How are the students viewed by the locals?

[Doc. Caliban]

Is the school generally considered to be occupied by polite, responsible people, or are there a lot of situations where students wear out their welcome? For example, having a party is one thing, but letting it run on into the night with no regard for the neighbors is quite another. Negligent driving, disregard for other people's general peace and quiet, etc., are typical stereotypes of colleges in general... does this school tend reinforce these, or does it rise above?

I'm just curious how the student body impacts life on the island for others.

[rdecastro]

I get along fine with most all of the locals, and I think that's typical. There are a few (mainly young, and economically disadvantaged even for the island) people who resent the presence of the medical students (thinking that we have lots of money or something) but they're generally few and far between.

There are a few cultural things that you kind of need to learn to fit in, like greeting most everyone you pass, being a little 'formal' even with clerks in the stores, and very formal with the government officials, that seem to smooth the way. Drivers here pretty much wave at everyone they pass, too.

Few first semester students have cars (you don't need one living in the dorms) and that gives you time to get used to driving on the island. Keep in mind that the road (the only one) is barely 2 cars wide, and people will park on the road (taking up half of it) so neglegent or reckless driving is pretty much suicidal. The fastest I've driven is about 60 KPH, and 40 is more typical.

And the students here are already OLDER and hopefully more mature than most college students, in general (all med students are). SABA students are typically a bit older than that.

[scoobz1981]

I agree. Its like everywhere, there are some people who like the students, others who dont. And there are are some pleasant students and some not so pleasant students. LOL... anywho, have a good one

[BTH]

Salutations "Doc. Caliban":

Some locals will resent us and others will like us. Nothing we can do about it except to be polite and go about our business. In general, I have gotten along fine with every local I have met and have not encountered any hostility as of yet. Don't worry about that. Just focus on your studies. Ciao.

[Nate-MD]

I get along great with the locals, but I think I make more of an effort than some of the other students. I take dance class at night and have met many of them that way, and the scooter gives me street cred with the local guys that zip around on them. Although admittedly we are still on scooters, and I wear enough protective gear to save me from my upcoming inevitable wipeout in the rain, whilst they prop their helmets on their heads like baseball caps. Anyways, they seem to like me regardless. I think it just depends on the effort that you put out there to be friendly and meet your neighbors. Smile and wave at everyone.... that's my advice.

[Doc. Caliban]

That all sounds good. My biggest concern is that people who live on the island are still able to live in peace and quiet, even on a Friday night. The school being there shouldn't change the lifestyle expectations of those who live there by choice or circumstance.

It sounds that that's the case for the most part.

[ResearchingGuy]

Trust me. It's not the students making noise in Windwardside on a Friday or Saturday night. Just because you live on a tiny island doesn't mean you can't be a hellraiser.

You'll get the info in orientation about late night parties (have to have a letter from the Lt. Governor authorizing any party that goes on past midnight).

Other than that, I found the people on Saba to be very nice and easy to get along with. Just treat people like you would like to be treated.

Best of Luck!