Congratulations On Your Acceptance
IN T R O D U C T IO N : Congratulations on your acceptance as an incoming student to the Xavier University School of Medicine at Aruba! It is the University’s intention that this catalog provides students with a helpful introduction to the academic, co-curricular and support services offered at our school. The staff of the University recognizes that travelling overseas to study can be a daunting prospect. Aruba differs from the United States and Canada in many ways, and it may take some time to adjust to this new experience. Both staff and students at Xavier University School of Medicine endeavor to provide help and support to all. REGISTRATION AND ORIENTATION Registration and Orientation will take place at the North Campus building commencing at 9 AM. Please visit our website or see the enclosed Letter of Acceptance for the exact date. At registration, students will be required to complete course registration forms and will be provided with a copy of the timetable and schedule for the upcoming semester. Additionally, course syllabus for each course registered in will also be available. The afternoon of Orientation Day will include a tour of the campus facilities. ACTIVATING YOUR XUSOM E-MAIL At your Orientation Day, each student will be assigned his/her own XUSOM e-mail account. Students will receive all official school-related materials through this account. It is suggested that students check this email account at least twice weekly. ARUBA, DUTCH CARIBBEAN Aruba is among the most southern of the Lesser Antilles Islands. The oblong island is fronted by heavy surf and a jagged coast on its northern windward side and by seven miles of honey colored sand beaches on the southern leeward coast. It is some 75 square miles in area and measures about 5 miles at its widest point. Aruba is an easy island to get around. The road systems are in good shape, well marked, and let’s face it, it’s hard to get lost on an island where the coast is always no more than 3 miles away. Aruba is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across, totaling 77 square miles or 193 square kilometers. Its climate has little variation from yearly average of a sunny 81ºF and 27ºC tempered by northeasterly trade winds. Aruba is out of the range of the Caribbean hurricanes. Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time year round (Equivalent to Eastern Daylight Savings Time). The difference between the European Time and Aruba Time is 5 or 6 hours (Depending on Summer or Winter) POPULATION: +/- 101,484 persons (2010). Average life expectancy age: Male: 71.6 years; female: 76.8 years.
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DEATH RATE: Per 1,000 population 6.0 (world average 9.9) (2002). The birth rate is substantially lower than the Caribbean average but the extremely low mortality rate maintains a rate of natural increase.
total passenger transport of Arubus. The other routes transport passengers from the smaller population centers to Oranjestad, San Nicolas and the hotel zone. During the last few years, the route structure has been adjusted to reflect the growing importance of the tourist sector and as a result, fewer routes with more passengers are transported. In peak hours Arubus uses 14 buses for the line services.
LANGUAGE: Official language: Dutch, Native language: Papiamento. English and Spanish are widely spoken by practically all Arubans. DRINKING WATER: There is no need to buy bottled water; Aruba’s water from the tap is praised for its excellent quality and taste. Aruba’s drinking water flows from the world’s second largest desalinization plant. It is not only perfectly pure and safe to drink, it is also very delicious.
POST OFFICE: The Central Post Office is located diagonally across from San Francisco Church in Oranjestad. Open from Mondays to Fridays from 7.30 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. The Post office at the Royal Plaza Mall in Oranjestad is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6.45 p.m.
ELECTRICITY: Aruba has the same voltage standard as in North America (110 volts AC). Therefore, European appliances (that use 220 volts) generally cannot be used in Aruba without a converter.
GASOLINE: Gas pumps for your rental car register in liters: 1.06 quarts to 1 liter. One gallon is 3.78 liters. Prices at gas stations are in Aruba florins converted at AFL. 1.75 to US$1.00. It is not the custom to pump gas for oneself; please let the attendants do their job.
CLOTHING TIPS: It is advisable to use cotton and light clothing, since the temperatures in Aruba are very high. If you go shopping, it is generally not allowed to enter shops or casinos in your bathing suit. If you’re going on a sailing trip, or if you’re going out at night, sometimes the wind can make it bit chilly, so bring a light vest or blouse.
SAFETY: Aruba has always been considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean, however incidents may occur. Please do not provide temptation by leaving your valuables unattended on the beach or in your car.
MONEY MATTERS: There are several banks on Aruba that can offer you their services. Banking hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. nonstop, Monday through Friday. The Caribbean Mercantile Bank has a location at the airport, which is also open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aruba Bank on Main Street is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SERVICE CHARGE: Most Aruban restaurants maintain a service charge of between 10 and 20%. US CUSTOMS AND US IMMIGRATION: Both the US immigration office as the US customs office is present at the Queen Beatrix International Airport. It is rather unique to have these two US government departments present at a non-US Island.
COINS: The Central Bank of Aruba does not permit coin change to be given in any currency other than the Aruban currency; the exception is in the casinos. You may drop your leftover coins in the charity box at the airport.
ORANJESTAD – THE CAPITAL CITY: Located on Aruba’s southern coast, Oranjestad is the historical Dutch capital city where the tall multicolored houses of Wilheminastraat combine cared wooded doors and traditional Dutch tiles with airy open galleries and sloping Aruba style roofs. Along the wharf, merchants come to sell fresh fish and produce right off the boats every morning. A lot of Aruba’s government buildings and main offices are located in the capital city, Oranjestad. Oranjestad is also the place to shop or to browse in the marketplace for Aruban art and local handcrafts. Depending on the time of year, you could also find yourself in Carnival, a summertime festival.
ARUBA’S CURRENCY IS THE ARUBAN FLORIN (AFL OR AWG). The exchange rate for 1 USD is generally 1.75 AFL and if you buy USD, the exchange rate is usually AFL 1.80. To cash traveler’s checks, you have to bring your identification. A large number of ATM machines are spread throughout the island, so there is no need for you to worry about availability of the currency. A great thing about Aruba is that you can pay with USD. You do not have to change in the local Aruban Florin. You may get Aruban money back as change. TELEPHONE SERVICES: For dialing direct calls from Aruba, the code into the international circuit is 00 followed by the country code, area code and the number. For assistance, call 121. Aruba’s International telephone country code is 297. To direct dial Aruba from the U.S., the code is 011-297- plus the number. INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE CALLS: For dialing direct calls from Aruba, the code into the international circuit is 00 followed by the country code, area code and the number. For assistance, call 121. Aruba’s International telephone country code is 297. To direct dial Aruba from the U.S., the code is 011-297-plus the number. TAXI: Rates, set by the Government, are based on destination rather than mileages traveled and are for the total number of passengers in the car or van. BUS SERVICE: Originally only popular with the locals, tourists are discovering that this is an inexpensive and efficient way to get around between the hotel/beach area and downtown. LINE SERVICES: The largest operator is Arubus, a Government company that owns 29 buses, presently operating six lines. The most important one is the route from San Nicolas to Oranjestad and further on to the hotel zone. This line has a share of some 80% in the
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HE A LT H CARE You may be surprised and comforted to find out that the healthcare in Aruba is at a very high level. In Aruba you can find over 100 MDs and specialists including Plastic Surgeons, General Surgeons, Gynecologists, Pediatricians and Chiropractors. Aruba also has excellent (Cosmetic) Dentists, Psychiatrists and Alternative Medicine Doctors. The International Red Cross, the Fire Department and the Search & Rescue foundation, together with Aruba’s fleet of 13 ambulances form the Emergency Medical Response unit. Besides the locations of these units near to Oranjestad, Aruba also has a full service Emergency Center “Centro Medico San Nicolas” located in San Nicolas, which provides for the handling of emergency situations on the east side of the island. Aruba has a full service Hospital (Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital) counting 325 beds with over 14 specialist departments. Medical Health Care Facilities: If you are disabled, there is no need to look for a different destination. Aruba has plenty of facilities for the handicapped. However, keep in mind that right now, some of the roads in downtown Oranjestad are not very suitable for people in a wheelchair. The government is working hard to fix the roads. Defense and external affairs: The Kingdom of the Netherlands is responsible for the defense (the Royal Marine Camp in Savaneta) and external political and diplomatic relations.
E ME RGENCY N U MB ER S Police Department
100
Oranjestad
102
Fire Alarm
911
San Nicolas
104
Hospital
527400
Noord
106
Medical Center (San Nicolas)
5248833
Beach Police
5863003
Ambulance (Oranjestad)
911
Santa Cruz
105
Ambulance (San Nicolas)
5848833
Tip line
11141
Traffic Police
5889717
HO TEL S / RESO R TS I N A R U B A HOTEL/ RESORT NAME
TELEPHONE
WEBSITE
HOTEL /RESORT NAME
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino Aruba Beach Villas Aruba Blue Village Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba Beach Club Brickell Bay Beach Resort Bucuti Beach Resort & Tara Suites Boardwalk Vacation Retreat Caribbean Palm Village Casa Del Mar Beach Resort Costa Linda Beach Resort Divi Aruba All-Incl. Beach Resort Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort Holiday Inn Beach Resort La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club La Quinta Beach Resort Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa
297-586-9000 297-586-2527 297-587-8616 297-527-1100 297-582-3000 297-586-0900 297-583-1100 2975866654 297-586-2700 297-582-7000 297-583-8000 297-525-5200 297-586-6066 297-583-5000 297-588-7418 297-586-3600 297-520-1100 297-587-5010 297-582-3444
www.arubamarriott.com www.arubavillas.com www.arubabluevillage.com www.amsterdammanor.com www.arubabeachclub.net www.brickellbayaruba.com www.bucuti.com www.arubaboardwalk.com www.cpv.com www.casadelmar-aruba.com www.costalinda-aruba.com www.diviaruba.com www.diviresorts.com www.diviresorts.com www.diviresorts.com www.holidayinn-aruba.com www.lacabanabrc.com www.webnova.com/laquinta www.manchebo.com
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino Marriott's Aruba Ocean Club Marriott's Aruba Surf Club Occidental Grand Aruba Beach Resort Paradise Beach Villas Playa Linda Beach Resort Raddison Aruba Resort Casino & Spa Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino Riu Palace Aruba Talk of the Town Beach Resort Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive The Milll Resort and Suites Tropicana Aruba Resort & Casino Westin Aruba Resort & Casino Paradera Park Apartments Tierra Del Sol Villas The Vistadelmar
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TELEPHONE
WEBSITE
297-586-1234 www.aruba.hyatt.com 297-586-9000 www.marriott.com/auaao 297-586-9000 www.marriott.com/auaac 297-586-4500 www.grandaruba.com 297-587-4000 www.paradisebeachvillas-aruba.com 297-586-1000 www.playalinda.com 297-586-6555 297-583-6000 297-586-3900 297-582-3380 297-525-5200 297-526-7000 297-587-9000 297-586-4466 2975823289 2975867800 2975828579
www.radisson.com/aruba www.renaissancearuba.com www.palacearuba.com www.tottaruba.com www.tamarijn.com www.millresort.com www.troparuba.com www.westinarubaresort.com www.paraderapark-aruba.com www.tierradelsol.com www.arubavistalmar.com
HISTORY
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s the European conquerors continued to invade the Caribbean following the voyages of Italian Christopher Columbus, sailing under the flag of Spain, Aruba was discovered. In 1499, Spanish conquistador Alonso de Ojeda arrived on these shores to find a peaceful tribal society of Arauca (Arawak) Indians, who had migrated from the South American mainland to avoid confrontation with the powerful Caribe Indians. From relics dating back to 2500 B.C. found at various sites around Aruba, it has been established that small family groups lived from fish, shellfish, and sea turtles and used tools made from shells and stones. They later became farmers and made large vessel pottery. The arrival of the Spanish ended the period of a self-sustained culture and society. Because the island lacked the gold and other precious metals sought by the conquerors, Aruba was spared the horrors of disease and harsh treatment being inflicted elsewhere in the Caribbean. However, in 1515, the entire Indian population was abducted to work on the cattle and horse farms on Hispaniola, the Island now shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Some were allowed to return to Aruba after 1527 when Spain began active colonization of Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire. The exchange of plants and animals from the Old World such as grapes and wheat, pigs, chickens, goats, horses and cattle with the things from the New World such as staples, corn, potatoes, and tomatoes, tobacco and chocolate over time enriched the diets of the Caribbean inhabitants and peoples of the Americas. This relieved them from their tasks as farmers and porters. Five hundred years after the Spaniards discovered Aruba the rest of the world continues to discover this small island of hospitable people, elegant beaches and the assorted cuisines of the many settlers who followed the Indians and the Spaniards and later the Dutch.
W E AT H E R A N D N A T U RE AVERAGE HIGH & LOW TEMPERATURES Monthly Averages Month High Low
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January
85.0° F
76.0° F
February
85.0° F
76.0° F
March
86.0° F
77.0° F
April
87.0° F
78.0° F
May
88.0° F
79.0° F
June
89.0° F
80.0° F
July
88.0° F
79.0° F
August
89.0° F
80.0° F
September
89.0° F
80.0° F
October
89.0° F
80.0° F
November
87.0° F
79.0° F
December
85.0° F
77.0° F
Annual
87.0° F
79.0° F
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ruba is perfect if you are looking for a truly sun filled destination. On very rare occasions does it not shine! Since Aruba is so close to the equator, the sun is very bright. Luckily, Aruba is always cooled by a pleasant sea breeze. This wind makes it sometimes feel a bit cooler than it really is. Therefore you should always be very careful in the sun and use a high SPF of sun block. Aruba has a rare collection of its own distinctive creatures that reside on or about the island. The island itself is very dry and plants you most frequently see for examples are cactuses, aloe vera plants and divi-divi trees (that are shaped beautifully by the wind). Not until just recently did we begin to more carefully protect the species that reside in Aruba. One of these distinctive creatures is the tiny Shoco Owl of the burrowing genre. Besides being seen at different spots around the island, it is now living in splendor at the Tierra Del Sol golf course where the construction of the golf course was re-routed to protect its habitat. Their population has reached a good number of actively breeding couples. They move their homes often to keep predators away and have unlimited options because the golf course structure features rocks, hillocks, plant life, sand and grass. Maintenance staffs are instructed to rake around the nests that are often found in the bunkers. Aruba is also the site for endangered mammoth sea turtles and annually they travel thousands of miles from the sea to lay their eggs on our beaches. From March to August the hawksbill (Caret), green turtle (Tortugo Blanco), loggerhead (Cawama) and the largest of all sea turtles, the leatherback (Driekiel) perform the old ritual as these magnificent creatures crawl slowly from the water onto several beaches which include Eagle Beach, Palm Beach and Andicuri, to deposit their eggs and return to sea. The hatchlings instinctively return to the sea and at maturity, which is about 30 years, return to the island of their birth. It is essential and against the law that the ritual not be disturbed by shining lights on the turtles or in any way disrupt their passage; and it is strictly forbidden to remove the eggs from their nests. In 1997, a foundation was established to save the wild donkey population on the island from extinction. The existence of the shy and defenseless creatures have been documented in the early 1940 when the population was down to about 500 and in 1979 it reached an all time low.
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C
arnival in Aruba is one big Caribbean party, a world-class festival and to those who have never experienced it, it’s celebrated with such passion matched only by World Cup soccer. Its music is vibrant, colorful and bright-hued and the thing that makes Aruba’s carnival one of a kind, is that visitors all take part of the ongoing scene. Queen contests, huge reaches of musical competition, all spirit you into the early morning hours to go on for days and weeks.
Happy Returners Meet the real people who return to Aruba year after year. See their stories, get their tips, and see what they love to do when they return to our happy island.
‘Jouvert Morning’, the ultimate Caribbean street celebration, food feasts, and more amazing parades every year, all lead up to the Grand Parade held in Oranjestad the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Two events that also draw appreciative crowds are the Grand Children’s Parade, which is a huge get together of several districts, social clubs and schools. The Lighting Parade is unique night affair to remember, where people are decorated with beautiful lights. No words can describe the beauty of Aruba’s children, magnificently costumed, dancing to big band sounds and the creatively decorated floats, which stretch the visual imagination. Be prepared to ooh and aah with feelings of joy. The Lighting Parade goes to the farthest point of dazzling glittery show time with miles of lighted fantasy floats and lavishly stunning costumes. The kaleidoscope of light in the Carnival beat, shining brightly in the night and a tribute to the Aruban feeling of splendor.
Calendar of Events From sports competitions to Carnival parades, see what’s happening in Aruba during your visit, or plan a trip around one of our can’t-miss annual events.
Beaches The beaches in Aruba consistently rank among the best, not only in the Caribbean, but in the world. Enjoy miles of pristine white sand, crystal blue waters, and cooling trade winds.
For further information on Aruba, please visit the country’s official website at www.aruba.com
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IMMIGRATION INFORMATION
U Welcome to R BA
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Students need to ensure that they have obtained all the appropriate paperwork and Visa in advance of the student’s departure. The information below will list the documents required to complete the immigration process for Aruba. Please be aware that you must submit ORIGINALS of these documents as early as possible, so that the XUSOM at Aruba staff can process and send you an INFLIGHT PERMISSION slip, required for students to enter Aruba. During your initial travel to Aruba, you are required to have a ROUND-TRIP PLANE TICKET. After arrival at the airport in Aruba, you are still considered under a visitor/tourist status. Once registered in classes during orientation your documents will then be confirmed for a STUDENT VISA status. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS: 1. Original or true copy of your Birth Certificate with apostille 2. Original letter or certificate of good conduct or police record, issued by your local police department, with apostille 3. Copy of your full passport (with both covers and all pages including blanks) 4. 6 recent passport photos with your full name marked on the back – 3.5 x 4.5cm Please COURIER (Fed Ex or UPS) all the above documents in ONE COMPLETE package to: Xavier University School of Medicine ATTN: Immigration Department, 1000 Woodbury Road, Suite 109,Woodbury NY 11797 DETAILS FOR GETTING AN APOSTILLE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
For US Citizens and Residents: 1. Have your ORIGINAL birth certificate and police clearance notarized 2. Once notarized, send these 2 documents to your governmental agency which handles Apostilles, usually the Secretary of State office. There may be fees required to obtain an Apostille so call ahead to avoid any delays.
For Canadian Citizens and Residents: 1. Have your birth certificate and police clearance signed and sealed by a notary public. FOR CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS OF ALL OTHER COUNTRIES:
2. You then must have your documents Authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa. Documents can be mailed to Ottawa taking up to 15 days to be legalized. They can also be legalized in person immediately. Alternatively, the student may choose to hire an authenification and legalization service or process server in the area to bring their documents to the office in person. These services are available online.
1. Please get the documents attested by the Department or Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your Country. 2. Take the attested documents to the Dutch Consulate and they will Apostille (legalize) it for you.
3. Lastly, you must have your documents Legalized at the local Dutch Embassy/Consulate. It is advised to call ahead to make an appointment.
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A
LIBRARY XUSOM at Aruba is built to be a state of the art facility not only for the most discerning eye but as a world renowned medical institution. Our students will soon enjoy access to more than 700 medical publications and 2800 medical texts, all available through XUSOM at Aruba’s electronic medical network. We believe in traditional texts as well. These amenities are instrumental in academic performance for our students.
ruba is a vibrant, multicultural island with a population of 100,000 and an average annual tourism population of1,500,000. The island has an international airport just a couple of miles from the city center and it is a major gateway to and from North America and Europe. Xavier University School of Medicine at Aruba is located in the heart of Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba. The campus is right in the heart of downtown, walking distance from all basic amenities and the central bus station. Most of the government buildings, shopping malls, and the fast foodchains are in walking distance of the campus. One of thebiggest advantages is its closeness to the central bus station, which provides access to almost all parts of the island. The life style is quite similar to North America with all familiar eating and shopping outlets.
TECHNOLOGY XUSOM at Aruba makes a bold statement by providing our students and faculty access to brand new Dell computers equipped with flat screen monitors virtually everywhereyou look, LCD projectors in every classroom and exclusive wireless high-speed Internet connection throughout the campus. Our I.T. personnel will even help you register your personal laptop on our servers so that you can surf the web at your leisure within just a few minutes. All students are provided with an official school email account. This email account becomes the primary communication link between students, faculty and the administration. Allresults, notices, invoices, and correspondence is done through this email account unless requested by the student otherwise. We are presently in process of acquiring programs, which will allow the students to have access to all lectures, class schedules and lecture notes online.
THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE The University campus in Aruba is 80,000+ square feet offully secured compound, with nighttime and weekend security officers on site. The campus encompasses a vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
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STUDENT RESIDENCES AND ACCOMMODATIONS Upon acceptance, it is advisable that students should contact the Property Manager of their interested apartment complex. Housing arrangements must be arranged before arriving on the island. Housing will be available in one to three bedroom properties. Each tenant will be assigned a bedroom for their personal use and will share the communal areas such as the kitchen and living room except for one bed-room property where the entire property will be of sole use by the tenant.
PLACES TO EAT IN ARUBA There are a number of restaurants in Aruba. American dishes are served as frequently as local foods. Many restaurants are located in Oranjestad and are accessible by public transportation. RESTAURANT NAME Salt & Pepper Tapas bar & Restaurant L.G. Smith's Ateak & Chop House Ruth's Chris Steak House Tandoor- the Indian Grill House Taj Mahal Restaurant Aqua Grill French Steakhouse Ike's Bistro Papiamento Restaurant Flying Fishbone Restaurant Screaming Eagle Tango Argentine Grill Fishes and More The Sopranos Piano Bar Hadicurari Moomba Beach Bar & Restaurant Café the Plaza El Gaucho Argentine Grill Amazonia Churrascaria Iguana Joe's Caribbean Bar & Grill Tony Roma's Hard Rock Café Simply Fish La Vista
TELEPHONE / WEBSITE 297-586 3280 / www.saltandpapperaruba.com 297-523-6195 / www.lgsmiths.com 297-520-6600 / www.ruthschris.com 297-586-0944 / www.tandooraruba.com 297-588-4494 / www.tajm.com 297-586-5900 / www.aqua-grill.com 297-582-3444 / www.manchebo.com 297-582-3444 / www.manchebo.com 297-586-4544 / www.papiamentoaruba.com 297-584-2506 / www.flyingfishbone.com 297-587-8021 / www.screaming-eagle.net 297-586-8600 / www.tangoaruba.com 297-586-3659 / www.fishesandmore.com 297-586-8622 / www.sopranospianobar.com 297-586-2288 / www.hadicurari.com 297-586-5365 / www.moombabeach.com 297-583-8826 / www.cafetheplaza.com 297-582-3677 / www.elgaucho-aruba.com 297-586-4444 / www.amazonia-aruba.com 297-583-9373 / www.iguanajoesaruba.com 297-586-7427 / www.tonyromas.com 297-586-9966 / www.hardrock.com 297-520-6225 297-520-6601
While in their residence, students are expected to attend to general domestic and cleaning issues as XUSOM at Aruba does not provide any cleaning services. However, there are a number of local private cleaning services which can be hired. Students should bear in mind that the property will be inspected regularly to ensure that it is being maintained to an appropriate level of cleanliness. HOUSING CONTRACT XUSOM at Aruba does not lease properties on behalf of students. The student/tenant will sign the lease. Once the lease is signed, both parties are bound by its terms and conditions. In the case of individuals and families leasing properties, the lease would be for the rent of the entire property. In the case of families, one person would sign the lease on behalf of the family but the entire family must adhere to the terms and conditions of the lease. In the case of group leasing or shared housing, each individual would sign a lease. An individual lease would make the tenant solely responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of his own personal space, and jointly and severally liable, along with the other tenants of the property, for the cleanliness and maintenance of the communal areas. RENT PAYMENTS Students must ensure that their rent is paid on or before the first day of each month. Students may elect to pay rent for the entire semester in advance. Late payments of rent may lead to interest payments and fines being incurred. Each tenant will also be required to pay a security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent. UTILITIES Depending on your housing contract and which apartment complex you choose some utilities may be included in your rent. Usually water, electricity, and gas are covered in such cases. You as the student will be responsibility for any expenses not stated to be covered in the rent agreement. TELEPHONE & INTERNET Telephone and internet services are available to you at an additional cost. Students should bear in mind that it may take a few weeks to have telephone and internet services installed into their homes.
HOUSING The housing arrangements must be arranged by the students themselves. The student is required to contact the Property Managers directly for housing availability.
TIPS ON LIVING IN ARUBA 1. Most restaurants do not offer free refills on drinks. Do not expect them. 2. Do not forget the exchange rates when making purchases. Generally, costs are higher than in the US or Canada. This is due to the conversion rate when purchasing or converting your money to the Aruba local money which is called Florin. 3. Outlet converters are not needed for student’s electrical appliances.
LEISURE CENTERS AND FACILITIES There are gyms available in Aruba where students maybe eligible for discounted membership rates.
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BASIC SCIENCES 4 YEAR M.D. PROGRAM AND CURRICULUM
CURRICULUM 5 ½ YEAR M.D. PROGRAM AND CURRICULUM (FOR MOTIVATED HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES AND THOSE WITH LESS THAN NINETY (90) COLLEGE CREDIT HOURS Xavier University School of Medicine at Aruba offers a pre-medical curriculum for students who are graduates of U.S. and Canadian high schools, or are graduates from equivalent secondary educational systems in the European Union, the U.K. and other nations. The pre-medical phase of training consists of 90 credit hours of pre-medical coursework meeting the educational requirements for licensure. Students who successfully complete this phase of training will advance into the Basic Medical Sciences program.
Xavier University School of Medicine at Aruba offers a curriculum for students who in the first two years of medical school focus on the basic knowledge of health and disease and are introduced to the care of individuals and populations. XUSOM in consonance with global trends and like most US and Canadian medical schools follows an integrated, organ system based curriculum with early clinical exposure. Small group activitybased sessions are also an important learning method followed. Problem-based learning, medical humanities, modules of patient safety and cultural diversity are an important component of the course. Students have 24x7 access to the Class notes. ‘Class notes’ provides information about the institutional educational objectives, the various syllabi, student handbooks, subject study guides, assessment formats and the calendar of operation. It also provides access to power points. Please find a list of the MD courses that students will take by semester below (subject to change).
First Semester
Duration (Weeks) Credit Hours
Fundamental Concepts
07
12
Musculoskeletal System
08
13
Patient, Doctor and Society I
15
03
Healthcare Quality Improvement I
15
02
PRE-MEDICAL/GENERAL EDUCATION STUDIES In the first 1 1/2 years of this program, students focus on establishing the basic fundamentals of critical and qualitative thinking while completing the course load required for various state medical boards. The following is a list of courses that students will take by semester (subject to change).
1ST SEMESTER COURSES:
-
General Biology I General Chemistry I Calculus Medical Communication
Second Semester
Duration (Weeks) Credit Hours
Nervous System
11
16
Nutrition and Metabolism
04
04
Patient, Doctor and Society II
15
03
Healthcare Quality Improvement II
15
01
Third Semester
Duration (Weeks) Credit Hours
Gastrointestinal System
07
10
Respiratory System
08
12
Patient, Doctor and Society III
15
04
2ND SEMESTER COURSES:
Healthcare Quality Improvement III
15
01
Biology & Genetics General Chemistry II Behavioral Science Physics
Fourth Semester
Duration (Weeks) Credit Hours
Cardiovascular System
09
14
Hematopoietic System
06
08
3RD SEMESTER COURSES:
Patient, Doctor and Society IV
15
04
Introduction to Anatomy Medical Terminology Organic Chemistry Introduction to Histology and Cell Biology
Healthcare Quality Improvement IV
15
01
Fifth Semester
4TH SEMESTER COURSES: Introduction to Biochemistry Introduction to Microbiology Introduction to Physiology Introduction to Neuroanatomy
11
Duration (Weeks) Credit Hours
Renal and Metabolic System
15
08
Endocrine System
06
10
Reproductive System
04
08
Patient, Doctor and Society V
15
04
Healthcare Quality Improvement V
15
01
TRANSITION TO CLINICAL MEDICINE The second year of medical school ends with the Comprehensive Integration and Clinical Judgment program. USMLE Step 1 Review Course by Kaplan is offered during this semester. This semester prepares our students not only for USMLE step 1 but also for a smooth transition into Clinical Medicine in the USA. Also, during this time, student gains valuable knowledge about the health care system and post graduate medical training in USA.
CLINICAL SCIENCE PROGRAM & CURRICULUM CORE ROTATIONS 48 Weeks 12 Weeks of Internal Medicine 12 Weeks of Surgery 6 Weeks of Obstetrics & Gynecology 6 Weeks of Pediatrics 6 Weeks of Psychiatry 6 Weeks of Family Practice ELECTIVES 24 Weeks *Tuition is charged every 12 weeks for a total of 72 weeks
INTERNAL MEDICINE
CORE ROTATIONS In the third and fourth years, students become directly involved in the care and study of patients. They begin to work with members of teams caring for hospitalized patients. Third year students rotate through the following clerkships:
The goal of the internal medicine rotation is the development of a logical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of the patient’s complaint. This involves obtaining a complete history, assessing information from the patient, performing a competent physical examination, and formulating a differential diagnosis list in order of probability with a diagnostic and management plan. The student then follows a patient through diagnostic studies and therapy. In addition, the student learns effective communication with patients and with medical, nursing, and other auxiliary staff. Each student is required to perform a thorough history and physical examination on a number of patients. These patients may be presented at work rounds or preceptor rounds and should be followed throughout their hospital stay. These cases form the basis for reading about etiology, pathology, and treatment of problems in internal medicine. In this way, the end of the rotation will accumulate a large amount of experienced-based knowledge.
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SURGERY
PEDIATRICS
The surgical clerkship is an integrated, clinical experience designed to introduce the student to the basic concepts of surgical practice. This clerkship encompasses both in-patient and outpatient clinic experience based on a student resident/attending physician teaching team. The goal of the rotation in surgery is an integral part of the treatment of a patient. The emphasis during the rotation is not on surgical technique but on the understanding of the pathophysiology of disease, the use of surgical intervention, and the management of pre- and post-operative problems.
Pediatric ambulatory and in-patient services provide clinical students with the opportunity to observe the more serious medical and surgical disorders of a patient beyond the newborn period. Admission histories and physical examinations teach the student how to approach the patient and family. The student must learn additional skills (to those learned in medicine and surgery) to interview parents and pediatric patients and to examine children from infancy through adolescence. The resident physicians and preceptors check the adequacies as well as accuracy of the students. Fundamentals of pediatric management are learned from the resident staff. Attendance at lectures, seminars, and conferences expands the student’s view of the sick child.
The overall goal of the surgical clerkship is to introduce the student to the broad aspects of the field of surgery, including the major surgical sub-specialties. Through work in this clerkship, the student becomes familiar with proper consultative practices and understands the basic routines and sub-routines of surgical management. Finally, the surgical clerkship serves to introduce the student to the fundamental aspects of surgical practice as a profession. OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY The obstetrics & gynecologic core clerkship is designed to provide clinical experience in both obstetrics & gynecology. This didactic and clinical experience will be in an academic atmosphere, which includes residents, house officers, and faculty attending. In obstetrics, an understanding of physiologic adaptations to pregnancy will allow the student to understand more completely the principles of antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care, as well as the abnormalities that may occur at these times in pregnancy. Students will also become familiar on how to approach patients with gynecological issues in order to enhance primary health care and preventive medicine for women. Issues of contraception, sexuality, reproductive endocrinology, infertility, neoplasias, preventive care, and health maintenance will be focused.
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In the well child outpatient services, the student learns the milestones of growth and development, infant feeding, child nutrition, preventative pediatrics including immunizations and the common minor ailments of childhood. In the pediatric specialty clinics, the student observes the management and progression of a wide variety of serious and chronic illnesses. Emergency department and urgent care experience permits the student to be the first to evaluate infants and children with acute (often febrile) illness, asthmatic attacks, and similar problems. The initial management of the newborn is learned in the delivery room. In the nurseries, the student practices the examination of the newborn and learns about the initiation of feeding, neonatal physiological changes, and minor difficulties. In the newborn intensive care unit, the student is an observer of the management of the premature and term infant with serious or potentially serious ailment.
PSYCHIATRY The clerkship in psychiatry familiarizes the student with the psychological aspects of human behavior in health, disease, diagnosis, management of psychiatric interviews and performance on mental status examinations. The student observes interviews and conducts psychiatric examinations under supervision. During clinical rotations, students spend a period of time at an inpatient psychiatric service where they apply the training received under supervision of house staff and clinical faculty. In most instances, students also receive experience with outpatient psychiatry, child psychiatry, and substance rehabilitation programs FAMILY PRACTICE Students gain knowledge, experience and skills in interviewing and examining patients of all ages. Students will also learn to diagnose, treat, and educate patients about their disorders under the supervision of an experienced clinician. The clerkship will help students understand the interrelation of ambulatory and inpatient care in a diverse setting. ELECTIVES The 4th year consists of 24 weeks of electives. The clerkship program is designed to ease the transition between the basic sciences and postgraduate training by introducing the student to the many fields of medicine and enhancing both their clinical and diagnostic skills. The underlying concept is that the transition from preclinical to clinical studies involves both the development of pre-clinical skills and the achievement of the physician role. • Neurology
• Cardiology
• Pulmonary Disease
• Hematology/Oncology
• Urology
• Ear, Nose, & Throat (ENT)
• Gastroenterology
• Nephrology
• Endocrinology
• Rheumatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology
• Preventive Medicine
• Geriatric Medicine
• Trauma Surgery
• Vascular Disease
• Thoracic Surgery
• Anesthesiology
• Orthopedics
• Ophthalmology
• Emergency Medicine
• Intensive Care Medicine
• Medicine subspecialties
• Psychiatric subspecialties
• Pediatric subspecialties
• OB/GYN subspecialties
• Surgery subspecialties
UNIVERSITY RESOURCES Online Databases & Web Resources •
DynaMed
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MedlinePlus
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Scientific & Medical Imagebase Trial
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PubMed
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MedicalStudent.com
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Blue Penguin
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American Journal of Medicine
•
New England Journal of Medicine
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GENERAL UNIVERSITY RULES & REGULATIONS Students are required to attend at least 90% of the classes in all of the courses for which they are registered. This applies to all classes, whether lectures, seminars, or laboratory classes. Students who are not present in a class will be recorded as absent, whatever the reason for the absence. While the University recognizes that students may, at times, be unable to attend class due, for example, to illness, personal emergencies or attendance at conferences, such events will nevertheless be counted as absence when determining whether the student has met the class attendance requirements. The cumulative number of absences for each student will be displayed along with the examination grade for each of the mid-term examinations. No further notifications of the number of absences will be made to students. It is each student’s individual responsibility to ensure that he or she attends at least the required number of classes for each subject. Any student who fails to attend at least 90% of the classes for a course will be deemed to have failed the course, and will be required to re-take the course in a later semester, following the usual examinations and attendance policies. The lecturer in charge of the class will record attendance at each class in writing. Students are required to attend classes in their entirety. Late arrival or early departure from classes are not permitted and will be recorded as absence from that class. Mobile phones are not permitted within the lecture room or laboratories. Students who receive or make phone calls while in the classroom and the lecture is being held will be asked to leave the class and an absence will be marked for that day. Food and drink is not permitted in the lecture rooms. Students who wish to record classes must seek permission to do so from the lecturer in advance of the recording being made.
CONTACT INFORMATION If students have additional questions, they can contact the appropriate University representative and/or ofďŹ ce via email. The most commonly used email addresses are: Admissions Accounting Department
Clinical Department Registrar Department
: admissions@xusom.com : accounting@xusom.com
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: clinicals@xusom.com : registrar@xusom.com
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