodge. I am 24 / South Asian (Indian) / Male.

I went to UC Riverside, and completed a bachelors degree in Neuroscience. I like to work out and go running and stuff, and I'm hoping that there is a decent gym facility near the freeport site. If anyone wants to have someone to run with while we're all there, I would be down :-D

Also, does anyone know anybody who has completed MERP at the bahamas? I know our class is the second, or maybe third group of students to go through that site, so if anyone has any experiences or anything they have heard and would like to share, that would be cool.

once again, its nice to meet you guys!

[mednole87]

I am going to be living in sunset lodge as well. I will be arriving April 1st:)

I am 22/Female/ Florida. I went to FSU and obtained my bachelors in Exercise Science. I'm an avid runner, so I am down!! Glad to hear there are some other runners:)

I'm pretty sure we are the second merp class in the bahamas.

[PachaasPaisaa]

so today marks the start

one more month til we all rendezvous on at the island site

anyone make a list of things to take?

[spaz-a-mystic]

hey guys,

does anyone know what is the bug situation in the bahamas? I bought a bug spray just to be on the safe side but just curious...

as for packing list... I'm just taking stuff I normally use, clothes, shoes, favorite snacks/ foods, and of course me ;0)

[myke de acuto]

hello everyone, I was MERPed for AUGUST 2010. Please I would like to announce that after you all complete your April 2010 Merp, I would like some of you to sell me your textbooks that you used for the MERP.

all in favor say I........, All opposed.....??? The I's have it and the motion have been agreed to.