September 2005 Student Info Exchange

[ResearchingGuy]

Hi Folks! Here's a spot to get acquainted with your new classmates.

Best of Luck in September!

[Samsonlxa926]

Hello everyone,
I will be attending SABA in September 05. I am from Tampa, FL and have a ** in psychology from Clemson University.

Best wishes,
Andrew

[*miamigirl*]

Congratulations on your admission!!!!! I live in Florida too. Ill be there in May as well. Im a PA. Email me @ nikipac@comcast.net. :lol:

[Siddman]

I guess this means that May 2005 seats are all booked up...congrats to all for Sep 2005 admission...



Siddman,



-------------------------------------------------------------------
Faith it seems, is not without a touch of irony

[Preeti]

Hi,

My name is Preeti and I will be joining the September '05 class. I currently live in Miami, FL. If there is anyone from Miami going to SABA please let me know.

[dreamdoc]

HI! I AM FROM MIAMI, BUT ILL BE GOING IN MAY.

[Preeti]

Well, thats great dreamdoc. You can give me the lowdown on everything before I get there. :roll:
How are you preparing for SABA--what things are you taking (bedding, school supplies etc.), where are you staying, etc.?

[dreamdoc]

I CERTAINLY WILL BE HAPPY TOO!! SEND ME AN EMAIL OR A PRIVATE MESSAGE . IM SURE I HAVE TONS OF INFO THAT WILL BE HELPFUL AS I HAVE BEEN DOING MY OWN RESEARCH FOR SOMETIME NOW. I JUST RENTED MY APARTMENT LAST WEEK IN SABA. IM GETTING EXCITED! I AM SURE YOU ARE TOO. CHECK OUT THIS REALLY USEFUL WEBSITE:

EXPERIENCESABA.COM

ALSO, IF YOU EMAIL ME, I CAN SEND YOU SOME AWESOME SABA PICTS THAT I FOUND ON THE WEB!!

[echo25]

I opened my acceptance letter and packet on Friday 4 Feb. I will be starting September 05.

I live in Louisville, KY and looking forward to Saba.
I am currently a research associate at the University and teach science at a prep. school.

Looking forward to meeting everyone and getting back to school.

[JD-NS]

Hi! I'm in for September... from N.S.....BSc. and BEd....24yrs old!!!

[PAtoMD]

I'll be starting at Saba Sept 2005. I am from NYC. Is anyone else from NY? I am a 24F.

[aztosaba]

I received my packet today!! I will be starting in Sep 05. My wife and I can finally breathe. I got my B.S. in Bio from GCU in AZ. :D

[Audio]

I got my acceptance package today. I'm 20, from Toronto , in my 3rd year at UT. I have no clue if I am going to accept or not. I feel like I should take the MCAT because I'd at least have a shot at a US school if not a Canadian school. I'm torn, I have no idea what to do.

Oh well, to all of you heading down there for Sept 2005, good luck. I'm sure you'll all make wonderful doctors.

[mlfone]

echo25, I'm a UofL graduate hoping to go to Saba in September. Does anyone know if the class has filled? I'm kind of late coming to the party since I had planned to apply in the States. I decided that, since I'm not going to become a doc for the prestige, why wait until Fall 2006 to attend a US school. I just want to get started. I hope I get the chance to meet you in 09/05.

[ddtobemd]

Hi,

Is there anybody from southern california going to SABA for September 2005 semester. I am from San ******* Valley area..I have been accepted to September 2005 semester.

dd

[Irpus]

Hi everyone. I just got accepted to the Sept. 2005 class. I'm a 22 year old girl from New York. When are most people going to move over to Saba? Hope to hear from people soon!

[jmorris]

Hi all!

I will be starting Saba in Sept '05. I'm from Tipp City, OH. I have a ** in Econ '91 and have been working in the biz world for several years. I'm 35 and married so I will be the old guy in class. Looking forward to meeting everybody!

John

[bigguy]

Hello all,
I'm another down and dirty New Yorker who'll be starting in September (assuming the school gets re-approved by the New York Dept. of Ed.).

I'm a grad of Fordham Law School, and Albertson College of Idaho. Medicine will be my third career, and yes, at age 38 I'm older than most of you. And yes, I will be offended if you refer to me as "daddy"; I much prefer the title "fat, bald, old guy"...or just FBOG for short.

See you soon. Remember to bring your water filters! My bowels haven't been the same since my visit to Saba in February!



Bigguy, a.k.a FBOG, a.k.a Tony, a.k.a Emperor of the Goats

[hopeful786]

Hi september matriculants, I hope to join you all. I have recieved my package, I am still deciding between Saba and another caribbean school. I am leaning towards Saba. I will be coming from Toronto, Canada. We have five months to enjoy life before we embark on a challenging and exciting journey which will change us for the rest of our lifetime.

[Preeti]

I'm been accepted to the Sept. '05 class.
Has anyone decided if they will take their car to SABA and where they will live? I personally am not taking my car, and hope to live close to school so I can walk. Does anyone know if this is possible? I have a family member heading down with me for a couple of months, so I may not have to live on campus. I know its kind of early to be thinking of places to live, but it doesn't hurt to start looking. Also, will I have problems if I don't have a car at SABA?

[bigguy]

Hi Preeti,

Don't take your car with you. The island has plenty for sale from leaving students. Also, you can always buy one in St. Martin and have it shipped for about $500.

In reality, the island is totally do-able without a car. You can live in Hell's Gate, which is where the school is, and walk to class. There are lots of small cottages for rent there, a few restaurants and small markets.

Alternatively, you can live in Windwardside, and apparently there is a shuttle bus that goes to campus every morning.

There's only one road on the island, and since all students attend classes during the same hours (we're on campus 8:00 to 4:00) there will always be a way for you to get to campus, or wherever else you want to go on the island. A car seems like more hassle than it's worth. Frankly, there's nowhere to drive to anyway.

See you in a few,
Bigguy

CORRECTION: I'VE MADE THE SAME MISTAKE OVER AND OVER IN THIS FORUM. THE SCHOOL IS IN THE BOTTOM, BUT I KEEP INDICATING IT IS IN HELLSGATE (WHICH IS NEAR THE AIRPORT). IT MUST BE A FREUDIAN THING (SCHOOL=HELL) IN MY MIND.

[ResearchingGuy]

Actually, the school is in The Bottom. Hell's Gate is on the other side of the island near the airport. I would agree though that you shouldn't ship your car, but wait to see if you want to buy one once you get there. The school does provide vans in the morning and afternoon to get back and forth. Most people are happy to pick up hitchhikers any other time though it is a bit hard to get a ride late at night or sometimes on weekends.

I have friends who spent their whole time on the island without a car. They just walked and hitched (a little difficult sometimes when you are going to the grocery store). There was also a guy one or two semesters behind me who owned 2 or 3 cars. I think it must have been his hobby.

Best of Luck!

[edoki]

Hi Any one from Nebraska coming this september? Please. gist me.

Edoki.

[Miranda]

Hi. I'm graduating in May with a ** in Microbiology and Chemistry and entering Saba in Sept 05. I'm so excited, but a little nervous.

Is anyone else from Indiana? Everyone seems to be from Florida or New York.

Has anyone actually been to the island yet? I've been to St. Maarten, but it was on a cruise so I don't feel like that really counts.

Can't wait to meet you all! Goodluck.

Feel free to email me at miranda_swim@hotmail.com or if any of you are on aim my screen name is MissElizabeth922.

[edoki]

Hi Miranda,
I was told by many that Saba Island is cool. I have gone through alot of internet searches and confirmed it. So be hopeful! I think it will be a nice place isolated for studies.

See you come Sept class!

[lifesaver]

I received an acceptance for Sept. 05. I'm from western Canada - BC to be exact.

Can't wait to meet you all and start the journey in medicine.

-lifesaver

[edoki]

Hi Life saver. Congrats! I hope we all shall meet at the Island and have good studies.

Shalom!

[CRNA]

Anyone from southeast?

[edoki]

It seems September class is full of "big wigs". I hope we all work as a team and succeed.

Shalom!

Edoki

[Morningstar]

Well, I decided on Saba, and am going to send in my check this week! I'm a home-grown Canadian from the southern most part of Canada. Can't wait to meet everyone there! :wink:

[edoki]

Morningstar,
I am sure, it will be full of fun. We are all warming up to be there soon. I think I will arrive between 3 and 4 of September.

So, how are you getting ready?

Edoki.

[Morningstar]

Hi Edoki!

I am actually in the midst of finishing up my master's degree, so I can't wait 'till I'm done and can really focus on getting ready for Saba. :D I'm planning on arriving probably around the same time - Sept 3/4. Are you going to visit the island at all before you matriculate?

MS

[edoki]

MS,
Thanks for writing. You know, I am almost ready to go but have no choice than to wait till September. I have no plans visiting the Island before matriculation. I am so busy with my Cancer Research at my working place. I have few nuts to tie together. I have strectched my self to move at that time.

I live and work in the State of Nebraska University Med Center in the Midwestern state. So, which area are you doing your Masters? I hope you will defend your thesis before September.

Have a great day!

Edoki

[bigkap87]

HI all, My name is Bradd, I am a 24 year old from Gainesville, FL Sounds like we've got a good group! I look forward to meeting you all! A little about me: I received my ** in exercise science from the University of Florida, I work in the recovery room at a hospital locally and enjoy hitting the gym, playing sports, or hitting the bars to relax a bit :) I would like to know a bit more about you guys as well, Take care.

[edoki]

Bradd,You are welcome. The sept class is really a great collection. The May students are helpfu in passing infor to us. Siddman and Wolf are two great guys. Even 33, one of the older students had already given lots of info here. There are so many of them out there from different backgrounds.

I am sure we all will have good acada atmosphere and fun times.

Shalom!

Edoki

[Jonesy]

Hi! I will be going to SABA starting Sept 2005. I have completed a BSc in Biol and in May I will be graduating from Dalhousie University with a Physiotherapy Degree. So classmates.....please email me! joneslm@dal.ca

[edoki]

Jonesy,
You are welcome to the forum. It will be an ezciting momemt at the Island. If you have questions, ask, there are many out there that will give you good and reliable answers.

So congrats! for your acceptance.

Shalom!
Edoki

[medstudent007]

Hi All,

My name is Mo, I am coming from worecester, MA. starting in sept 05. Finished up my master's last year in Neurosicence from UMass-Amherst and have been in the Postbac program/working at UMass med this year. Seems like a great group of people and I am very excited to get started. Feel free to email me at moreza@msn.com :D

[elliemd]

Delete post

[3xy]

hi everyone!

i got my acceptance a yr ago (Aug 2004) - had some doubts, but am now finally convinced SABA is the way to go. this forum definitely helped in my decision. i'm excited to have such a diverse group of classmates. i am currently travelling and will most probably be in Vancouver sometime late June/early July.

i have a quick question about the loan.. for those who are applying for the TERI loan, is the $25,000 for the whole yr or is it just for 2 semesters?

[plabon]

Hi,
My name is Plabon Ismail. i am from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. i graduated in biochemistry from McMaster University. i just received my acceptance letter today for sep 2005. my email address is plabon@hotmail.com. Any canadian students going to saba in september email me please. it would be a blast if we can contact each other and plan stuffs.
thanks

[lifesaver]

The September class is looking great. I can't believe there will be other's from Vancouver :lol:

Elliemd and 3xy perhaps we can meet up and get to know eachother before we head down to Saba.

My email add is nvaishav@gmail.com

Less than four months and counting..........

Lifesaver

[Miranda]

Do any of you ever chat on instant message? Just curious...if anyone wants to chat my screenname is MissElizabeth922. I'm not on all the time but I'm sure you can catch me at some point.

I can't believe it's only 4 months until we all start medical school together. :D I still have to finish my honors thesis within the next week to graduate...wish me luck, b/c I'm stressing out pretty bad.

[lifesaver]

I guess I should read my writing before hitting the submit button....my email address is actually nvaishnav@gmail.com NOT the one I posted previously.

Non-vancouverites, feel free to email.......I'd love to get to know you guys :D

Miranda, good luck on your defense! I'll pray you do well.....I remember when I defended my undergrad biology thesis, I was nervous too, but looking back I can tell you that it's an interesting experience.

Lifesaver

[k_tanaka]

i have a quick question about the loan.. for those who are applying for the TERI loan, is the $25,000 for the whole yr or is it just for 2 semesters?

TERI figures a school year as made up of two semesters. Call Gardner for an official reply. You can apply for up to 45,000 with a cosigner.

[3xy]

thanks for the reply re: TERI loans k_tanaka and also the pm from BTH. I figured their every 2 semesters but I just wanted to make sure so I can plan my finances better.

lifesaver -- it would be nice if you, me and ellie can exchange notes on what to bring, the cheapest flight to SABA etc....

[edoki]

That is true. With a good credit worthy co signer you can apply for up to 45K a year.

My cosigner just mailed me his signed copy yesterday. I am sure I will get the whole 45K for 1 year. But if you have a good credit, you can only be allowed to have acess to 25K a year. I hope I have assisted abit.

Edoki

[bigkap87]

I forgot if anyone chats on AOL IM my screenname is braddk87 and on yahoo it is bigkap87... my email is bradd@ufl.edu. See you all in september! That is if I get through Organic II this summer :?

[edoki]

Don't fear . Build up courage and go and excell in the course.

Shalom!

Edoki

[lifesaver]

Hey 3xy,

It would be great to discuss what we're taking to saba and the ridiculously high prices to fly out there :oops:

I'm already worried about the baggage limit......

Email me and we can go from there

Lifesaver

[dreamdoc]

Hey guys:

ill be joining you in September. I actually started ist semester in May, but had a health set back and had to come home to get it taken care of. I got to Saba and got moved in to my apartment and was there about a week. I went to orientation and the night before the first day of class I found out that a small spot i had removed was melanoma so I had to put everything on hold and defer to the september semester so I could come home and get this treated.... I left my apartment and eventhing in it, just packed up my two cats and flew home.... so,, any questions regarding Saba and getting moved there, I will be happy to answer since Ive been there and shipped everything there... even shipped a car.

Ive been a Physician Assistant for 5 years in orthopedic and neurosurgery. Masters in Clinical Medicine with a post graduate surgical residency. From Miami, Florida

I look forward to meeting all of you in September. Best of luck getting moved to Saba. Its a beautiful, but a small island and the driving is scary. The views are similar to Hawaii and that is from just about everywhere on the island. From my bedroom window in my apartment, I can see St. Maarten and St. Barts!

As most of my May classmates found out... If you are living off campus you really do need a car if you live anywhere other than the Bottom. It was rather difficult to find decent cars for decent prices once you were there. A stick shift car is by far the best, the roads are incredibly narrow and steep. I bought a chevy tracker and shipped it there with Hasselfree shipping in Fla and it did very well on the roads there, we were impressed with it.

Hope that helps a bit!

[dreamdoc]

I had a HUGE suitcase and a carrier with 2 cats flying to Saba and no one said a word! I think the suitcase was about 100 pounds :)) seriously!! Winair did not say anything either. Dont worry too much, if you have extra, stuff, take it! You want to be comfortable while youre there, it takes some adjusting once you are there and if your creature comforts are with you then youll feel better:))) so I found for myself anyway. If you have too much baggage you can pay extra, but you can take it. try to ship most of your things about 3 weeks before you arrive.

[edoki]

Thanks dream doc for that piece of advice. I am longing meeting you at the island. Do you have a room mate or are you looking for one.May be we can talk it over before our first semester ends at the New hill side dorm. You sounded like a good guy.

I am sure the Lord will give you a speedily recovery.

Edoki

[bigkap87]

I know dreamdoc personally, and SHE is a great WOMAN. She is just an all around awesome person and an EXCELLENT addition to our class. We are all very lucky to have her in our class! She brings alot of valuable experience and knowledge. She has helped me soo much already and will continue the spirit of giving to others as well!

[dreamdoc]

I still love you Bradd!!!!!!!! Thanks for the awesome compliments.... Im smiling:)) :)) :))

Edoki: I have two siamese cats as roomates and a hot husband that will be coming down every few weeks, but there are plenty of places nearby me if you still want to live close!!! lol!!:)) 8)

However, if you ever need a place to crash, Im sure the cats would love to have ya!!! If you are allergic, then bring the puffer! Thats what the husband has to do in addition to cat allergy shots, but hey, the cats were with me first!!!! :)) My pad is yours anytime, even if you get sick of the dormlife!! I live near the beer fairy where we can go for homemade beer and goat chasing lessons anytime.

My landlord owns lots of cool places there on the island.. we will find you a perfect place... no worries...

[edoki]

Thanks dreamdoc. I think, I will like to live in another plave. I don't want to incovenience the cats and your husband. I never knew you are married. I thought you are a guy like me. I will appreciate an arrangement in a good place after the first semester.

Once again, thanks for your offer and suggestions. I am still trusting God for your complete healing in the name of Jesus. Amen

Shalom!

Edoki

[elliemd]

Hi all,
$*!!, two reasons for that, I forgot my password to login, I've been reading replies, wanting to reply but not being able to!
Anyhow, I got my reply from UBC today, they regret to inform me, that I was not offered a position after my interview, well too bad for them! I'm looking forward to SABA!
Lifesaver, I will send you an email, thats great that you're based in Vancouver, I'd definetely like to meet you before the semester starts. My email is ellie_sadeghi@hotmail.com, anyone who wishes can send me an email.
Cheers, Ellie

[elliemd]

I forgot to ask
What is the interest rate on the Teri Loan?
For the Canadian students, there is a loan offered by the Royal Bank of Canada for medical students and physicians for $125,000 with a lower interest rate than Canada Student loans and other bank loans. My brother who is now a surgery resident in NY had to consolidate all his expenses into this loan. I will get more info and post another message about it. (When interest accumulates, what the rate is, and the specific name of the loan)
Ellie

[edoki]

EllieMD, sorry for that refusal from UBC. You are welcome on board to SABA.

Shalom!

Edoki

[Vancouverite01]

Hello,
I will be joining you all in September of this year. I am from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I have a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the University of British Columbia. Seem's like we are going to have an excellent group of people in our batch. see u in Sep.

[edoki]

Hello Siddman and Wolf, any good news concerning the human anatomy class so far. I am sure no problem during the first test exams.

Shalom!

Edoki

[medstudent007]

Hi Dreamdoc, thank you for the first hand advice. Quick question about calling Saba. I know we can buy a cell phone for @ $50 on island and incoming calls are free but if someone wanted to call Saba from the US, what is the cheapest option, if you know of any?? Also is video conferencing via the internet an option on the island, or is the connection to slow. Also if you own a car, do you pay insurance and other costs to owning a car, if there are any? Could pass on a ball park figure on how much it cost you to ship a car over to Saba from Fl. Is having a bike as a mode of transportation kind of silly since the island is a big mountain. I was looking forward to not paying car insurance. Are there places where you can eat out near the school if cooking is not your forte? Thank you all in advance for your feedback. :-)

[Preeti]

Are all incoming calls from the US free too or just local calls? Someone also told me about broadband---using this for phone calls ($24 monthly flat rate to the US and from the US)---is this true? I am utterly confused about when to buy a cell phone (take one from the States or buy one there) and also the cheapest cell phone rate? The cheapest (not taking into account broadband) I have heard of is 18 cents/minute to the US. This still sounds a bit costly.

[elliemd]

Thanks Edoki. :P
Has anyone ordered their books yet? In total for all the required books the cost is $248.40 USD from University Books online. Does anyone know if its cheaper to go another way. (They ship to SABA for you)
Also, with my emails with some of the other Canadian students, I mentioned that FMGs may need to take an additional exam. After much research, last year the Step 2 was divided into 2 sections CS and CK. Clinical Skills and Clinical Knowledge. Supposedly, US students did not have to take the CS, however now all students need to take both part of the Step 2 (CS and CK). A bit of good news the TOFEL (or other english requirement exams) are incorporated into the CS section of the Step 2.
If anyone knows any different please inform us.
Cheers, Ellie

[marat8]

I'll be starting at Saba Sept 2005. I am from NYC. Is anyone else from NY? I am a 24F.


Hello I'm from NYC and be coming to SABA in sept 2005. Male 26. Where in NYC are u frm?

[edoki]

Wao! good. Alot of New Yorkers seems to be flooding Saba. Any one from the state of Nebraska? Am I left alone?

Edoki

[edoki]

Hello, I think we can go with the school health insurance plan for now. It seems affordable. This will help you to sail through some "grey" areas in Saba so far your health issue is concerned.

Edoki

[swinginislanddoc]

I saw someone on here talking abotu broadband phones.

We had it in our house. It was okay during low-traffic times of the day, but if a lot of people were the DSL the reception was horrible. Just so you know what you're in for!

And yes, all incoming calls to your cell phones/land lines are free. So if you get a cell phone and people call you (using a card from speedypin.com or callingcards.com - choose Netherlands-Antilles) that might be your best bet for relatively reliable phone service (be aware also that sometimes we lost cell phone service for a day or so - not that often really, but it did happen).

Best of luck,
~S 8) Off the rock and back in da states (studying for step 1 - YIKES!)

[elliemd]

Hey swing,
I was wondering if you had any tips for incoming first semester students for the board exams. What books would you reccomend? Did you study during semesters 1-5? Is there time for it?
Cheerio, Ellie

[swinginislanddoc]

Ellie,
Basically all of the classes you take on Saba are prepping you for the MLE. Seriously. It was well put to me that you don't spend 2 months studying for the MLE - you spend 2 years studying for it. Bust your tail in class and it will come easier exam time.

As for books, get the required texts most often. BRSs are also very good, especially helpful for anatomy, embryo, I think I even used it for micro, some used physio.... good high yield review while you're taking the class, but don't rely just on those as your texts! I actually read the textbooks for some of the classes (physio, biochem, most of the micro text, pretty much the whole pathology text, etc). Don't read Moore's anatomy - if you read anything just read the clinical boxes. I used BRS and Netter for anatomy and did great in there.

First Aid is also a very good book for review during classes and for MLE review time. I'm currently doing the pathology Rapid Review by Goljan. After that it's questions, questions, questions. Many of those will be floating around once you get there on CD-ROMs.

Best of luck!
~S 8)

[elliemd]

Hi swing,
Thanks that was a great response.
Ellie

[marat8]

Hello, I'm just curious weither anybody speak russian :)

[swinginislanddoc]

A couple of the profs down on Saba are Russian.

[marat8]

Thanks for reply, It is funny.
I think there will be some students who speak it too :) Just don't want to forget the language while on the island LOL.

[dreamdoc]

sorry it has taken me so long to get your questions answered.

it cost me $1600 to have the car shipped from hassel free in florida.

it cost me $289 for car insurance for the year on saba

it costs $160 for the license plate and the tag.

As far as phone bills, not sure, but it cost about 700 to have the home phone and the dsl in my aprt hooked up. that also included a cell phone with a 50 dollar calling card, but i never got a chace to use it as i left saba before i got a bill.

the dsl in my apartment is saba's version of dsl and was pretty fast most of the time. there seemed to be some times on the weekends and after school that it was slower and this may be because everyone was using it. Not sure.

you can use a microphone/audio with yahoo or msn messenger and it should work fine. Mine worked well when i was there. I spoke to people in Florida and Texas everyday.

I hope this answers some of your questions.. oh as for the bike... I dont recommend it. Maybe if you were Lance Armstrong and even then I am not sure. I saw one guy biking and I felt sorry for him. Youll know what I mean when you see Saba. ITs difficult just to walk on the hills there. There are hardly anyflat surfaces at all. When you are driving you rarely get out of second gear througout the entire island...If you are a runner though, its the most amazing workout youll ever get. I thought it was awesome!!! I hope this helps and if you have any moore questions, please let me know! looking forward to meeting you all in September!!

[ddtobemd]

Hi,

Is there anybody from southern california going to SABA for September 05 semester? I am from San ******* Valley area. Woul like to discuss travel plans, etc.

dd

[BTH]

Salutations "ddtobemd":

I am from Los Angeles, CA. I will probably be traveling to SABA around September 1, 2005. My ideal goal would be to arrive on the island by the beginning of September. That way, I would have some time to familiarize myself with the island before the beginning of the semester. At the moment, I am looking to leave from LAX. If you have any questions, you can send me a private message. Or, you can just ask them here. Ciao. :D

[spursrock]

Hi
Am from Orange County and i will be joininig u guys in september.

[edoki]

Congrats! Our sept class seems to be great. Hope to see you!

Edoki

[cyclops]

Hey,

I just wrapped up my H. BSc. at the University of Toronto with a specialist in nutritional science. Before you come and ask me to create a personalized nutritional plan for you, I should tell you I had a handful of Doritoes and half a Kit Kat for breakfast this morning. I'm 22 years old and from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Looks like I'm the only Northern Ontarian. No biggie. I'll be your novelty and you can feed me grapes. I like E! True Hollywood Stories, inappropriate hugs, and poking dead animals with a stick. Too much info? Not enough?

See you in September,
Andrew :idea: <--This is a nice emoticon. I'm gonna go ahead and name him Lightbulbface.

[cyclops]

i forgot to add to my blurb that i'll be bringing my tennis racket (ie. my baby). if you play, bring yours too, or i'm gonna look crazy.

-andrew 8)

[ddtobemd]

Hi BTH and Spursrock,

Good to hear from both of you. Thanks. I am also planning to leave around 1st of September from LAX. I am still looking for a bargain fair. Plan to stay overnight at St. Marteen and take the fairy the next morning. I still need to book a room in the hotel there. Please let me know if you have found any good deals.
dd

[medstudent007]

hey dreamdoc thank you for your informative response concerning transportation and communication on saba

[dc2md]

This pretty much pertains to the incoming September '05 class. My wife and I are getting off the island and going to clinicals at the end of this month and are looking to sell off all the stuff we had shipped down here over the first few semesters (and boy is it a lot of stuff). We have basically everything someone coming to the island will need (or just wants) to make there stay comfortable. The biggest item is our car (a '95 Mitsubishi Diamante; we put up a flyer and have already been offered $4,500 by a couple current students , but are trying to hold out for $5,000 - well worth it...ask Cassandra who posted above this). In addition to the car, we got a bunch of other household items and books that will save you a ton on shipping costs down here. Email me at chrisfaubel@yahool.com if you're interested. This is perfect for a family/couple who's coming down here and just wants to start out having everything they'll need. Chris and Carrie

P.S. Let me know if you have any other questions about the school. My wife and I will try to help out as much as we can. We both remember how scary it was coming down here without knowing that much about "life on saba".

[sentinelle10]

Hi guys,

looks like I'm Saba bound in September after all. Got accepted back in February, but let's just say saba still seems a bit of a wild card to me. But it's the only card that I have,so...
sorry to sound so unenthusiastic. I'm usually a very energetic and cheerful person.
I'm 24, from Canada, with a degree in biopharmaceutical sciences.

looking forward to seeing you all in September!

[transfer girl]

Hi

I will be going to SABA this september as well. I'm transferring in to the 2nd semester, (been studying in Europe the last year). I'm from NS, 26 yrs old, have BSc in micro/immuno and masters in nutrition. Would love to hear from any fellow transfer students or east coast canadians going to Saba in september!

Rae

[rubensmadder]

Hello Everyone, I just got my acceptance package today and I'm so excited. I will be joinging Saba Med this September 2005. I'm from Jersey City, New Jersey so if there's anyone from the NY-NJ-PA-CT area send me an email so we can get together. It is indeed great to finally begin this journey with you all. I just know that I'll be joining fine individuals like you on the island.

I plan on arriving in Saba on 01-Sep-2005, yet I haven't gotten any leads on what deals are good on airfare and where to get them.

Please email me at mharky1@hotmail.com if you have any advice or tips.

God Bless and can't wait to see you guys on the Rock!!!!!

Marky

[kellyming14]

Hi Everyone! I will also be joining the September 2005 class here at Saba. I am really excited. I currently live on Saba, so feel free to ask me anything about the island, as I am already pretty well adjusted here. I am also fortunate enough to know quite a few people from classes ahead of us so they will definitely be able to help us out with any questions.

I am from North of Chicago, IL and just graduated in May from Southern Illinois University with a B.S. in Physiology. I moved to Saba at the end of May and life so far here is great. It's a change of course but nothing you can't get used to.

Feel free to email me anytime if you need anything. kellyming14@hotmail.com. I am also on yahoo, aol, and msn messenger as kellyming14.

I can't wait to meet everyone in September!

*****

[marat8]

Hi everyone. I just got accepted to the Sept. 2005 class. I'm a 22 year old girl from New York. When are most people going to move over to Saba? Hope to hear from people soon!
Hello, Where in NY are you? I live in Brooklyn, and be in Saba in sept 2005 :)

[medstudent007]

he all you east coast people, I am coming in from boston/worcester, MA. Saba's graduation took place down the street from my apt. in worcester. Let me know if you folks find decent air fares to sxm from boston or nyc. Thus far I have found some good fares on orbitz. feel free to contact me at moreza@msn.com

[arkaleel]

...................................

[edoki]

Hi Abed,
Congrats! I will advice you choose Hill side dorm. Matthew dom seems not to be the best as I was informed due to the fact that noise is heard easily in the rooms from conecting rooms.

I have made up my mind for the Hillside dorm. It may be a little bit expensive, but it worth it.

Get ready to climb each new day. I was informed also that man got to climb.

Shalom!

Edoki

[suni]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Sunitha and I will be attending SABA in Sept. 05

I am from Georgia. Hope to see you all soon :)

[ChronoTriggerMed]

Hi Abed,
Congrats! I will advice you choose Hill side dorm.

Apparently something happened at Hillside dorm for its first wave of occupants, which involved the police. I've been to Hillside a couple of times. People tell me you can hear conversations from within the bedrooms, which come from outside in the kitchen.

Matthew dom seems not to be the best as I was informed due to the fact that noise is heard easily in the rooms from conecting rooms.

This is completely unfounded. People at Matthew's do only 2 things in their bedrooms, sleep and study. At Matthew's, the common lounge is very far away from the bedrooms at the end of the building, so you won't hear conversations from the common lounge. The only bad thing I can say about Mathew's is that you'll see people mopping up water in the hallway when it rains.

My best advice is to find your own housing near the campus. Apparently, you do not want to get into difficulties with other students as Anatomy is the toughest course you'll ever encounter (not to mention the single course with the most credit hours), and you'll need to channel all of your energies into something productive like studying.

[Sapiente]

Hi all, just reg'd on this site, I'm a Sept '05 and just seeing how everyone was doing. Seems like its gonna be a fun 20 months together. Let me know what u guys like to do in the spare time. I'm obsessed w/tennis, and like cyclops said, im gonna bring my stix too. Anyway i feel like im gonna be socially deprived as i dont drink, but ill sure sit in a bar and watch everyone else get plastered!!! peace...

[Sapiente]

Oh, i forgot to add, and im from WV, i bet u guys dont even know where that is or even if its a state!...and a million dollars no one in sept05 will be from there....cuz then id know u already...haha...byeoh and if ur a muslim hollah back, but i love everybody anyway, jews, catholics, christians, hindus, sikhs, atheists etc.........salam :D ...

[rubensmadder]

Hi all, just reg'd on this site, I'm a Sept '05 and just seeing how everyone was doing. Seems like its gonna be a fun 20 months together. Let me know what u guys like to do in the spare time. I'm obsessed w/tennis, and like cyclops said, im gonna bring my stix too. Anyway i feel like im gonna be socially deprived as i dont drink, but ill sure sit in a bar and watch everyone else get plastered!!! peace...

So there will be people I can play tennis with!! I haven' played for awhile but I am getting back into the groove. My last day at my job is the 29th of July. I have the whole of August to play if ever. Btw, did you hear if there are any tennis courts on the island?

[Sapiente]

yeah which is why im bringing my racquet, i heard its in a 'club' or something called in winward town, or wind-something, and i looked it up , only problem is its a mile from the school....so unless we have pre-game run...we might need a car or a hitch lol...eitherway itll be fun....btw...how much have ppl paid for st martin tix?....and how early are ppl coming in? does anyone know if coming in on the 5th or 6th would be too late?..keep in touch peeps

[bigkap87]

I bought roundtrip tickets today out of orlando with a stop in San Juan for 630$... That was about the best I've seen with minimal layovers... coming in the 1st and leaving the 16th of december, hopefully I won't have to change my return tix... Anyone know when the ferry runs and where in st maarten?

[Sapiente]

i had the info here somwhere, its something like mwf certain hours on those days, imight even have the days wrong but something close...ill check and get the details

[Miranda]

arfster--If I'm right, I think orientation is the 5th and class starts the 6th, so you might want to come in a little earlier than that. I've been talking to a few people and it seems like most people are arriving on the 1st or 2nd. I bought a one-way ticket b/c I'm not sure when I'll be heading home again. I bought it from cheap tickets, with a layover in San Juan for about $350--but I'm leaving out of Nashville, TN.

bradd--I looked up schedules for the ferry and the only thing I found was that it leaves at 9:00 am only, which is a little inconvenient. It's $40 one-way for an adult. I think I'm going to buy a roundtrip ticket with Winair (it's cheaper if you buy roundtrip instead of one-way). It was only $57, not including tax. I'm just going to "accidently" miss my return flight. If you get on the sticky about traveling to Saba, on the 3rd page (I think), someone has listed the websites for winair and the ferry.

Hope this helps. See you all in about 7 weeks! ;)

[bigkap87]

Thanks Miranda and arfster... yeah I think I am just going to buy a winair ticket after all maybe take the ferry some other time when I am more familiar with the land.

[Sapiente]

mirande, in all that literature...i read somewhere how you can get some special rate for one-way(since we're not allowed to do one way bc we don't live on the island or wahtever) if ur a student or something or the other, so before you buy that round trip...check in the handbook if im not wrong for something about that, it actually might be something different but again..i just read bits and pieces everywhere but dont remember details....hehe...how great am i gonna do in med schol lol, if i get time ill find out what it says...

[rubensmadder]

Hi Everyone. I got my one way ticket to St. Maarten (SXM) from expedia.com, and I had ho problems whatsoever. My ticket cost $249.00 flying out of Newark, New Jersey (EWR) with 1 stop in San Juan, PR. I also bought a one way ticket ffrom winair.com. I didn't have any problems with purchasing one-way tickets for both flights. My flights are on Sep 3.

In addition, does anyone know if the academic calendar thats in the Student Handbook is accurate. It says that the Sept 05 semester's final exam days are Dec 14-16. Does that mean that Dec 16th is the last day? REason I'm asking is because I was looking at round trip tickets out of St. Maarten to Newark, NJ departing 17 Dec 2005 and returning 01 Jan 2006, and the ticket price was $540 on Expedia.com. That fare seems pretty good so I wanna lock into it.

Thanks.

[Miranda]

As far as I know, it seems that Dec. 16 is the last day of finals. I was looking at the same thing b/c I plan on going on a cruise over Christmas and needed the dates to book it. I think you'd be safe flying out on the 17th, just my opinion though.

[gastroenterologist]

Hello:

My name is Pushpinder Sroa. I will be attending SABA University this September 2005. I will be arriving on the island on August 31. I think a week would be enough for me to familiarize myself to the island. I will be coming down to the island with a family member. Hope you guys enjoy the final month and a half before heading out to the island. Take Care Everybody.

[Doc on the Rock]

hey everyone. congrats on ur acceptance. i'm going to be selling all the first semester textbooks. That way you don't have to worry about shipping costs and carrying that stuff over here. you can put more important stuff in your suitcases. private message me. first come first serve!

[elliemd]

Hi all,
Its been a while since I've been on this board, but I've been keeping up!
I'm happy to know that so many great people are going to be attending Saba.
In regards to books, I would like to know if the required books are mandatory, because I have come across some donated books from my brother that I would like to use to save some $$.
Are there required readings out of certain pages? Are these books required because there is a specific focus in those required books over other books?
If anyone could reply with facts please (not rumours they have heard) I would much appreciate it!
To all Septemberites...6 weeks and counting, let the journeybegin!!
Cheers, Ellie

[dc2md]

absolutely NO BOOKS ARE MANDATORY. most students end up using only the powerpoints from class. most of us are pissed we bought so many books. i'd concentrate on review books and question books. BTW, i'm a 5th semester student getting ready to leave so i have a lot of experience behind these statements. chris

[dc2md]

i'm a 5th semester student so i'll chime in with some knowledge before i leave for clinicals. the only place to place tennis on saba is willard's...it's a hotel/resort quite a hike from windwardside. and don't be fooled by the 1 mile distance from the bottom...it's a fairly tough up and down walk that'll take a good 45 minutes. and then another hike up two nice sized hills (about 20 more minutes). bottomline: get a car!!! oh, and you'll have to pay a slight membership fee to play there.

chris

[gastroenterologist]

Hi Chris:

My name is Pushpinder Sroa. I will be started my medical studies on Saba beginning this September. I have bought all of the required books for the first semester, but I did not bother to buy the recommended books. How do students go about substituting the powerpoint slides with what's given in the textbooks? Although I have started reading the Embryology book, I hear a lot of students don't even bother opening their books from the plastic covers? Is this usually enough to help them prepare for their classes and the USMLE Step 1.

Another question is what are "Black Mondays?"

Lastly, what's the coursework like on a day to day schedule especially in the first semester when students are normally in class from 8AM to 3PM?

Please help me with these questions. Thanks Chris.

[arfster]

does anyone know any good, meaning cheap, and airport-close hotels to stay in st martin. And is everyone else just going ahead and flying or floating over to saba after arriving on stm or also staying a day before going over? B/c my dads gonna be w/me and theres no point rushing over anyway to get myself in the dorms and save hotel costs for one day since my dad would have to hotel one night anyway. Anyone just drop your suggestions. thanks

[MDB]

I just spent a night in St. Maarten myself and I stayed at the Airport Hotel. It's very close to the airport ($6 cab fare) and the rooms are nice, clean, A/C etc. I paid $85 a night. Most hotels near the airport are over $100 a night, but I'm sure if you look into it you will find a cheaper place. Good luck with your search!

B

[3xy]

hi future classmates,

if any of you haven't bought your books yet, i bought some of mine from a student on the island (wolfvgang). they're cheaper than amazon.com the last time i checked and i don't have to pay for shipping or add them to my luggage weight...plus it's a good way to get in touch with a student from the other batches and get tips.

check out gflip's posting..and i didn't buy all of wolfvgang's books (coz i already had them) so some of them are still available.

[arfster]

I just spent a night in St. Maarten myself and I stayed at the Airport Hotel. It's very close to the airport ($6 cab fare) and the rooms are nice, clean, A/C etc. I paid $85 a night. Most hotels near the airport are over $100 a night, but I'm sure if you look into it you will find a cheaper place. Good luck with your search!

B

Hey mdb, thanks, i was wondering if you knew how i could book a place there or even find out about the cheaper ones b/c obviously small places like that arent listed on hotels.com or travelocity etc and ive look....any help would be appreciated thanks mdb

[MDB]

Arfster,

I managed to track down a couple phone numbers for you. The Airport Hotel, where I stayed, (T) (599)545-5562/63/59/60 and (F) (599) 545-5564. I also found the number for The Travel Inn Logde, which sounds promising, but I cant speak for it. Their number is (T) (144) 701-5686. If you google a few variations of "st. maarten airport hotel" or "st. maarten tourism" you will eventually find more. I hope this helps a bit!

B

[arfster]

Man thanks a whole lot MDB, I appreciate it. That helps bigtime. I was wondering if anyone here knew of any kinda of "departure tax" from St Martin from Prince Juliana airport. I was on some site that said international flights leaving from sxm are 20$ and you pay at a 'separate window' whatever that means and flights to other islands are $6. Can anyone quell this myth? or confirm it?...it seems pretty shady if its true....

[MDB]

You only pay departure tax when leaving St.Maarten (to go home, not to Saba) if your stay on St.Maarten exceeds a 24hour stopover. You will pay a $5 departure tax when you leave Saba, and if you connect flights within 24hours dont have to pay anything on St. Maarten. If you stay over 24hours, you pay a $30 departure tax. The window is on your right when you walk from the airline check-in desk towards the security check and the airport shops. It's hard to miss. Even if you pay in Saba you will need to stop at the window and show proof of payment on Saba (they give you a receipt) Did that help?

[jdsingh913]

accepted may 05
im jasdeep aka JD
22 male
from california
cant wait to mee you all

email me at jdsingh913@hotmail.com if you want to chat.....lol


i thought i should do this too .since everyone else is doing it. by the time you guys come ill be in 2 rd semester. good luck to all. congratulations to you .... have fun while it lasts. take care

[Jonesy]

When is everyone leaving for SABA?

[Miranda]

I should be arriving to Saba on the 2nd. However, I just found out my winair flight changed departure times, and now I can't make the flight. Worst case scenario, I'll have to spend the night in St. Maarten if I can't arrange another flight. It seems like most people are arriving around the 1st. Anyway, everyone take care traveling and I will see you all soon!!

Miranda

[BTH]

Salutations:

I will be leaving for Saba on August 31. I'll arrive on St. Maarten on September 1 at which case, I will have to stay overnight. So, I will arrive on Saba on September 2.

Damn Winair, they changed my flight time. My flight arrives on SXM at 2:51pm and I am suppose to make the Winair flight to Saba at 3:00pm? I originally had a flight scheduled for 4:35pm. Sheesh, I am getting the royal shaft here. Oh well, I guess I have to make the best of it.

If anyone is also planning on staying in SXM on September 1 we can share a room or meet up and go on the ferry together. Don't worry, I don't bite.

Either than that, hope to meet all my future classmates in September. Ciao.

[Samsonlxa926]

I will be arriving in St. Maarten on September 2 and spending the night at the Pelican Bay Resort (to my surprise only cost $94). I am doing this because I am taking the ferry and it leaves out of and arrrives in to this resort. I will arrive by ferry in Saba on September 3. Everyone have a safe trip and good luck on everyones travel plans.


Andrew

[hopeful786]

Hi Andrew,

I will see you on the boat on sept 2. I have asked my friend at AUC, if it is possible for me to crash with him for the night, so I won't be booking a hotel room, hopefully.

[physio]

Hi Preeti
I am a physiotherapist working in Canada and planning to join medicine in Sara but I am just being confuse about lot of things so if you can share your experience and information about the university would be great. My email id is drpulin@hotmail.com
Thanks a lot
pulin

[physio]

Hi there
I am a physiotherapist working in Toronto, CA and planning to do medicine in SARA. But I am just being so confuse, I hope it doesnt end up to be my biggest mistake if the program isn't good. I would reallyyyyyyyy appreciate if you can write me more about your experience would be great.My email id is drpulin@hotmail.com I would really look forward to hear from you
thank you

[MDXRS22]

I just need a few dresses and I will be okay:)