More FAQ’s
Q. Is the Spouses Org just for spouses?
A. No, the spouses org is for anyone who accompanies he student. Wives, Husbands, fiances, girlfriends, boyfriends, moms/dads and children. The mission of the spouses org is to provide a sense of a home away from home and a network for our island families.
Q. Do we need a round-trip ticket to fly into SXM?
A. If you do not have residency papers you will need a round trip plane ticket that leaves every semester. You are only allowed to stay on the island for 3 months at time. They will ask to see your return ticket at the customs desk before you are allowed into the country. Some students will decide to visit neighboring islands which counts as “leaving” the country as long as your passport is stamped. In this case you will need to purchase a returnable ticket. Without residency papers you can risk being deported after the 3 months is up. If you are not married to your student, you will not be issued residency papers while you are here.
***Side note on this issue. Since residency papers are hard to come by make sure to travel with your Spouse ID issued by AUC. If you are new to the island and do not yet have an ID, you will need to go through the visitor line with your student, make sure to have a copy of their acceptance letter and your marriage certificate (if married). Once you receive your ID, you may be able to pass through the resident line at customs. Make sure to have your ID with you, and a copy of your marriage certificate. On several recent trips back, most of us have not needed to provide a roundtrip ticket. However there is no guarantee it will go that smoothly every time or for everyone, if you are that worried about it you should book a refundable or flexible ticket.
Q. When will we receive our residency papers?
A. Your residency papers (if you are married) are flied by your student through the school when they recieve their welcome package. Residency papers are required for students, spouses and children. Typically residency papers take 2 semesters to obtain but it is not out of the norm for them to take longer (many students/spouses have completed their 2 year stay on island without ever receiving their papers). Your student will be notified by the school when they are ready and when they can pick them up.
Q. How do I obtain an AUC I.D. Card?
A. An AUC I.D card is issued at the registrar’s office. You need to go with your student and tell them you need a spouses ID card. Your student will sign the card, they will take your picture and you can pick it up in a couple of days. Typically AUC spouses cards are not done till the 2nd week. You will need this card to be on campus and to get your AUC discounts at local businesses.
Q. What address should people use to send letters/small packages to us via the University?
A. Student’s Name
c/o American University of the Caribbean
1 University Drive
Cupecoy, St Maarten, N.A.
Q. Does AUC have a gym?
A. Yes, AUC has a gym which is open to students and spouses. Just respect the rules posted in the gym.
Q. Do I need to bring any special clothes?
A. Yes, as a 1st semester you will have the white coat ceremony. Your student will be required to dress up for the ceremony. After the ceremony there is a reception at a local club where a nice dinner will be served. All are welcome to attend, spouses, girlfriends, fiances, and of course children. In the past it has been a white and black party. Also check the “What to Bring” tab for more suggestions.
Q. What airlines are child and/or pet friendly?
A. General consensus is that American Airlines and Continental are best both for bringing extra items for children, such as car seats and strollers, and for flying pets on. Continental also has climate control in cargo.
Q. What about shipping a car to the island?
A. There have been a few spouses and students that have chosen to ship their car to the island. However, this is not necessary as there are usually many cars for sale from other students. If you do still want to ship your car to the island, do note that you can no longer ship a car full of stuff. Many people think they can use their car as a way to get more stuff to the island, however the cargo companies are no longer allowing this. Also unless the car is one that you plan on leaving on island (selling to another student/spouse when done on island) it is not worth bringing nicer cars to the island as the island can be rough on cars. If you are still hoping to ship your car, a company that some spouses have used in the past is Tropical Shipping.
