Report 1
Reporter: anon
Contact at destination
Year of visit: 2000
Country: French Antilles
Region: St Martin
Institution: Hospital de Marigot
Department: Urgences (A/E)
Work / Study undertaken: Two month attachment to accident and emergency. Assisting in “evacuation sanitaire” of patients between the hospitals on different islands
Description of destination: Fifty square kilometer island at crossroads of greater and lesser antilles divided into Dutch and French sides. Very multicultural. Many beautiful beaches and therefore a thriving tourist industry. Great restaurants and social life
Were the local people friendly? Very
Did you feel safe and if not why not? Mostly yes but need to be careful going out at night
What did you do in your spare time ? Swimming, Sailing, the beaches, exploring the islands
Is there anything that you would particularly recommend others to do? take advantage of the beautiful beaches visit other islands Appreciate the melange of culture and languages of the island
What was the climate like? Hot, balmy, and mostly sunny
What was your accommodation like? French style hotel very cozy
Was it provided? No
If not who arranged it? Self
How much did it cost? 2000 francs per month
Did you enjoy your visit? Yes
Did you find it useful medically? Yes
Has it improved your french?
How has it increased your knowledge of French culture?
If you went back would you do anything differently? No
How did you get there? Flew
What was the approximate total cost? £1500
Is there any other information that you think may be useful? No
Report 2
Reporter: Soji Olakampo
Contact at destination: Dr Victor Gibbs Chef de Service
Year of visit: 1995
Country: St Martin (DOM TOM)
Region: Marigot
Institution: Hôpital de St Martin, Marigot, BP381.97054 Saint – Martin CEDEX
Department: Paediatrics
Work / Study undertaken: General Paediatrics. I attempted a short paediatric project
Description of the service and department
Description of the destination: Gran Case small friendly town away from the hustle and bustle and tourism of Marigot the capital. The town is set on the wide sweep of Gran Case bay and has magnificent beaches and views.
Were the local people friendly? A small island (the French side is about 20 square miles in area). Everybody gets to know you quite quickly. People were friendly and spoke both French and English well. Able to hitchhike into town most days and around the island.
Did you feel safe and if not why not? Yes, safe friendly environment
What did you do in your spare time ? Beaches, water sports, bars and restaurants – French Creole cuisine
Is there anything that you would particularly recommend others to do? Orient bay – excellent beach, water sports and beach parties.
What time of the year were you there? What was the climate like? November / December. Weather was good – just missed the Hurricane season (September – October)
What was your accommodation like? Gran Case Beach Motel – on the beach – Comfortable single bedroom apartment
Was it provided? No
If not who arranged it? Myself – on arrival.
How much did it cost? £90 per week.
Did you enjoy your visit? Yes
Did you find it useful medically? If so, in what way?
Has it improved your French?
How has it increased your knowledge of French culture?
If you went back would you do anything differently? Try and arrange cheaper accommodation.
How did you get there? BA London – Antigua £442, WAT Antigua – St Martin £100, (Tickets from STA)
What was the approximate total cost? £2500
Is there any other information that you think may be useful? Due to the tourist industry on the island, standard accommodation is exceptionally hard to come by. Anywhere you stay on the island is expensive – my advice is to go in the low season (Winter) and avoid high season process.
