Can anyone in Bonaire help students of St. James Medical School to find housing? We are desperately in need and its becoming very difficult to find places for new incoming students. Thanks

eThe school should really have someone to help but it is the same every new term. It will just get more difficult once Xavier returns!

I too am trying to find a place in Bonaire, as I will be attending SJSM. What's the deal with Xavier?

Rumor (according to Xavier website among other places) has it that they will be back for the fall term. They are also starting up in Panama, and I am told have plans for Curacao as well...a regular franchise

I assume you all have spoken to the school secretary about your housing needs?

After our experience renting to medical students, I would be very surprised if housing for students wouldn't be tough to come by.
We wrote a lengthy letter to the Dean explaining the mess that was left by his students and never got even a short acknowledgement in return.

Brian

Brian, I have heard the same thing by many about the students. Mind you these are young kids..very young. This is the first level of medical school. I used to rent a room to Ross Uni students who were on Cape Cod for their surgical rotation. They did their island 24 mos gig in Dominica. I had 7 great roomies but they were older and serious. Too bad the Dean did not reply. Actions speak louder than words. It would make sense for these schools to have dorms or apartments provided for their students.

I have heard horror stories as well. If anyone wants to rent to the students, they should require the first month, last month and two month security deoposit. Also, the contract should call for weekly
cleaing service provided by the landlord with fee
included in the rent. There is no excuse for the damage/dirt left by the students but at the same time the landlord needs to be proactive in inspecting the property, etc.

Michael I've heard the same, but now landlords are requiring security deposits from students. Some landlords also take advantage of the students, charge a higher price for rent and once the lease is over don't return their security deposits. This is because the students are leaving the country for good and the landlord knows the student can not do anything about it. Brian I will bring up this matter in the next student council meeting with students leaving messes. These schools basically leave the students on their own to find a place to live and don't offer much help. I heard the same goes on for the Dutch students doing their internships here.