i am a usa student. that wont count for anything?

sorry to bother anyone, but just had a quick question. Are there new students coming weekend before classes start? I really do not want to be on the island one week before starting classes. I did that in England and it was useless. So please let me know if I can get housing set up on the weekend or something. Also, I was looking at arrival timings to Bonaire and saw that all flights arrive at night so I was thinking is the island safe to arrive at night? I'll be coming by myself so I am a little scared about the taxi ride to the city/ hotel. Let me know.

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~ Noodle ~


Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.
~ Erma Bombeck~

I would at least arrive during the week before classes begin (an entire week is probably not necessary). But you could start reading your books during that week if you have nothing else to do. I wouldn't recommend coming a day or two before classes (registration), sometimes finding housing does take a few days, plus there are a lot of little things to do once you get here (i.e. cell phone, grocery, bank, etc.).

The island is very safe. I often ride my bike at 12 -2 o'clock in the moring and I feel completely safe (in fact, there usually isn't anyone out). My first days here I stayed at the Golden Reef Inn (nice place, but it's a little far from school. You could get a cab or rent a scooter for $20 a day, or get a bike). Anyways, at the GRI they actually picked me up at the airport at 9:00 at night. If you stay there, reserve online and tell them you're a student. If you stay at another hotel, there are usually taxi drivers at the airport, or you could call a taxi. Bottom Line: Bonaire is a very safe place.

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Any ideas on what a decent mountain bike costs on Bonaire? I was wondering if it is more cost effective to buy one there or ship my own from the U.S.

I got mine for $120 from one of the Chinese stores; pretty basic MTB with a VERY uncomfortable seat.

A step up from those MTBs could set you back anywhere from $200~500.

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Alea iacta est

Other contacting the Chi-Town office for the info, Can any of the current students give me letting agencies names and contact info which students have rented from before? Also if anyone is planning on having a room mate let me know. Preferably a female. Thanks!!!!!

__________________
~ Noodle ~


Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.
~ Erma Bombeck~

I don't want to frighten anyone, because Bonaire IS a very safe place, but I would not recommend anyone, particularly women, travel alone late at night. The taxi from the airport is not a problem at all, but I wouldn't walk or ride your bike alone late. There have been one or two incidents lately.

Hello, it seems only a handfull have contacted the SGA rep about housing, it is vital that they are contacted since the school does not arrange housing and housing is limited on Bonaire. There are many open places but really the only way you will get them is to be in contact with these peopls. The realestate agents do not have places to rent to students, but there are many who do through contacts, all 60 some students last semester did get a place to live and over half with the contacts the SGA has. Please go to the SJSM web site forum and the rep posted under Basic Science.

i would contact... but im still waiting for an acceptance decision...

Call Erma at the school on Monday thats what I had to do a long time ago when I was waiting.