CANADIAN STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
The Canadian Students Association helps ease the transitions when moving to the island of St. Lucia as well as back to North America for clinical rotations. We are here to help incoming students overcome challenges such as staying away from family and friends as you begin one of the most fulfilling journeys of your lifetime. Every step of the way we will be there to provide advice, answer any questions you have and of course, to remind you how to relax when you are knee deep in books and medical terms. We understand how important it is to have someone whom you can depend on to show you around, teach you the tricks of the trade, and ensure your success each step of the way, defining the purpose of this association.
Mission Statement
We strive to promote, celebrate and appreciate Canadian Culture here at IAU College of Medicine. Our intentions are to develop a comforting atmosphere in which students forever feel at 'home' while on the island. We will make every effort to ease the transition for incoming Canadian students when joining those of us here on the beautiful island of St. Lucia. We will also provide continuous support and advice for one another as we move through the examination and residency application processes. Our final goal is to liaison with Canadian hospitals and medical institutions to arrange clinical rotations and secure residency positions within Canada.
Current Executives
President
Natasha Suleman
MD - Semester 6
Toronto, Canada
University of Toronto/Texas A&M Commerce
csa@iau.edu.lc (Subject line "Natasha")
Secretary
Melissa Broaders
MD - Semester 5
Tilting, Newfoundland
Bachelor of Nursing at Memorial University, St. John's, NL
csa@iau.edu.lc (Subject line "Melissa")
Treasurer
Taha Djirdeh
MD - Semester 4
London, Ontario
University of New Brunswick
csa@iau.edu.lc (Subject line "Taha")
Faculty Advisor
Dr. David Keyes
Professor of Doctoring I
CSA Events
Canada Day
July 1, 2011, on Campus
First anniversary of the Canadian Students Association at International American University
Welcome to your new home: Canadian Students Beach Party
September 18th, 2011, at Sandy Beach.
New students welcome. Laughter and smiles included free of charge.
Canadian Thanksgiving
October 15th, 2011, St Lucia Campus
Although we may be far; students can still celebrate their Canadian tradition of Thanksgiving together on the island with great food, good times and even better people.
CSA Halloween Party
October 31st, 2011. Location: Drakes Cafe
Canadians are big on Halloween and avidly celebrate this occasion as one would Christmas with a big celebration and lots of parties. Students plan ahead and bring their costumes.
Useful Information for Canadians
Visas and Immigration
- Canadian citizens and residents require a visa after arriving in St.Lucia. This will be taken care of by the IAU Administration once you are settled on the island.
- It is recommended by the Canadian government that all Canadians living abroad register with the appropriate consulate, in case of emergency, this provides the information they need to contact and rescue. Since, there is no Canadian Embassy in St. Lucia, please, register with the Canadian Consulate in Barbados.
- Canadians require a B-1 Visa when doing Clinicals in the U.S. The information about this visa can be found here
Flights to St. Lucia
Air Canada and West Jet offer cheap flights from most major cities to St. Luica. Please see below for links to their websites.
- Air Canada - Provides direct flights to the Island weekly
- Westjet - Provides direct flights to the Island bi-weekly