From City Lights to Ocean Views: Adapting to Island Living as a Medical Student
Discover the Caribbean island of Nevis, home of our Basic Science campus.
Aspiring physicians have so much to consider and plan for, and one of the first major decisions they face is often where to attend medical school in order to gain a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
There are many options, and one of the most popular for those seeking international opportunities are medical schools in the Caribbean, such as Medical University of the Americas (MUA).
The MUA MD program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM), offers early hands-on training opportunities and individualized support, helps students achieve USMLE success and high rates of residency placements, and participants undertake clinical rotations in the U.S. (core and electives) and Canada (select electives).
MUA also delivers the unique opportunity to live and study on the beautiful and safe Caribbean island of Nevis, an experience that most can only dream of. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity truly enhances the medical school journey, offering both personal and academic growth in an unforgettable setting.
So today, let’s explore this wonderful locale and discover just how special student life can be at MUA in our Nevis guide.
Overview of Nevis and Saint Kitts
Nevis is part of the Federation of Saint Christopher (Saint Kitts) and Nevis, which is located in the Eastern Caribbean. Nevis itself is located two miles from the larger landmass of Saint Kits and is accessible by ferry or water taxi across The Narrows, a shallow channel that separates the two islands. Nevis is also accessible by air via connecting flights from San Juan, Antigua, St. Maarten or Saint Kitts.
The name Nevis comes from the Spanish phrase Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, which translates as Our Lady of the Snows, in reference to the snows visible on Nevis Peak, which rises over 3,000 feet into the clouds. The entire island is 36 square miles in area and supports a population of approximately 12,000 people. English is the official language and Charlestown is the capital.
Notably for both visitors and future medical students, Nevis is a safe and peaceful island with beautiful tropical scenery, historical edifices and many water activities to enjoy. Much of Nevis slopes gently down from Nevis Peak to the palm-fringed, silver-sand beaches, coconut groves and turquoise sea. Nevis has a pleasant year-round climate, with an average temperature of 79° Fahrenheit (26°C), and constant northeast trade winds keep the island cool.
MUA Campus on Nevis
Located on 10 acres of land generously provided by the Nevis government, the Medical University of the Americas campus is situated on the eastern side of the island, overlooking the Atlantic with beautiful ocean views. It is three miles from Newcastle airport and one mile from Nisbet Beach.
To learn more about the MUA partnership with the local community, watch this video from Nevis Premier, the Honorable Mark Brantley:
Currently, the MUA campus consists of an administration building, classroom buildings, a student cafeteria, a multipurpose building with gross anatomy, microbiology, histology and pathology laboratories, as well as a medical reference library with free wireless internet access. All classrooms are air-conditioned and contain a wide variety of teaching resources.
Recreational facilities on campus include two tennis courts, a basketball court, a volleyball court, a children’s play area and a fitness center.
Finding Accommodation
MUA students in the MD program spend the Basic Science portion (semesters 1-5) living in the Caribbean on Nevis and attending classes in-person on our extensive campus. This requires students to secure living accommodations for approximately two years.
Luckily, there are many different housing options to choose from on the island! Rental offerings range in price to accommodate a variety of budgets, but all come with amenities and are close to campus. The majority are only a short walk away, while others are 5-10 minutes away by vehicle. Beneficially, MUA offers a pickup service for students who would like a ride to campus.
The MUA Housing Guide is a wonderful resource for those who are curious about options or ready to choose their accommodations. You can also contact our Housing Coordinator (housing@mua.edu), who is ready to answer questions and support your efforts.
What to Pack for Island Living
Given that attending MUA means students are often living in a new country for the first time, there are understandably many questions about what to bring in order to ensure they are comfortable and ready to succeed in their studies. Below are a few things to consider, divided into medical student essentials and optional items.
Packing Essentials
In order to succeed in medical school, MUA students are required to bring their own laptop or notebook computer to use throughout their time on Nevis. It is also a good idea to bring a secondary charging cord, in case anything happens to your primary power source. We also recommend bringing an outlet adapter; while most rental properties supply electricity at 110V, it is 220V at 60 cycles in other places on the island.
Regarding your personal mobile device, cellular networks are available using 3G. Students should check with their carriers about international plans or contact a local provider for more information. WiFi is available on campus and in most apartment complexes, hotels and restaurants. Students generally use WhatsApp for communication with friends and family back home.
In terms of clothing, there are a few things to consider beyond your everyday essentials:
- Bathing Suit: Be sure to bring clothing you can swim in, as Nevis possesses many beaches and offers opportunities to go snorkeling in beautiful Caribbean waters.
- Business Casual Options: While not needed all the time, there will be events like the White Coat ceremony where you will want to dress up.
- Rain Gear: Like most places, Nevis experiences bouts of rain and you may need to be outside enduring such times (walking to school, traversing the campus, etc.). A light rain jacket with a hood and easily packable umbrella should suffice.
- Warm Wear: As mentioned previously, Nevis weather is generally warm. However, it is a good idea to have a sweater or two in case the day is cool or you get cold in air conditioned spaces.
- Footwear: While not required for everyone, those who like to hike and explore the outdoors should consider bringing walking boots or durable shoes. Nevis Peak offers a wonderful hiking experience that is best experienced with comfortable footwear.
Finally, for home furnishings, most essentials depend on your living preferences and what is provided by your chosen accommodations. Be sure to check out our Housing Guide, which highlights amenities offered by nearby housing options. One essential though will likely be your own set of bed sheets and pillow cases.
Optional Items
There are many things you can bring which depend on personal preferences and whether or not you want to travel light. A few items and goods to consider include:
- Food and Drinks: Nevis has multiple grocery stores where you can purchase food and the Housing Guide highlights general pricing you can expect to encounter. However, if there are any specialty items you particularly enjoy that can easily be packed, such as spices, candy or varieties of tea, doing so can help make you more comfortable and save on future grocery bills.
- Study Aids: Consider how you like to study when packing. Bringing items like small dry erase boards and markers, post-it notes, pens, highlighters and similar items can help ensure you’re prepared to hit the ground running with your studies.
- Personal Care: If there are any items in your personal care routine that you consider indispensable, it is a good idea to bring some with you in case you cannot find your particular brand on the island. Examples include razors, deodorants, pain relief medication, sunscreen, etc.
- Household Items: Many small and easy-to-pack supplies can make your living experience more comfortable immediately upon arrival and saves on having to purchase them later. Consider bringing things like sponges, trash bags, scissors, a can opener, hangers, a flashlight, a reusable water bottle, etc.
- Sun Protection: Some students may not be accustomed to the sunny climate on Nevis right away, so it’s a good idea to bring sun block (sunscreen) and protective clothing. Recommended items include hats, polarized sunglasses and UV-protective clothing.
Adjusting to Island Life
Life on a Caribbean island is often different from what students have experienced in the U.S., Canada and most other international locales. Below, we highlight a few key differences.
Embracing the Local Culture
The island of Nevis is notably safe and peaceful, which makes it a perfect place to focus on your studies and fully immerse yourself in our expansive Basic Science program. While a medical education is understandably fast-paced and often demanding, life outside the classroom offers a wonderful contrast. The island atmosphere is most often relaxed and easy-going, offering MUA students the opportunity to decompress when they are not immersed in learning.
Nevis culture has primarily developed out of West African traditions and features various festivities, such as Carnival in December, where students can learn about local lifestyles, music (calypso, soca, jazz, etc.) and cuisine. Being open to these new experiences will greatly enrich your time in medical school and create bonds with the local community that last for years to come.
Navigating Local Transportation
Unlike larger cities back home, there is no public transportation on Nevis. However, there are private vans that run along the main road to Charlestown. These vans are identified by a green license plate beginning with the letter H. Cash is the only accepted payment method when using this mode of transportation and prices are very reasonable. Taxis and Uber rides can be found as well, although they tend to be more expensive. You can also rent or lease private vehicles if you have a valid driver’s license.
As mentioned, MUA does provide a private van service that takes students to and from their homes. This van service is operated on a set schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekdays. Students can be picked up in the morning and brought to campus, then returned home in the evening.
Essential Daily Living Tips
As a medical student at MUA, daily living will most often revolve around campus life and at-home studies. However, taking time to unwind is also essential in order to maintain your physical, mental and emotional health.
The most important tip is to prioritize your education (it’s why you’re here after all), but also take advantage of opportunities to explore the island, learn about the local culture, build connections with classmates and have some fun. This will truly enrich your medical school experience and ensure that the memories you create here will last a lifetime.
Conclusion
If you’re hoping to develop a successful career as a practicing physician by attending a medical school where you can grow both academically and personally, then look no further than Medical University of the Americas!
Over 20+ years, we’ve created a learning environment where 1,800+ graduates have achieved their MD degrees while experiencing the unique opportunity to live on a beautiful Caribbean island for Basic Science, and then undertaking Clinical Medicine rotations at teaching hospitals, clinics and medical centers in the United States and select elective rotation sites in Canada. Combined with our commitment to individualized support, committed faculty teams and expansive Student Services, we provide everything that future medical doctors need to develop careers in the U.S., Canada and internationally!
If you would like to learn more, explore our website or contact us with any questions. Then, when you’re ready to jumpstart your medical school journey, start your application to MUA!
FAQs About Nevis and MUA
Attending Medical University of the Americas offers many benefits. Academically, our expansive medical education and hands-on training, commitment to delivering individualized support and instruction from knowledgeable faculty help students achieve learning, USMLE and residency placement success. During their time on Nevis for Basic Science, students also benefit from the peace, serenity and beauty of living in the Caribbean, with opportunities for fun and relaxation that include beach days, tropical hiking, scuba-diving and cultural enrichment.
MUA students have many housing options that vary in terms of living space, price, amenities and proximity to campus. All housing options are off campus and privately owned. Learn more in our Housing Guide.
Students in the MUA MD program live on Nevis for 20 months, the duration of the Basic Science program (semesters 1-5). After that, successful participants progress into the Clinical Medicine component (semesters 6-10), when they undertake rotations at affiliated North American medical institutions.
Studying medicine and living in the Caribbean is a unique opportunity. Nevis is notably safe and peaceful, giving students the ability to immerse themselves in their studies without distractions. It also provides fun and enriching opportunities to unwind when it’s time for a study break, including hiking, swimming and island exploration.
