Electrical Plug/Outlet and Voltage Information

Purchasing minor electric devices here on the island can be pricey and might not be up to standard in quality, but if you end up going with Grenadian products, you won't have to worry about all this transformer and adapter business.  On top of that, if you take good care of your devices, you will more than likely be able to sell it back to new incoming students and get most of your money back.  For those of you who insist on bringing your incompatible devices to Grenada, keep reading below hhahaha.

1. North America Voltage: 110-120V  vs. Grenadian Voltage 220V-240V. you may need to purchase a transformer along with an adapter, depending on the voltage of your electronic device.

*Some buildings on the true blue campus have several outlets providing 110 and 220V (I've been told by some significant others that transformers are needed for married housing) .  If you're planing on living off campus, you will more than likely be needing a transformer.  Check your appliance's watt specification and purchase the appropriate transformer.  Should you have any questions, ask for help from a salesperson at any hardware store.  They should be able to break it down easy for you.

2. For people who live off campus:  The shape of Grenadian outlets are "Type G"- The Type G electrical plug is a British three-pin rectangular blade plug that has a protective fuse inside to protect cords from high-current circuits. Type G outlets generally include safety switches.  Because of the difference of shape, you will need to purchase an adapter.

a typical Grenadian outlet- off campus

3.  Check each of your electronic devices for their specifications with voltage. Generally, laptops, cell phone adapters, and camera adapters and switchable between 110-120V and 220-240V, but there's always exceptions so double check the back of your devices and/or manuals.  If they are switchable between both voltage brackets, then what you'll be needing is an adapter. If they happen to not be switchable between the two, then you will need to purchase a transformer + adapter.  Also, to protect your devices from surges in electricity, always use a surge protector.  

* If you want to purchase a transformer and/or adapter in the US, you can do so at Radio Shack. Just tell them the voltage and shape of the Grenadian outlets and they will guide you to the right products. 

*If you want to purchase a transformer and adapter here in Grenada, visit the hardware store right next to IGA or at Hubbard's right across the street of Scotia Bank in the shopping center.

*This website has useful adapter information and supplies voltage information for common appliances. (you can find this information by scrolling down and clicking the "FAQs" tab .  I copied a few items from their website and posted it right below just to give you an idea).  They also have transformer information. Click on "using appliances abroad" tab.  

versatile adapter from radio shack

Rules of Thumb for Appliance Voltage Compatibility
It's important to understand that there's no such thing as a "standard" electrical input/output for electrical appliances. The information below is just a general guideline, and it may or may not be correct for your specific brand and model. The only way to know for your specific appliance is to check.

Laptop computer: Usually 100-240V, 50/60Hz, auto-switching. A travel plug adapter works just fine all by itself.

Desktop computer: Usually switchable between 110-120V and 220-240V via a small switch on the back of the computer, near the cooling fan. A travel plug adapter will work fine as long as the voltage switch is set to the proper position.

Cell phone: Usually comes with a charger that is 100-240V compatible, but that is by no means always the case. It's very important to check the charger. If it says "100-240V" then a plug adapter will work fine. If not, the easiest solution is probably to contact your cell phone provider and buy a new charger which is multi-voltage compatible, and attach the appropriate plug adapter to the multi-voltage charger. 

* Transformer Information from SGU's website:

1. Transformer-type devices, which are available in several sizes.
1. Power-handling capacity is proportional to their size and weight.
2. Used for radios, television sets, cassette recorders, calculators, computers, high-intensity desk lamps, etc.
3. Transformer-type converters larger than about 50 watts are not readily available in the United States. They are available in Grenada, and at reasonable prices. For example, a 300 watt unit, which would satisfy most electronic and lighting needs, costs about $50 US A 1500 watt unit, which would power almost anything, including toasters and hair dryers, costs about $150 US
2. Solid-state travel converter types, which are generally rated at very high power capacity.
1. These devices are small and light for their rating, usually about 1600 watts for a unit that can fit in the palm of your hand.
2. They are designed for use with high-wattage heating devices, such as coffee pots, and hot plates.
3. NOT good for electronic equipment such as stereos or computers, motorized devices and fluorescent lights. These appliances might work well for a short time, but will eventually be irreparably damaged if used with this type of a converter. Such high-wattage devices require the transformer-type converters.

Upon Arrival- On Campus

So you arrived to the island way ahead of time before the start of school because you're worried about taking care of this and that.  The question is, what the heck are you suppose to take care of?  My husband, Brian, and I arrived July 28, 2011, two weeks before the start of fall semester and he didn't have the slightest clue as to what had to be taken care of.  We hopped onto a University bus (yes they were operating this early on) and made our way to the campus for the first time to find out.  To get into the school, we showed the guards at the entrance Brian's university acceptance letter.

You can easily find tons of information regarding things to be taken care of upon arrival on SGU's website, but I decided to write this post anyway just to add in a few more important details.

SGU bus terminal

 Before orientation week actually started, we were only able to take care of two things:  Brian's student photo for his ID card and I was able to fill out an application for my significant other ID.

Below, I listed an overview of orientation week along with some tips and details. 

Alternatively, you may wonder if arriving early is really necessary (in regards to registration)... and the answer is no.  You may arrive the day that mandatory orientation begins and register then.

*Did you know that you can arrange transportation on the day you arrive to SGU campus?  Just call your admissions counselor and they will organize everything for you.  But just in case you don't want to bother with arrangements, you can always call my favorite taxi guy in advance and set something up with him.  His name is Philip (24/7 taxi services). 1 (473) 416- 2546

*Academic Orientation overlook:
Occurs during the whole week prior to the start of school.  During orientation you will have both formal and informal meetings. Some meetings will be mandatory, others will not.
-tour of school
-tour of nearby neighborhoods and grocery stores
-introduction to professors
-orientation on safety in grenada
-orientation on culture of grenada
-bazaar day (student organizations and locals food places set up to introduce themselves. For first term students you will receive food vouchers). You will also be introduced to a little of Grenadian culture (maybe a dance or a musical performance.  
-trip to annandale falls and hike up grandetang- both beautiful places. highly recommended. although, depending on the weather it may be muddy.

-registration, IT setup, ID pickup
-white coat ceremony- usually occurs on or the day before the start of school
-significant others meet and greet
-mailbox and locker checkout
-if you have a significant other, make sure you escort them to the security office to apply for their ID card. they will need one as well for entry into school.

White Coat Ceremony

                                                                                              Recommended Activities:                   

annandale falls

•  go on tour of campus
• go on tour of nearby neighborhoods, bus routes, and grocery store
• get a phone (during orientation, they have special deals so be sure to get it then. we got buy one min, get the other free. our phones were practically free!)
• call home and tell them you made it (Skype is a great free way to communicate with loved ones abroad)
• Check out Carnival: July-mid Aug, there will be many fun action packed cultural events including calypso drumming and beauty pageants. Google it if interested.

 Brian's Registration Checklist fall 2011

• get orientation packet (from your dorm or from the orientation desk in taylor hall-if you live off campus). I would suggest for you to pick up your packet early on (contains orientation schedule, contact information, details on where to eat, local event details, and other helpful information).
• go to take photo for SGU ID
• Check registration status on banner self-service; resolve any holds - Financial, missing documents, etc. (banner self-serve is on SGU website)
• collect SGU photo ID from desk registration - taylor hall
• get ID term sticker on ID
• get clicker at registration- I've herd during orientation that California is now asking for proof of attendance of any med student. SGU keeps record through use of clicker.
• go to mailroom to collect mail box combination and locker (downstairs charter hall)-do this a.s.a.p. mailboxes fill up fast. Also, make sure your combo lock isn't too thin. other wise, the locker won't lock properly.
• pick up text books from purchasing (#42 on campus map)
• get computer registered by joining the firefly wireless network--just log onto the wireless network while on campus and you will be guided through the steps (go to the IT department during office hours if you have problems)

 *Tip: on registration day, either go 20 min. early or arrive 30 min. before closing time to avoid long lines.

More Details:
*Identification Card:
If you arrived early, you can take your picture for your ID card at Taylor Hall on campus.  Before taking a picture, you will need to verify your identity using another ID such as a license.  You'll be picking up your ID during orientation week.  Taylor hall is on the second floor.  Taking your picture early on will save you the hassle of falling in additional lines during the start of chaotic orientation week.

*Textbooks:
Tuition fees will cover the cost of books so you don't have to worry about purchasing them beforehand.  On the other hand, do some research and ask around to find out what supplementary materials will be most resourceful during your academic career (board review books, flashcards, and other guidebook type like books).
Tip: if you find yourself having to walk a far distance between your house and the textbook pick up place, consider bringing a rolling bag to ease the workload.  Otherwise, the books will be placed in a thin, flimsy, and ineffective plastic bag.

white coat ceremony reception

*White Coat Ceremony
Day before the start of school. Ceremony is to mark the entry of students into program. Students dress in semi-formal attire and gather in Patrick F. Adams Hall (#12 on campus). if you have guests, make sure you request them early on. A reception follows after in Taylor hall upstairs (#46).

 

Table of Contents-SGU School of Medicine

Where to go for Everything (food, services, sights, items) 

1st Term (course breakdown, advice, OSPE, Unified Exam Information)

2nd Term Life (information, advice, OPSE II, BSCE I) 

3rd Term (information, advice)

Important Phone Numbers
Saint George's University Virtual Tour 
Link to my Grenada Photo Albums  

Upon Arrival - On Campus 
What to Consider before bringing your pet to Grenada

Electrical Plug/Outlet and Voltage Information

Helpful Links 

White Coat Ceremony

School tour of Annandale Falls and Grand Etang Forest

How to survive the 1st year of medical school

SGU Bus Routes, Schedules, and Rules

YouTube Videos, Movies, and TV Show Suggestions 

Information on Clinical Placements HERE and HERE

Mail Information

Iota Epsilon Alpha - International Medical Honor Society

Scuba Diving

*Click HERE for a map of Grenada
*Click HERE for a map of St. George's

Saint George's University Tour

Want a virtual tour of the campus? You can find it on SGU's website.  Click the little buildings on the map to view info and pictures of that building.

What to Pack

The market is Grenada is pretty much controlled by a few players and a few players = oligopoly.  You know what that means right?  High prices for everything since there's practically no competition at all.  Also, low quality products.  That being said, I've included a list of items luggage worthy.   


I added a few other items and details on top of a list I found on SGU's website.

school supplies for students:

• Sturdy backpack or rolling bag (textbooks are HEAVY. bring a friend or rolling bag for help upon pick up) - lockers available every other day
• Laptop-
• Notebooks, pens, paper, multi-colored highlighters, dry erase markers, 2-inch binders, colored pens, pencils (no. 2 for exams), and index cards+ index card rings (These items are available but much more expensive than at home.)
• Earplugs for studying and sleeping
• Day Planner- hard to find at nearby stores
• Personal calculator with square root function (Expensive calculators are unnecessary for undergraduate, graduate, veterinary medical, and medical students.)
• Flash drive to easily carry information to print or share and portable external hard drive to keep in your room to store a back-up of all your data. It’s one thing to get a computer stolen or to have it crash, another entirely to lose a term’s worth of notes.
• Science students will need two white lab coats.
• Medical students will need lab coats or scrubs and latex gloves (These may be purchased in the University bookstore; however, if coming from outside of Grenada, it is recommended that you purchase these before leaving home as this may be less expensive. Scrubs are more comfortable, but medical students will need a lab coat for microbiology.)Daily Health Care Items
  Students should be equipped to handle minor medical problems.
  Common student complaints:
• Digestive irregularities
• Infections
• Sunburn
• Earaches
• Cuts, sprains, bruises
• Insect bites (mosquito) 

Clothing:

• Adequate wardrobe for four months of campus life; washing machines are available on campus only for students living in the dormitories (For those coming from cold climates, remember to pack light clothing.)
• Sandals, flip-flops, sneakers
• Light raincoat/poncho, umbrella
• Sweater/sweatshirt (air-conditioned lecture halls can be cold)
• Medical students: A jacket, tie, and dress trousers or a sundress/light dress for the White Coat Ceremony; Sundress/trousers to wear in clinical skills during visits to the outlying District Health Office
• Do not bring overly formal clothing—you will live in casual summer clothing.
• bring at least one pair of jeans and a long sleeve to wear at night. hope that your clothes are thick enough to defeat the unforgiving blood-sucking ninja Mosquitos. Wearing such clothes doesn't bother me one bit as far as temperature wise. I even wear jeans in the day to prevent sunburn. At first you may not understand why one would do such a thing, but being the amazing creatures we are, we eventually adapt. ta-da. you won't be sorry. promise!

 
Daily Health Care Items
Students should be equipped to handle minor medical problems.
Common student complaints:

• Digestive irregularities
• Infections
• Sunburn
• Earaches
• Cuts, sprains, bruises
• Insect bites (mosquito)

Consider having the following:

• A well-supplied first-aid kit
• Band-aids, antiseptic, Ace bandage
• Sunscreen, insect repellant, After Bite (essential)
• Pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil, and so forth)
• Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, Imodium (digestion and irregularity remedies)
• Contact lens supplies or extra pair of eyeglasses/prescription sunglasses (contact lens solution is expensive in grenada).
• Prescription medications. If you are on any medications, be sure to bring enough to last longer than your anticipated stay. The particular medication you require may not be available in Grenada.  Contraceptives are available through Family Planning in St. George’s, the True Blue Clinic or local pharmacies; however, particular brands and dosages of oral contraceptives are often limited. Thus, it is advisable to bring sufficient supply with you. 

Sports and recreational items:
Camera, underwater camera, film (if needed). Beaches are plentiful and in certain ones, the water is clear blue. having an underwater camera can be of great use in capturing memories (snorkeling, underwater museum, scuba diving, coral, swimming pools).

• Tennis racket (though it is not easy to find somewhere to play tennis—you usually have to negotiate with a hotel), softball glove, football, frisbee, volleyball, basketball, and so forth; if you have children, bring equipment for them as smaller sizes may not be conveniently available
  
  
• Athletic shoes, cleats, hiking shoes, and so forth (rollerblades are definitely not recommended; bikes can also be dangerous on narrow, uneven roads)
  
  
• Snorkeling or diving equipment (These can also be rented from the local hotels.)

Family Packing:
As a rule, pack light clothing; however, for health reasons, children should always wear shoes or sandals when outdoors. For those traveling to Grenada, be sure to bring plenty of diapers. Although disposable diapers are available, they are expensive. Cloth diapers are problematic because so few apartments have clothes dryers, but some families seem to cope.

Personal items: 

• feminine products
• razor/shaving cream
• tweezers
• nail clippers
• toothpaste
• toothbrushes
• floss
• shampoo and conditioner
• bar soap
• face sunscreen
• mini sewing kit
• vitamins
• make up
• bath towels
• rubber flip flops or bath mat for shower (i prefer flip flops over the mat because mold tends to build up on mats)

General:

• swiss army knife (screw driver)
• laptop for significant other
• pocket calculator
• decorations for house
• transformers, converters
• mini pocket calculator for conversions
• water bottle
• Water filter (such as Brita jug) and replacement filters--Very important! you will save a lot of money if you invest in one of these.  Filtered water is available on campus, but I don't favor it since it has a weird aftertaste.  Other than that, bottled water is ridiculously expensive. It costs more than beer!  
• external hard drive loaded with movies and TV shows (more for significant others) 
• sunglasses
• can opener

Other Conveniences:

• Kindle™ 3G (Electronic reading devices permit easy download of books and magazines in Grenada. This is more for the significant others—most students don’t have time for pleasure reading.)
• Duct tape, scotch tape, packing tape
• Stapler
• zip lock bags
• Desk lamp with replacement bulbs
• Stationery, greeting cards, self-adhesive envelopes
• Headset with microphone for making phone calls over the internet with Skype or Netphone
• Radio/MP3 player
• Electric coffee pot, teapot
• Pots and pans (if you plan to cook)- if you don't come early enough, you won't be able to catch outgoing students sales of their pots and pans. these are expensive on the island and low in quality.
• one straight edged knife and one serrated knife of good quality
• Collapsible cardboard boxes
• Food storage containers and zip-lock bags for cereal and other items
• Flashlight
• Travel Clock
• Hangers and a laundry bag (many students use a duffel bag as both luggage and a laundry bag). I use a collapsible laundry bag. it's light and easy to pack.  Each dorm complex has its own laundry facilities. 
• Large drinking cup, mug, bowl, silverware
• Blankets, sheets, and pillow for twin-sized beds 

Things to Leave at Home (from Significant other's website)

*There are a number of things we recommend you leave at home. Some of these are just items that are relatively inexpensive here, or just inconvenient to bring.

*Unfortunately, most of us travel by bringing more of what we don't need and not enough of what we do. Here are a few things to think about...

*Don't bring any spices unless you must have something very specific and rare. Spices are one of the few things that are cheaper in Grenada than in the States.

*Don't bring a microwave or TV unless you want to pay a fortune in duty (usually more than what the item was originally worth). Other students and SO's are constantly selling their items and although these things may be very expensive, they will probably be cheaper than bringing them. Not only that, but your apartment may come with these amenities.

Remember... students are coming and going every term, so you can get most things from students leaving.  Somethings may be more expensive than you are used to, but the cost of bringing or shipping them may be more.  Be sure to check out the Beginning of the Term sale, SGU Post, SO Facebook page, and SGU Market for items that you need.

• SGU Post - You'll need your student's SGU login information to use the Post.  First, go to www.sgu.edu.  Click "My SGU" and login.  Then click on "Post".  You'll see "For Sale", "Textbooks for Sale", "Vehicles" and more. 
• SO's of SGU Facebook Page - The "Discussion" tab on our Facebook page is a place where SO's post various things for sale.

• SGUMarket.com - Another place where students and SOs post items for sale.  This one can be used be people all over Grenada, so you have a large audience to choose from.  

 *Tip: If you plan on living off campus, be sure to contact your landlord prior to moving in to ask what is already included in your apartment.

the mosquitos here are unforgiving!

Top Ramen Noodles- Table of Contents

Top Ramen Chow Mein

Salmon Bacon Ramen

Thai Basil Roasted Eggplant Chicken, one of my favorites of all time

3-4 servings; 20-30 min
Ingredients:
3-4 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 medium eggplant cut into small cubes
1 medium onion cut into 1/2 inch cubes
4 cloves garlic mashed
1 tbs grated ginger
1.5 lbs pound chicken thighs cut into 1 inch cubes
2 tbs low sodium soy sauce
3 tbs fish sauce
big splash of lime just or rice wine vinegar
1 tbs white sugar
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 red bell pepper sliced
1 full bunch fresh basil roughly chopped to release flavors (organic basil is the tastiest for me)
salt and pepper to taste
optional: crushed peanuts and cilantro

1. In a small nonstick pan add enough oil to coat at least half of the eggplant cubes ~1-1/2tbsp.  Roast over medium high heat and stir ocassionally to prevent eggplant from burning.  The eggplant will brown after about 7 min. (note: eggplant absorbs oil very fast initially, but shortly after when the water has evaporated, the eggplant will start to caramalize. make sure to cook thoroughly. undercook eggplant is nasty. hahah.
2. Meanwhile, in another pan, heat up two tbs olive oil over medium high heat. Add garlic and onion. occasionally stir. cool till onion is translucent.
3. Add chicken thighs, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper and brown on all sides on high heat. Cook chicken three quarters of the way (about 5 min) then add soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice or reice wine vinegar, and ginger. cook till sauce thickens and starts sticking onto chicken thighs. Add roasted eggplant, stir, and cook for another min.
4. mix in red bell peppers and basil and turn off heat immediately.
5. top with lime juice, crushed peanuts, and cilantro. Serve with rice and cucmbers.
Bon Apetit!

*All ingredients can be found at IGA with exception to Chicken Thighs which can be purchased at Foodfair (frozen section at the back)
*Click HERE for a cooking dictionary.