My name is Sharmin and i just recently have been accepted to Xavier bonaire. I have many positive mixed emotions about moving and starting a new chapter in my life, as im sure many others are feeling. So i thought i would post a message to try to get responses from fellow students at xavier. So that we/myself can get to know other students and perhaps get over the overwhelming mixed emotions of moving to a new place!Soo... Whoever is out there that attends xavier please post a reply in regards to your first reactions about bonaire, xavier, and things that might be essential to bring . Also if you or anyone you know who may be looking for a roomate like myself do enlighten us...Thank you...

Shar

welcome, and bring plenty of sun block

thnks ams! i got plenty packed already...how long have you been there for? is it easy to get use to the island?

Bonaire is warm - outdoors you pretty much always have a breeze.

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PreMed Forum Moderator

In Grad school in Biology

hey james!

are you an xavier student? how are exams? and how much studying is required?

I am not a Bonaire student at either St James or Xavier - I have spent time on Bonaire. Been there in the winter and in the summer. The sun is very intense all the time. It is wise to have SPF 15+ on your skin. AC is a must have in some buildings on the west side of the island.

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PreMed Forum Moderator

In Grad school in Biology

I attend Xavier in Aruba. I tranferred here from another medical school in Caribbean for personal reason. I recommend coming a week early to get settled. Don't bring alot of clothes, just enough for you to be comfortable,, because at Aruba we wear university polo top Monday through Thursday. Bring notebooks and pen and pencil. Just the stuff you really need. Try to stay away from things that you really don't need, example--lounge chair, you get the idea. Are you going into Basic Science or Premed?? And remember you have to learn to budget your time--you can enjoy the island and also do well in school. So enjoy the island when your there. If you need to ask any other questions you can email me privately. Also if I miss-spell or left out certain words its because its early in the morning, but I want it to write to you. Xavier is good school and I think you will like Bonaire. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

yeah just be simple, you dont need tons of clothes, just the basics to keep you comfortable, but do bring a dressy item,,for one of those unexpected days. I agree also that you should bring your own school supplies, because it can get expensive there...I am a student of Bonaire, but i transferred in and took my 4th sem classes in aruba.

Hey AMS,

HOw are you? thanks for your advice. I was wondering if you dont mind...why did u choose to transf. to aruba your fourth semester? Are you originally from the states?

diva

Sharmin,
I am a Xavier Bonaire student starting MD2 in January. I came with my wife and daughter (I am the oldest student on the island at 34 ). It was definitely overwhelming coming from the US. Here are the answers to your questions:

1. In terms of the island the biggest issues were the mosquitoes. They are big and fast. They are worse than any I have seen. You get used to them or maybe they only like fresh blood, but after a few weeks, they dont seem to be so bad. But right when you get off the plane, they will start feasting on you.

2. As for studying. As you might expect, this part is overwhelming also. There is always something more you should be learning. What I have found to work best is to set specific study hours and make sure you also schedule breaks. Unfortunately there is no magical answer. You dont want to burn out but you of course want to learn as much as you can.

3. The one good thing is that almost all the students are from the US or Canada so they all will have the same overwhelming experience as you will. Misery loves company. For my class, everybody has their little groups but everybody seems to get along for the most part so that makes the experience much better.

Let me know you have any other questions.

--Saif