Adjusting to Your New Island Home During Veterinary School
The home of passionate future veterinarians and animal health leaders.
For anyone who is passionate about animal health and looking for the right opportunity to develop a successful career as a practicing veterinarian, St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine (SMUSVM) is your answer!
Located on Grand Cayman, part of the Cayman Islands, SMUSVM offers attendees the opportunity to benefit from individualized support, early hands-on training at our state-of-the-art Clinical Teaching Facility, learning opportunities with traditional small and large animals (dogs, cats, horses, goats, etc.) and instruction with rare aquatic reptiles, an opportunity unique to the Caribbean.
But before considering programs and academics, you may be wondering about choosing a Caribbean island veterinary school, and what it’s like to live and study on Grand Cayman itself.
Well that’s why we’re here today, so let’s talk about our island home…
Overview of the Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman, one of the world’s premier travel abroad destinations, provides a modern and familiar lifestyle that will have you feeling right at home. It has so much to do and experience, is very safe for locals and visitors alike, is one of the largest financial centers in the world and has a world-class healthcare system. It is also incredibly beautiful, which is captured perfectly in this video:
Other aspects of living in the Cayman Islands that will be of interest for future students and visitors include:
Transportation
There are many options for traveling around Grand Cayman. Residents from countries such as the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Cuba and others are usually able to obtain a Cayman Islands driving license without having to take additional tests. For more information about this opportunity, visit dvdl.gov.ky.
Please note, you must apply for a Cayman license within three months of arriving. Additionally, keep in mind that driving is on the left side of the road, similar to the system in England. Many car rentals, leasing and options for purchasing a vehicle are available. There is also a bus system with seven routes, and various taxi and ride services are there for your convenience.
Health and Safety
Grand Cayman is notably secure, with one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean. As a top global vacation destination, locals are friendly and comfortable with visitors, making this a perfect locale to easily immerse yourself in veterinary learning and studies. Like any study abroad experience, it’s important to take standard precautions, such as securing your valuables, but overall the island provides a very safe environment.
The Cayman Islands also have a strong healthcare system that includes three excellent hospitals, and boasts one of the highest doctor-to-population ratios in the Caribbean. This helps ensure that students receive any health support and care they may need during their international studies.
Food and Dining
Grand Cayman is a terrific location for people who appreciate good food. From haute cuisine, to beach-side restaurants, to Jamaican-style offerings at local stands, there are so many options to try and enjoy
You can choose from Cayman, Mediterranean, American, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Tex Mex restaurants. Other options can include anything from five-star sushi dinners to Italian pasta al fresco served by singing waiters. An interest in local food, such as turtle stew, fish rundown and stewed conch can certainly be satisfied at treasured hotspots like Welly’s Cool Spot, Champion House and Corita’s Copper Kettle.
Or if the mood strikes for classic fast-food options, Grand Cayman also features familiar franchises like Burger King, Wendy’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Domino’s Pizza. There really is something for all appetites!
Preparing for Island Living
Beyond what the island itself can offer in terms of quality of life and experience, there are things you can bring or purchase that will enhance your stay and educational experience. These Cayman Islands tips include the items you’ll need to feel at home and support your efforts to succeed in veterinary school.
The following sections outline some things you will need to either pack, or purchase when you arrive, that will be of benefit to your personal and student life.
Dress Needs
The climate on Grand Cayman is comfortable all year, with temperatures varying from 70° to the mid 80’s Fahrenheit. This means you should primarily have clothing options that keep you cool, while also protecting you from the sun.
It is also recommended that you have business casual clothing to choose from. Veterinary school is a professional environment where you will want to dress appropriately, and there are also certain events where dressing up is required.
Finally, you should also consider having some water-proof options and an umbrella, as Grand Cayman does experience rain. The weather also cools between December and April, although nothing like a northern winter. Having a light jacket should suffice.
Tech Requirements
SMUSVM uses high-speed networking technology to help deliver instruction and learning materials. To ensure they are able to engage effectively within the DVM program, students are required to have a laptop or notebook computer throughout the duration of veterinary school.
In terms of Grand Cayman, modern telecommunications services are offered throughout the island. These include local and long distance calling, mobile phones, faxing, cable and internet. Service is comparable to that available in the U.S.
All Cayman Islands mobile phone service providers use GSM technology. We recommend that you consult with your current provider to verify that your phone is compatible. As a general overview, GSM is the technology used by Vodafone, O2 and Orange in Europe, T-Mobile in the U.S., and Rogers Wireless and Microcell in Canada.
Around the House
St. Matthew’s University encourages new medical and veterinary students to stay in the independently owned and operated Residence Hall, which is located close to campus and offers furnished single and double rooms. This allows first-semester attendees to get comfortable with island living, connect with fellow students and be able to lend their full focus to their studies.
The general housing market on Grand Cayman is extensive and presents many opportunities for students to find places to live off-campus. Most rental units are partially 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 or may not need to bring or purchase home furnishings during your stay on Grand Cayman, depending on where you choose to live. However, this should be verified with the Residence Hall housing coordinator or your landlord well in advance of your arrival.
Traveling to SMUSVM
Once you have your school and living essentials, and classes are set to begin, it’s time to begin your journey. Thanks to Grand Cayman’s travel infrastructure and convenient location, getting to and from our veterinary school is comparatively simple.
Only 480 miles from Florida, 50 miles south of Cuba and 180 miles northwest of Jamaica, the island is accessible by plane from many different cities. 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 travel hubs, including Chicago, Toronto, New York, Charlotte, Atlanta, Houston, Tampa and London.
Living on Grand Cayman and studying at St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine is comfortable and convenient due to these extensive flight options.
Attending St. Matthew’s University
SMUSVM is where future veterinarians develop their passion for animal health and commitment to care.
We proudly help aspiring veterinary practitioners achieve their academic goals and prepare for successful careers in the U.S., Canada and around the world. Our DVM education and hands-on training is delivered by dedicated faculty, we offer extensive individualized support services, and grants and scholarships are available to help make a career in veterinary medicine more affordable for anyone who feels drawn to this globally needed field.
To stay motivated on your journey, be sure to check out the inspiring story of Yash, a SMUSVM alum. His experiences and determination showcase the incredible opportunities that lie ahead – check out the video below.
If your dream is to become a practicing vet and animal health leader, SMUSVM can help you get there!
For any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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