1) What accreditations does the XUSOM Bonaire have?
XUSOM Bonaire is recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Our students and graduates are eligible to apply and sit for any step of the USMLE, in fulfillment of the ECFMG Certification requirements for a U.S. residency position. XUSOM Bonaire is approved and is listed with World Health Organization (WHO). We are also listed with Medical Council of Canada (MCC).
2) Are the students of XUSOM Bonaire eligible to write USMLE board exams or any other board exams?
Yes, Xavier University School of Medicine, Bonaire is recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Our students and graduates are eligible to apply and sit for the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE), in fulfillment of the ECFMG Certification requirements for a U.S. residency position.
3) What is the eligibility criteria for admission into the medical program?
Applicants must have at least ninety credit hours with required pre-medical science courses completed or a bachelor’s degree from their respective college.
4) How to apply for XUSOM Bonaire?
The XUSOM Bonaire website has portals for our
online application and a “pdf” file that can be downloaded and then mailed to our administrative office in Ohio.
5) What is the admission process?
The most important step is yours, and that is APPLYING. After our administrative office receives your application, a phone interview will be scheduled. After your phone interview, your full application will be reviewed by our admissions committee, and you will be notified of their decision.
6) Is there any requirement for MCAT score?
We do not require MCAT scores for admission into our school. They can be submitted, if taken.
7) What documents are required for completing the application?
* Official Transcripts
* 2 Letters of Recommendations
* Personal Essay
* 2 Passport size photos
Requirements for Joining the MD program
Applicants must have at least ninety credit hours with required pre-medical science courses completed.
Theses required courses are:
• English
• Biology
• General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Physics
• Calculus
* These requirements are mandated by individual State Medical Boards in the United States and are required for medical licensure in each respective state.
8) What is the total length of medical program?
The medical (MD) program has two parts: the Basic Sciences & the Clinical Sciences.
The Basic Sciences portion requires four semesters on the islands (sixteen months).
The Clinical Sciences portion requires 80 weeks total: 8 weeks of the 5th semester (aka MD 5) & 72 weeks of clinical rotations.
9) How is the teaching in XUSOM Bonaire?
All of our professors are qualified medical doctors with USMLE experience. Teachers use a multimedia approach. They use USMLE style questions on quizzes and examinations.
10) Are there laboratory facilities?
Yes. We have a Histology/Pathology Lab and an Anatomy Lab.
11) How much time do clinical rotations take?
72 weeks.
12) Can I arrange my own clinical rotations?
Yes. You can arrange your own clinical rotations. However, XUSOM Bonaire offers clinical rotations at many sites across the USA. Also, we are continuously expanding our rotation sites.
13) Do your affiliated hospitals have ACGME- approved residency programs?
Yes. All of our core rotations are done at ACGME (green book) teaching hospitals.
14) What does it mean exactly by MD 5?
MD 5 is the fifth semester of the medical program. It takes place in Ohio, and is for 8 weeks. It serves as a bridge between the basic sciences and the clinical sciences. This semester has three components: Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM) with patient experience, Getting into Residency (GIR), and a Kaplan Review Course.
15) Do you accept transfer students?
Yes, we accept transfer students into all of our programs.
16) How can I order my text books?
You can easily order most textbooks through our online bookstore, via the portal on our website.Click on
MD books, Pre-Med books and other books. If you do not see the textbook you need, we suggest you check on line at
http://www.amazon.com and
http://www.alibris.com/.
17) Why should I choose XUSOM Bonaire?
The parameters of choice differ from person to person, and we are confident in what we offer. Education is the main priority for us, but there is so much more. Our core goal is to educate our students. To that end, we provide:
- Guaranteed clinical rotations
- ECFMG, WHO and IMED listings
- Labs – Histology/Pathology Lab & Anatomy Lab
- USMLE style questions for quizzes and examinations
- Low and Affordable Tuition fees with Private Loan Options
- Evidence Based Medicine practiced by students
- Accelerated Programs: including 5 year pre-med program for HS graduates
- Small Class Sizes
- Personal Attention from Faculty & Administration
- Wireless Internet on Campus
- Extended Study Lounge hours on weeknights and weekends
- Multimedia teaching methods
- Annual Health Fair
- Observe Surgeries during 1st MD Semester
18) I am some credits short from the required ninety. Can I still apply to the MD program?
Yes, if an MD program applicant does not have ninety credit hours from his/her respective college, the remaining credit hours can be earned at our school.
19) I am finishing high school. Can I apply for the 5 year pre-medical program?
Yes. You must have a high school diploma to enter the pre-medical program. However, you can apply for admission during your final year of high school.
20) How much time does it take to finish premedical program?
Our premedical and medical combined program takes five years. On Bonaire, there are 16 months of premedical courses and 16 months of medical courses. In the USA, there are 8 weeks of MD 5 (in Ohio) and 72 weeks of clinical rotations.
21) How do your tuition fees compare to other medical schools?
Tuition fees are substantially lower than medical schools in Canada, USA and other Caribbean medical schools. We offer private student loan opportunities as well.
22) Is there any financial aid or loans available?
XUSOM Bonaire does work with a private loan company that will fund our students’ education. For more information please contact the Administrative Office in Ohio (330-759-8008 or 888-XAVIERU).
23) How can I pay my tuition?
Tuition can be paid with: personal check, money wire, and credit card. Credit card payments can be made via our website by clicking
here or by contacting the Administrative Office in Ohio (330-759-8008 or 888-XAVIERU).
24) Can I withdraw from a course?
You can withdraw from a course within the first two weeks of the semester with permission from the Dean of Academics in Bonaire.
25) Where can I find the student handbook?
You can find the student handbook on our website
26) Does XUSOM Bonaire help with the immigration process?
Yes, however students are responsible for gathering all of the required documents. The list of required documents can be found on our website
click here.
27) Are there any immigration fees involved?
There is no “immigration fee”. However, the island government requires a refundable deposit. This deposit is ≈ US$571 for American citizens, ≈ US$1143 for Canadian citizens, and ≈ US$3143 for citizens of other countries.
28) What is the time line for submitting immigration documents?
If you are an American or Canadian citizen, your documents need to be submitted to the island government within 90 days of your arrival to the island. If you are a citizen of another country, you must submit all documents before your arrival to the island so you can be issued an entrance visa.
29) What airlines travel to Bonaire?
Direct flights to/from the USA are available to Bonaire. Most students will fly Continental, Delta, and Insel Airlines. The international airport code is BON for Bonaire’s Flamingo International Airport.
30) Does XUSOM Bonaire help in finding student housing?
Yes, we help our students find accommodations. We work with local landlords to provide safe, furnished apartments close to our campus.
31) What happens when I first get to the island?
A XUSOM Bonaire representative will pick you up from the airport and take you to your apartment or hotel room.
32) What is the currency on Bonaire?
US Dollars are accepted at most locations in Bonaire. The local currency is Netherland Antilles Guilders (ANG) aka Netherland Antilles Florins (NAF). The most common exchange rate is 1 USD = 1.75 ANG/NAF.
33) What banking services are available?
Bonaire has five banks (1) MCB (2) Giro Bank (3) RBTT Bank (4) Banco De Caribe (5) ORCO bank. Each has their own requirements for students. Most require a passport and copies of bank statements in the student’s name.
34) Do you accept credit cards for paying tuition fee? If so, what credit cards do you accept?
Yes. We accept credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa and American Express to pay the tuition. This can be done on our
website or through the Administrative Office in Ohio (330-759-8008 or 888-XAVIERU)
35) Is there internet available on campus?
Yes, the campus does have wireless internet. Students can get their username and password for access from administration counter once the school semester starts.
36) Do I need any health insurance on Island?
Yes. Health insurance is required for our students in Bonaire for safety and immigration purposes. The XUSOM Bonaire staff will help assist in getting you health insurance once you are on the island.
37) Will my health insurance from back home be sufficient in Bonaire?
No. Although some insurance providers do have international coverage, for the purpose of immigration students must have health insurance here.
38) What should I know about the island of Bonaire?
There is much to say about this beautiful island. Please refer to the island’s website
(http://www.infobonaire.com) for more information.
39) Are there extracurricular activities?
There are a number of extracurricular activities. The XUSOM Bonaire Student Government organizes events every semester. The most popular is the Cultural Talent Show, where students dress in traditional clothing and watch each other perform in a variety show. Other past events have included a faculty/student tennis tournament, regular soccer games and beach days. The island of Bonaire is internationally known for its scuba diving, snorkeling and windsurfing.
40) How do I keep in touch with family and friends?
Most students call home via the internet, using either Magic Jack or Skype.
41) Are teachers available after the class hours?
Yes. Our faculty members are more than willing to meet with students outside of the classroom.
42) Is there a mandatory dress code?
While in Bonaire, our students are required to wear our school polo shirt during class. Each new student receives two uniform shirts during orientation. In MD 5 and during clinical rotations, students must wear appropriate business attire and closed toe shoes.
43) Is there an attendance policy?
Yes, we have a mandatory 80% attendance policy.
44) Do I get enough preparation for USMLE?
Our entire curriculum is geared towards doing well on the USMLE steps. All of our quizzes and tests are composed of USMLE style questions. Students will be well prepared when they begin their independent preparations for the medical licensing exams. In our MD 5, we also include a Kaplan course as part of our curriculum.
45) Can I borrow books from Library?
Yes, you can borrow books from the library by showing your student ID card.
46) Are there any formal events conducted by the school? Do I need formal dress for this?
Yes. At the beginning of the each semester there is a White Coat Ceremony, which is a formal event that inaugurates the new incoming students. The SGA has a Cultural Talent Show each semester during which many students wear traditional clothing. The SGA has other events like MD 4 farewell for which students can choose to dress in formal attire.
