I am accepting a position for the Sept 2002 class. I am looking for information about items to bring to the island.

Also, does anyone know of rental apartments and who to contact.

Thanks in advance.

Keith

1)All of the dorms cost the same, $650. There is one room where I live (Houtman Dormitory) that's of single occupancy and it is an extra $50. So if you're looking at getting a single room, then it would be good if you go ahead and put in for "Talk of the Town"-- which is $650 also. Although before you rest on that I should make sure because a rule has just changed. Now the students of Talk of the Town and Ilka's Must pay their own electricity. So please let me get back with you on that!!!!!!!!!!! --------------------------------2) The budget will be mainly up to you. However as far as tuition and books, that comes to $23,?00 ( i think $23,500) per year. For your second or third semester (depending on whether you choose the 4 or 5 semester plan) you will be required to purchase a medical kit---which could range anywhere from $550 and up. You could get it before you come but I think that you would need to know what it entails and if you keep reminding me about it then eventually I could get around to e-mailing it to you--so keep reminding closer to time for you to come and I will try to send it to you via snail or e-mail. I do not think that I still have that e-mail that you sent me with your address on it. Also more about the budget: rent can really vary but If I were you I'd budget out $650 for the year and if you find a cheaper place after first semester then the budget will work in your favor. Make sure you make a budget for food. Food tends to be a bit more expensive here, especially at some of these grocery stores so make sure you keep that in mind when making your budget. Also you may plan to buy a car or a scooter (which is a popular method of transportation of many of the students here). For student scooters may range anywhere from $1000-$1200 if you buy it on island. They also can be cheaper but I'm trying to give you the higher price so that you do not under budget which is what I'm suffering from now. And there are fees you will have to pay. If you think that you may want a scooter then I suggest that you get your motorcycle license back home. Because will have to do an actually test (both road and written) which could pose as a distraction from school. US licenses are recognized here, both car and motorcycle. And make sure you give yourself an extra budget to have fun with, to relax and get off island. Basically most students take the full amount that the loan will allow. I think that it's like $47,000 with the Teri Loan.----------------------3) Okay now, the number of students per class varies. When I came, May of 2001, our class had only 8 people initially, but we finished with only 6 (because 2 dropped). The semester after mine had roughly 36. I'm not sure about your class yet, but it may have more because the school has a new pre-med program and the 1st class of pre-meds will be starting there basic sciences in May.---------There's not very much to do on island. There is a Gym by which many students go. There is a student hangout by which you will become very familiar with. Many times, if the students aren't going off island for the weekend, then they're having a gathering. And I'm speaking in third person because I really do not go out much and I do not have the funds to go off island very much. But you find it quite relaxing to get off island and travel to neighboring islands. Because I did not plan that in my budget, I'm asking you to so that you are not stuck here during our school breaks as I have been in the past! But of course the choice is yours! Okay I'm closing now. I've notice lots of mistakes that I'd made in this e-mail, mainly because I'm in a rush, so if there's some error that I've made that you do not understand just let me know.

All the best

It is so refreshing to get an informative email.

Ron, thank you so much for the information. Please keep me in mind with any information. Do not worry about the error, I am not interested in typing class.

Thanks,
Keith

Hello,
I just read your post and have more questions for you, if don't mind:))))
I am going to the school next year and I have a 1.5 year old son...Do you think is the island ok for the little kids? And how much will cost a single house, approx? Thank you very much ....

Thanks for your info. Can you clarify item #2. Do you mean $23,500 per calender year(three semesters) or per academic year(two semesters-8months)?
The school's official website says $7,900 for tuition, books and lab. needs. Thanks for your answers.

Tuition and books and other fees is $7900 per semester.. and there are 3 semesters in one academic year.. so thats $7900 * 3 semesters = Annual Tuition and books: $23,700.
This does not include rent or food or transporation.
Thanks,
Ron.

http://www.eustatiusmed.edu/housing.htm

IT says here you pay more than 2600 per term. I am just wondering why your saying its 650 per term...Then they really ripped me off. This is strange.. I wish I discovered this web board ring like weeks ago. THey didn't even mention in the acceptance package about alot of things. Please clarify...plus it says that electricity is included in this cost, so I don' t understand. I selected Talk of the Town as the priority...but didn't know, just got appealed to the scenic part of hte dorm pool and trees surrounding it. What is the layout of the dorm..THe descriptions on the webstie are really sketch..not very detailed.

I was going to book my flight with American Air...didn't realize I would wind up on St Maarten and need to book a flight from Winair to Statia. There is alot they don't say...like what the heck is the books you guys are saying we should buy for the USMLE Step 1 and everything? Also, I have a car that my parents swear they will sell when I go to the island..I literally think they feel its unnecessary..but a vespa??? Wow, THat would be kewl..yet I have no time now to try and get a moto license especially without a huge lecture of how "dangerous" that is. What is a ScooteR? LIke a vespa only smaller? I'll be on the island for the Fall 2004 term.. When is it suggested to mail in my four boxes of 200 lbs? Its sooo strange...Lots of details I keep calling Ken Wysowski about...yet I always have more.. Is it true that we should bring tons of repellent? Anyways, I just purchased the kit for 1200 bucks too and that's out of my student loan. Is a CD burner absolutely necessary for classes? Is there a meal plan and a cafeteria or should I bring utensils and pots and things to cook? Also, how intense are the courses? I mean is it like you never sleep or what? I also had questions regarding matching....how difficult it it? ALso, it is advisable to rent housing there instead of the dorms? Where could I get that info for next terms residence life? Also, the island hopping thing....what are the major attracktions?

It was either Ross or Statia and I chose Statia because I had a better interview experience...as it seemed like a freindly invironment. But, I read alot of previous messages on this discussion ring and am wondering whether or not this is a messed up school....I mean...I have heard both great things and strange things on this webring...plus I need some guidance as an entering student since I will be all the way around the globe from my parents...the whole cell phone issue...Do I have the buy a cell phone there, or can I just use my own with GSM? DO we need quarters for laundry or dimes? If I plan to visit a friend in Puerto Rico is that geographically close to the island? Also, I need to get the health letter and the police clearance letter and yada yada...What else am I missing/not aware of? Please let me know. I already paid the tution deposit and will pay the rest before the deadline. what else what else? Ok, I am really not sure what to expect and everything...when is it advisable to arrive on the island before classes start for the fall term? Also, when should I mail in my belongings and hope they aren't lost at sea? Are the people there nice or messed up? (for the most part). Are the faculty excellent? I mean the faculty questioning pops up after reading all those strange comments. Thanks