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If I live off-campus, which town should I consider living in?
Students live in various towns in Kitty, Campbellsville, Lodge, Queenstown, Turkeyen, Georgetown and Greater Georgetown. All of these small towns are close in proximity to AISM in Georgetown.
What, on average, do students pay for off-campus housing?
The average apartment rent is about $550, with a range of about $400-$1000. Your monthly rent will depend on factors such as quality, location, pet fees, and whether or not utilities are included. Sharing a home reduces the cost of renting a home.
What is the average cost of utilities?
The price of utilities can vary from $200 to $300, depending on where you live, and frequency of use (i.e. air conditioning). You may want to consider a location that exposes your apartment to trade winds in order to reduce the need for air conditioning. Be sure to inquire about the cost of utilities with previous tenants of the same complex, and the landlord, prior to signing the lease.
For further information regarding housing, please consult the AISM Housing Office. aismgy@aism.edu
Banking
What is the accepted currency in Guyana?
The Guyana dollar is the official currency used in Guyana. The U.S. dollar, although not the official currency, is widely accepted and could be readily exchanged for Guyana dollars.
What banking services are available?
There are several banks in Guyana: Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of Baroda, and Citizens’ Bank, Demarara Bank, Republic Bank Guyana Ltd. It is suggested that students open a “non-resident” U.S. dollar savings account. Establishing a checking account is also available, however they are expensive to maintain and personal checks are not widely accepted by merchants. ATM machines are available for both savings and checking accounts.
Are there ATMs on campus?
No, there are no ATM’s on campus, and there are several located throughout the City. The ATM’s only negotiate Guyana currency.
Is there anything I should know about maintaining a U.S. bank account while I am living in Guyana?
In order to avoid being suspected of having fraudulent account activity, it is strongly recommended that you inform your bank that you will be studying abroad for an extended period of time. You maybe able to use your US checking account to pay for rent and a few monthly items in Guyana.
Communication
Does AISM provide access to the Internet?
Yes, American International School of Medicine provides Internet access to students for study and personal use on campus. Several computers, wireless signal and extra ports for laptops are available in campus. There are several Internet providers available for home use. Information of Internet companies will be available on campus.
How much does it cost to install a landline?
Most home will be rented with a landline already installed. The student will be responsible for the monthly charges for usage.
What is the best way to communicate with the States?
There are several ways to communicate with the States including e-mail, instant messaging, call-back, and net-to-phone. In addition to e-mail, the call-back system is one of the most popular methods. Skype is a popular method of communication. This requires a broadband connection. Go to www.skype.com for more information.
Is health insurance needed?
Yes, all AISM students are required to obtain a medical health insurance policy as a condition of their Temporary Residency Permit unless they have proof of an existing global health policy.
LIVING IN GUYANA
What is GUYANA like?
Geography
Guyana is a country of exceptional natural beauty; it is a splendid combination of the Caribbean and South America. Guyana extends over an area 216,000 square kilometers in area (83,000 square miles) on the northeastern shoulder of the South American continent. The Atlantic Ocean stretches for 270 miles along the cost, but the country’s major thrust in southward and inland.
Guyana borders Venezuela in the west, Brazil in the south, and Suriname in the east. The country derives its name from an Amerindian word meaning “Land of any waters”. Many mighty rivers grace Guyana; these dissect her rain forests, mountain and Savannah. The main rivers are the Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo. The rain forests are home to thousands of species of pants and animals. Many minerals are found in the area, the most valuable being bauxite, diamond, gold and manganese.
Capital
The capital and primary port is the picturesque Geogetown, a city of comfortable modern hotels and fine colonial buildings. The St. George’s Cathedral is reported to be he tallest wooden building in the world.
What is the average temperature in Georgetown?
Guyana is warm all year round, day and night. Minimum temperatures are in the high 60s and maximum temperatures reach the low 90s.
What kinds of clothes are recommended?
Dress attire both on and off campus is generally informal for all occasions, but students are required to dress in a presentable manner in keeping with the standards of future physicians. At least one semi-formal outfit is suggested (e.g. jacket and tie for men, dress for women). Long sleeves and sweatshirt are occasionally worn, but coats are not needed.
What extracurricular activities are available in Georgetown?
Sports clubs, sporting events, ecotourism, nature trips, night clubs, restaurants, theatre etc.
I would like to visit nearby islands - are there tours or special prices I should be made aware of?
Special offers are frequently advertised for travel to other islands. Some businesses even offer discounts to AISM students. These are usually advertised on CAMPUS bulletin boards. Most airlines offer inexpensive flights to nearby islands (less than $200 roundtrip).
Should appliances be shipped?
It is recommended that appliances be purchased in Guyana, since the cost is generally equivalent when the cost include shipping and duty. Transformers may be purchased for U.S. computers and small appliances.
How do I receive mail in Guyana?
Send mail to:
YOUR NAME
AISM P.O Box 101728, Georgetown, Guyana, South America
What is the best method of shipping items from/ to St. Maarten?
When shipping items home, you may use DHL, FedEx, and UPS. Shipping via DHL and FedEx can get pricey – about $35 for documents. When ordering items online and having them shipped to your Mailbox account at school, make sure the company you are ordering from ships to a P.O. Box. You may also have mail sent directly to the school. The package must be clearly labeled with the student’s name, c/o American International School of Medicine, 89 Sandy Babb and Middleton Streets, Kitty, Georgetown, Guyana, South America.
School Life
Do students carry text books to lectures, daily?
Not usually, unless the student takes notes in the text books, or plans on staying after class to study.
Are we offered lecture notes from professors, or should we take our own notes?
Professors generally submit their lecture notes, or Power Point slides to the class. Professors are encouraged to make their notes available through the library. Currently, wireless signal is available in all classrooms. This enables students with laptops, and wireless access, to download the day’s notes prior to lecture in the convenience of the lecture.
Are professors available for extra help, if needed?
Yes, all professors have designated office hours when they are available to answer questions. Professors are also willing to set up additional appointments with students as necessary.
Are there places I can go to print a document?
Yes, but several students decide to either bring a printer with them, or purchase one in Guyana. Printers can be purchased for about $100. Alternatively, you can print your documents from the school’s computer lab. This tends to be more expensive than printing your documents at home.
Are there places to fax/copy a document?
Yes, you can make copies at front desk.
Can students purchase snacks/food at school?
Yes, snacks are available in across the street.
Do we need to buy a microscope to bring it with us?
Most anatomical sciences histology lab work etc. is done via digital images and CD-ROMs.
Where do new students purchase 1 st semester text books?
First semester books can be ordered online (through a vendor of your choice) and delivered either to your State address, or directly to AISM.
Where can students study after/before school?
Students can study in a number of places. They may choose to study in one of the outdoor tables, or library.
What are the library and computer room hours?
Both the library and computer lab are open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Shopping
Where can I buy electronic appliances in Guyana?
Electronic appliances can be purchased at Courts, Forgaty’s, and other bargain places in Georgetown. If using a credit card, be sure to have a photo ID.
Where do students purchase groceries?
There are a number of places to do your grocery shopping – Forgaty’s, Nigel’s supermarket, Bounty’s supermarket, Bonnys supermarket.
Do I need to bring bed linens, pots/pans, etc. with me, or can I purchase these in Guyana?
No, all of these items can be purchased at Forgaty’s, Guyana stores, and store on Regents Street (the main shopping street). If you prefer nicer linens, you may want to bring those with you, as the finer linens are harder to obtain in Guyana.
Transportation
Is a Guyana Drivers License required?
Yes, if a student, spouse or significant other wants to drive a motor vehicle in Guyana, obtaining a Guyana Drivers License is mandatory.
Should I ship my car?
Shipping your car is not recommended since purchasing a used car in Guyana is reasonable. Cars can be bought from students leaving the Country, new/used car dealers, and from ads in the local newspaper. The typical price range for a used car is $1800-$4,000 depending on the condition. Owning a car in Guyana requires insurance with a local company. Leasing a car is about $350-540 depending on the make and model.
What is the best mode of transportation (car, bike, moped, bus)?
Most students would agree that a car is the best mode of transportation due to unpredictable weather and infrequent bus service. Additionally, many stores and shops are not within walking distance.
Should I purchase, or lease, a car in Guyana?
A typical car can be purchased for approximately $1800-$4000. However, many of the roads are not well paved. Therefore, most students will make, at minimum, minor repairs to their vehicles during their stay.
Leasing a car may require a slightly higher initial investment, but the leasing company generally covers repairs and other maintenance. If you do lease, you may wish to begin on a month-to-month basis. The most economical option would be to split the price of the car with a few friends. It is important to note, however, that everyone’s name can be put on the insurance, while only one person’s name is permitted on the lease.
Do I need to purchase car insurance?
Yes, you will need to obtain local insurance coverage. Some students choose to purchase liability insurance, which can cost about $400/year. Others opt for full coverage insurance, for about $1500/year. You will be eligible for an insurance discount if you provide a letter from your current insurance company declaring that you have an acceptable driving record. The longer you have been with your insurance company, the greater the discount will be. Be sure that the letter offers sufficient detail (e.g. dates, phone numbers, signature, amount paid, statement of clean record, etc…) in order to receive the best discount available. If you obtain your local driver’s license before you apply for insurance, you will receive an additional discount.
Travel, should I inform AISM of my travel plans?
Which airport should I arrive at and how do I get from there to the Medical Campus?
Yes, you should book your flight to arrive at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport code (GEO) located in Timehri, Guyana. From there, you can take a taxi to the City, Georgetown which should cost about $20.00. A school representative will normally be at the airport to meet new students.
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