For aspiring doctors, choosing the right location for international medical school is an incredibly important decision that raises a variety of questions.
The first and most important is certainly whether the medical school in question is properly accredited and can help you practice in the country of your choosing. The quality of the MD program, support systems, academic outcomes and path to residency are also essential points to evaluate as well.
However, a less talked-about aspect to consider is how well the locale will meet your learning, study and lifestyle needs. The first two years of medical school, called Basic Sciences, often involve classroom-based learning where students attend in-person. This means you’ll be living on-site, on or near campus, and will need to ensure that you’ll be comfortable and able to take full advantage of your medical education.
For those students considering the 4-year MD program at St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine (SMUSOM), you’re likely wondering what it’s like living on Grand Cayman (part of the Cayman Islands), the home of our academic campus. Well, wonder no longer, because in this blog we’ll highlight some of the key things to know and consider.
Let’s jump right in!
Preparing for Grand Cayman – What to Pack
As you plan to study abroad, you’re probably already considering your medical school essentials. The things you’ll need to feel comfortable and support your efforts to succeed and grow, both personally and academically.
So you don’t have to worry about potentially not having the everyday items and experiences that you enjoy. Stores and restaurants are plentiful, there's so much fun to be had when it’s time for a study break, and it’s easy to stay in touch with friends and family back home. In fact, they'll likely be quite open to visiting due to Grand Cayman’s popularity as a vacation destination!
Clothing
The weather on Grand Cayman is pleasant year round with temperatures ranging from 70° to the mid 80’s Fahrenheit. This means you should be looking to primarily pack options to keep you cool, while also protecting you from the sun.
It is also a good idea to ensure you have business casual clothing options. Medical school is a professional environment where you will want to put your best foot forward, and there are also events and gatherings where dressing up is required, such as the White Coat Ceremony in your first semester.
Finally, do consider some water-proof options and an umbrella, as the island does experience bouts of rain. The weather also cools between December to April, although nothing approaching a northern U.S. or Canadian winter. A light jacket should suffice.
Laptop and Phone
SMUSOM utilizes high-speed networking to help deliver classroom and study materials. To help foster successful student experiences, attendees are required to own a laptop or notebook computer during their entire time in medical school.
So you don’t have to worry about potentially not having the everyday items and experiences that you enjoy. Stores and restaurants are plentiful, there's so much fun to be had when it’s time for a study break, and it’s easy to stay in touch with friends and family back home. In fact, they'll likely be quite open to visiting due to Grand Cayman’s popularity as a vacation destination!
Home Furnishings
St. Matthew’s University strongly encourages new students to live in the independently owned and operated Residence Hall, which is located two miles from campus and offers furnished single and double rooms. This allows new attendees to get comfortable on Grand Cayman before securing alternative housing, bond with classmates and focus more completely on their studies during the first semester.
The off-campus housing market on Grand Cayman is strong and presents many opportunities for students to find rentals. Most units come furnished (stocked with standard furnishings, such as beds, tables, appliances, couches, window dressings, etc.) or fully furnished (everything but your own clothes and personal belongings is included).
This means that you may not need to bring any home furnishings at all, depending on where you choose to live. But this should be verified with the Residence Hall housing coordinator or your landlord well before departure.
Traveling to Medical School
Once you’ve gathered all your med school essentials and classes are set to begin, it’s time to take to the skies. And thanks to its modern infrastructure and convenient location, flying to and from Grand Cayman is very straightforward.
Only 480 miles from Florida, 50 miles south of Cuba and 180 miles northwest of Jamaica, the island is easily reachable by plane from a variety of locations. There are approximately 55 flights per week landing on Grand Cayman, with 20+ coming from Miami alone. Major carriers such as Cayman Airways, American Airlines, Jet Blue, United, Delta, Southwest, WestJet and Air Canada offer direct flights from major cities, including Chicago, Toronto, New York, Charlotte, Atlanta, Houston, Tampa and London.
Living in Grand Cayman and studying at SMUSOM is incredibly accessible due to this bounty of flight options.
Life on Grand Cayman
Once you’ve arrived, Grand Cayman provides a modern and familiar lifestyle that will have you feeling right at home. It is one of the largest financial centers in the world, has a world-class health care system, and is very safe for residents and visitors alike. Let’s take a moment to get a closer look at St. Matthew’s University and the beautiful island of Grand Cayman in this video:
Other aspects of island life that will be of particular interest include the following:
Transportation
There are many options for travel on the island. People from countries such as the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Cuba and others are entitled to obtain a Cayman driving license without having to take any further tests. For more information, visit dvdl.gov.ky.
You must apply for a Cayman Islands license within three months of arriving. Please remember, driving is on the left-hand side of the road, like in the United Kingdom. Grand Cayman offers car rentals, leasing and has numerous dealerships for purchasing a vehicle. The island also has a wonderful bus system with seven bus routes, and various taxi and car service options.
Health and Safety
Grand Cayman is very safe, with one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean. As one of the world’s top vacation destinations, residents are friendly and welcoming, making this a wonderful place to live while you immerse yourself in SMUSOM’s rigorous medical curriculum. Like any destination, it’s important for visitors to take standard precautions, such as securing their valuables, but overall the island provides a notably secure environment.
The Cayman Islands also have a world-class health care system that includes three
state-of-the-art hospitals, and boasts one of the highest physician-to-population ratios in the Caribbean. This benefits students personally by supporting their health and well-being, but also enriches their educational opportunities thanks to the school’s training connections with these institutions.
Students at SMUSOM begin early clinical experiences in their second year. The preclinical curriculum and clinical shadowing programs at Grand Cayman’s quality hospitals and clinics help students understand the integral link between Basic Sciences and clinical practice. This helps students effectively bridge the gap between the theory and practice of medicine.
Food and Dining
Grand Cayman is an exciting location for people who appreciate excellent food. From haute cuisine, to restaurants overlooking the water, to Jamaican style “Jerk” meats at roadside stands, there are so many options to delight your palate.
Students can choose from traditional Caymanian, Mediterranean, American, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Tex Mex restaurants. Other options range from five-star sushi dinners to Italian pasta al fresco served by singing waiters. A hunger for local food, such as turtle stew, fish rundown and stewed conch, can be satisfied at Caymanian hot-spots like Welly’s Cool Spot, Champion House and Corita’s Copper Kettle.
Or if you’re in the mood for standard fast food options, the island also features familiar franchises like Burger King, Wendy’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Domino’s Pizza. When it comes to food offerings, there is something for everyone!
Life at St. Matthew’s University
Living on Grand Cayman has so much to offer for students looking to make the most of their medical education, but what’s most important is always the medical education that students will be receiving.
If your dream is to become a practicing doctor and health care leader, SMUSOM can help you get there!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Get in touch for more information