Webinar – Transitioning to Island Life
Posted onWhat US Students Can Expect at ACSOM
Moving to a Caribbean island for medical school is a big decision. For many US students, the thought of studying medicine in Dominica brings questions about housing, daily life, and adapting to a new culture. The American Canadian School of Medicine (ACSOM) understands these concerns and has built comprehensive support systems to ensure a smooth transition for international students.
Get the complete student perspective: Watch our detailed webinar featuring current student Fatima Muhammad Ali and student services manager Amanda Massicott as they share real experiences about island life, housing, and student support.
Living in Paradise While Pursuing Medicine
Dominica recently earned the top spot on BBC’s list of 25 best places to visit in 2025. Known as the “nature island of the Caribbean,” Dominica offers students a unique environment that combines serious academic focus with natural beauty and cultural richness.
The island is an English-speaking former British colony with a peaceful atmosphere and low crime rates. Students benefit from fresh, organic local produce, beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, and beaches. However, as ACSOM emphasizes, your primary focus will be on rigorous medical education Monday through Friday.
Comprehensive Student Support Services
ACSOM’s student support services team, led by native Dominican Amanda Massicott, provides extensive assistance throughout your journey. The support begins before you even arrive and continues throughout your two-year program.
Services include airport pickup, apartment orientation, grocery store visits on your first day, and ongoing support for both academic and non-academic needs. The team also organizes cultural events, sports tournaments, and activities that help students connect with Dominican culture while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
“We want to make sure that you do meet a familiar face at the airport,” explains Amanda. “We’re here to welcome you and to take you to your apartment. We provide a variety of services apart from the onboarding.”
Housing Made Simple
All student housing consists of fully furnished, one-bedroom apartments starting at just $600 per month. Each unit includes air conditioning, reliable internet, and backup generators. Students need only bring personal items, clothing, and study materials.
The apartments are pre-screened by ACSOM’s Safe Haven Rental program to ensure they meet high standards. Most housing is within walking distance of campus, and no students need personal vehicles. Transportation is provided for weekend trips to the capital for additional shopping and activities.
Learn more about housing details from students who have lived the experience and get practical packing advice for your move to Dominica.
A Typical Day in Medical School
Current student Fatima Muhammad Ali, now in her third year and preparing for USMLE Step 1, shares what daily life looks like:
“Monday through Fridays, you come to class from 8:00 to 9:00 for morning lecture. Then we have small group from about 9:15 to 12:00. Lunch is from 12:00 to 1:00, and then anatomy or intro to clinical medicine from 1 to 4.”
Evenings are dedicated to studying and preparation for the next day. The school has developed numerous clubs and interest groups where students support each other. “Everyone is so supportive that everyone participates in absolutely everything,” Fatima notes.
Friday afternoons feature formative assessments followed by group volleyball games, creating a positive end to each intensive week.
Academic Excellence with Personal Support
ACSOM maintains a 1:10 faculty-to-student ratio with all faculty being licensed physicians. The case-based learning approach in small groups allows professors to know each student personally and track their progress weekly.
“You develop this connection and relationship where they understand what kind of learner each student is,” Fatima explains. “If you have questions, you can schedule an appointment through Canvas, but even if you don’t have an appointment and just knock on their door, you’re never going to get shut down.”
This personalized approach creates a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help when needed.
Practical Preparation Tips
For students preparing to move to Dominica, the webinar provides detailed packing advice. Essential items include motion sickness medication for the winding airport transfer, warm clothing for air-conditioned classrooms, tropical clothing for the outdoor climate, and formal attire for school events.
Students should bring a semester’s supply of any prescription medications, as local pharmacies may only carry generic brands. All apartments come with basic furnishing and utensils, so students primarily need personal items and study materials.
Exam Structure and Academic Calendar
The academic program follows a seven-week module system with all final exams conducted on Fridays using the NBME platform. This ensures students practice with USMLE-style questions throughout their education. Mock exams precede each final, and exam week provides additional self-study time.
“Exam week is actually a very peaceful week,” Fatima shares. “You have the entire days to yourself to study for your test the way you want to study for it.”
Building Lifelong Connections
The small class sizes and intensive program create strong bonds among students. The school organizes culture nights showcasing the diverse backgrounds of international students, sports tournaments with local community members, and various social events throughout the year.
These activities help students maintain balance while building relationships that extend beyond medical school into their future careers as physicians.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Life as a medical student in Dominica offers a unique combination of rigorous academics, natural beauty, and cultural enrichment. While the academic demands are intense, ACSOM’s comprehensive support systems and the island’s welcoming environment create an ideal setting for medical education.
This article provides an overview of student life at ACSOM, but the complete webinar offers detailed insights from current students and staff who live this experience daily. Watch the full presentation to get all the details about housing, student support, daily schedules, and practical preparation tips.
Ready to begin your medical school journey in paradise?
