Navigating the Transition: Tips for Settling into Island Life During Medical School
Learn all about student life on the island of Saba.
Applying to medical school is always an exciting endeavor, as it’s often both the culmination of years of study and the very beginning of a brand new journey.
Students applying to an international medical school in particular have a great deal to look forward to, as they’ll be learning in a brand new location and experiencing a different way of life.
For students applying to Saba University School of Medicine, this means living on the beautiful and safe island of Saba, a pristine gem in the heart of the Caribbean.
Featuring a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, Saba is the perfect place to immerse yourself in an MD program, while also offering a variety of tropical activities for when it’s time to unwind, including scenic hiking, scuba-diving and delicious culinary options.
But all that is only a part of what makes living and studying on Saba a unique and fulfilling experience, so continue on to learn more.
Overview of the Caribbean Netherlands
The first thing to know about the island of Saba is that it is a municipality of the Netherlands, and along with the islands of Bonaire and Sint Eustatius is part of the Caribbean Netherlands. As an interesting fact, Mount Scenery, which rises 2,910 feet (887 meters) into the clouds above Saba, is actually the highest point in the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Notably, this special status subjects the island to the laws of a European state, fostering a uniquely diverse and accepting Caribbean island environment. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2012 and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is against the law.
Saba is the smallest of the Caribbean Netherlands islands, with a population of approximately 2,000 residents. Unsurprisingly, however, given its rich history and unique status as part of the Netherlands, it boasts an extensive blend of cultures and traditions that make students from all over the world feel right at home.
Preparing for the Transition
The island of Saba is located 28 miles south of St. Maarten, which is approximately 15 minutes by air. There are daily, direct flights to St. Maarten from the U.S. and Europe, and five flights a day from St. Maarten to Saba, making travel to and from the island very accessible.
The island uses USD as its official currency and locals primarily speak English, although many also speak Dutch. At Saba University School of Medicine, classes, schoolwork and exams are delivered in English, meaning it is important for future students to have or develop a facility with the language.
In terms of climate, the island of Saba enjoys tropical temperatures throughout the year. Warm weather and consistent sea breezes create an enjoyable living atmosphere and encourage an active lifestyle. While the island does of course experience rainfall, the showers are usually brief and followed by clear skies.
All told, transitioning to Caribbean life on Saba should be relatively easy and stress-free. Flights can be secured when needed, you will be able to communicate with most people on the island and you won’t need to pack many bad-weather island essentials, besides a light raincoat.
Finding Accommodation
Students attending Saba University School of Medicine will live on Saba for the Basic Science portion of the MD program, encompassing semesters 1-5. During the first semester, new students are encouraged to live on campus, before transitioning to off-campus housing for semesters 2-5.
On-Campus Housing Options
During Semester 1, it is recommended that new unaccompanied students, whether single or married, live on-campus in one of three student dormitory buildings. This helps to foster a feeling of community amongst incoming students, and provides opportunities to make connections and form study groups that often support students throughout the entirety of Basic Sciences. It is also a great way to find future off-campus roommates, which makes housing more affordable.
Dorm rooms come in a range of sizes, including quads, doubles and singles, and are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Dorm rooms are fully equipped with beds, private baths, closets, ceiling fans, air conditioning, refrigerators, microwaves, desks, chairs and lamps. Pay-per-use laundry facilities are also located on-site. In accordance with our ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, these dormitories are owned by Saba residents.
Contact the Housing Coordinator (housing@saba.edu) if you have any questions about on-campus housing at SUSOM.
Off-Campus Housing Tips
When it’s time to leave the dorms and secure off-campus housing, SUSOM students have a variety of options to choose from, including apartments, private rooms, houses and single rooms. Excitingly, the island is known for its unique, Dutch-inspired architecture, and many rentals afford beautiful views of the ocean and mountain.
Of further benefit for medical students, many rentals come completely furnished, including linens, towels and fans. On average, fully furnished rental prices start in the range of $650 per month for a studio/one-bedroom apartment and $1,200-$1,800 for a 3-4 bedroom unit. All properties are privately owned, meaning the cost of rent and other utilities can vary. Hydro is usually a separate cost.
When choosing off-campus housing, the most important thing to consider is how conducive the living space will be to the dedicated study of medicine. Succeeding in medical schools requires a great deal of time spent learning, and your home must be a haven for both concentration and rest.
Fortunately, regardless of where your rental is located on the island, Saba offers a tranquil environment that perfectly balances peaceful surroundings with inspiring natural beauty, making it an ideal place for both focused study and restful relaxation.
Adjusting to Island Life
Medical students from the U.S., Canada and other international locations may understandably wonder whether they will be able to easily adjust to Caribbean life. So let’s discuss some unique aspects of living on Saba.
Embracing the Local Culture
The local community is warm, welcoming and often happy to teach newcomers about the history, traditions and customs they hold dear. Being open to connect and learn is a great way to create a lasting connection with this wonderful locale.
Life on the island is extremely peaceful and safe, however this does not mean you will lack for things to do when it’s time to relax and unwind. Along with the tropical outdoor activities like hiking and snorkeling, you can enjoy local cafes and restaurants that offer a fusion of international and local cuisines, participate in community events, cultural festivals and art exhibitions, and explore local history at the Archaeological Center and various heritage sites.
Navigating Transportation
The dorms are located within easy walking distance of campus, as are many off-campus housing options. For when it’s time to travel further afield, taxis and small vans are readily available for students and newcomers to Saba. Given how safe the island is, local residents are known to regularly provide and share rides around the island. SUSOM also has several school vans that provide transportation to and from class for students who choose more distant residences.
Essential Daily Living Tips
Some important advice for medical students on Saba is to make sure you take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – most people will never experience the joys of living on a tropical island and you’ll want to make sure to seize your chances to enjoy it.
Your studies always come first, but setting aside time to explore the island and enjoy your surroundings will recharge your batteries and leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Make sure you pack running shoes, hiking boots and a swimsuit, as there’s so much to do and see on the island. Tropical hiking up Mt. Scenery, snorkeling amongst the reefs and soaking up some tropical sunshine should all be on your agenda.
Balancing Academics and Island Life
As discussed, it is important to put your education first and utilize the benefits of island life to help you overcome the challenges of medical school. Saba is very peaceful, which will allow you to focus and study without distractions. The outdoor activities on Saba are also great forms of both fun and exercise, which is proven to help both your mental and physical health. And the small, close-knit community gives you unique access to both our professors and fellow students, which will help you access the support you need to thrive in the MD program.
Beyond island benefits and resources, Saba University School of Medicine is committed to providing extensive and individualized support for our students. Instructors regularly offer office hours, and are often willing to schedule additional meeting time for students seeking more help. We also offer extensive Student Support Services, including Faculty Advisors, Teaching Assistants, the Learning Center, Academic Coaching, Student Counseling, Wellness Programming and mental health support via the Stay Health at School Program.
Want to know more about both our school and the island of Saba? Check out this testimonial video from a SUSOM alum:
Conclusion
If you’re considering a career as a practicing physician and international healthcare leader, we’d love to support and enrich your journey!
Since 1992, we’re proud to have helped 3,000+ students graduate from our accredited 4-Year MD Program. Successful participants then go on to achieve residency placements at high rates and practice in the U.S., Canada and internationally.
And if you need to develop your foundational knowledge in medical studies before beginning the MD program, there is also an 8-month Pre-Medical Master’s Program, which is an accelerated medical education program for career changers with an undergraduate-level degree and some foundational science coursework. This program is delivered via our fellow GUS Medical and Veterinary Schools institution, Medical University of the Americas.
If you’re ready to start your medical career journey, apply now or contact us with any questions.
FAQs About Life in Medical School
There are many benefits that attract aspiring physicians to Caribbean medical schools. They offer opportunities to students who did not secure a place in a U.S. or Canadian medical school, schools such as SUSOM deliver curriculums that are comparable to U.S. and Canadian medical schools, students have a clear pathway to practice in their desired country and you simply can’t beat the experience of living on a Caribbean island.
There are a variety of strategies for reducing living costs while in medical school, including living with roommates, limiting the number of trips back home and securing part-time work. However, the most impactful decisions will come before you even start, when you have the opportunity to choose a cost-effective MD program and a school that offers supportive grants and scholarships. Notably, SUSOM is one of the select Caribbean medical schools approved to participate in U.S. Federal Student Aid programs, which provides our U.S. students with the opportunity to secure needed loans.
Enjoying life as a medical student will involve devoting the necessary time and attention to your studies to achieve success, while also setting aside time for fun and relaxation. Committing to a balanced lifestyle will ensure you can de-stress and avoid burnout.
Yes, Saba University School of Medicine is located on the Caribbean island of Saba, which is part of the Caribbean Netherlands. Established in 1992, SUSOM has helped more than 3,000 students graduate from our MD program. SUSOM is accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), which holds recognition from the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME). We are the only Caribbean medical school to meet the rigorous standards of European accreditation.
For prospective students
Saba is committed to supporting prospective students with throughout the application process. Please see the following links for detailed information about each topic: