ISLAND LIFE
What are the living arrangements like?
There are many apartments near the school, food stores, restaurants, etc. that will cost about $300 - $500 a month (utilities not included). There are 1 and 2 bedroom apartments available, and all come semi-furnished (bed, table, & chairs) with air conditioning. The quality of the apartments isn't the best; it's similar to places you've lived during college.
How much should I expect to pay for utilities per month?
It depends on your lifestyle and the size of your apartment. The average electricity bill is around $150 per month but that depends on how often you run the air conditioner, use a television, etc. Basic cable will cost around $30 per month, basic phone service is approximately $35 per month (not including long distance) and Internet access is usually $30 a month as well.
Will I be able to buy a car there?
Yes. There are many used cars for sale on island, but all of them are slightly run down. The salt air and high temperature makes Saipan a hostile environment for cars, so expect to take your car to a garage about twice a year. Prices range widely, from $2000 for an 1992 Nissan Sentra to $12,000 for a used 1999 Toyota 4x4.
If I don't get a car, how do I get around and to work?
Many teachers live close enough to school to walk there. The school is near two good food stores, so these people can walk for necessities as well. Sometimes new teachers can carpool with other teachers who have a car. Bicycles are for sale but are not very popular. There are almost no sidewalks and definitely no bike lanes, so bike travel can be interesting at times.
What do teachers do for fun?
Mostly what fun they can make for themselves. Popular activities include going to one of our many beaches, having a party at a friend's apartment, going to the movie theater, renting videos from Blockbuster, shooting pool or throwing darts at a nearby bar, etc. Whether you'll be bored or not depends mostly on your attitude.
What language is spoken there?
English is the most common language and one of the official languages. Other languages include Chamorro, Carolinian, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog (Filipino), and others. However, if you speak English you will be understood almost everywhere.
Other than hot and humid, how is the weather?
Stable. The Northern Mariana Islands holds the world's record for the most stable year- round temperature (84 degrees F). There are only two seasons here: Rainy and Dry. During the Rainy season (roughly September through January) it can rain on and off every day. During the Dry season (roughly February through August) it rains less. The temperature drops slightly at night and is cooler on overcast days.
What are the students like?
Our student body is a diverse one. Since our school is small, many students have known and shared classes with each other for many years. This builds a strong sense of community in each grade level.
What technology does the school have?
Each classroom has one PC, and several have five, all connected to the Internet. There are several LCD overhead projectors and one regular projector for PowerPoint or similar presentations. We have our own file and email servers and an Internet connection. We also have several TV-VCRs for classroom use.
What problems do first year teachers often face?
It varies from person to person. Some first year teachers have difficulty with being so far away from friends and family. Others dislike the lack of shopping or entertainment options, while some don't like how small the island is. Overall it comes down to a small culture shock; it's not that different here, but it's different enough from mainstream America. And other large international urban and suburban areas.
What should I bring that isn't available on Saipan?
You can get almost anything here, but most people bring things they already have: a few pots & pans, an alarm clock, radios and televisions, PCs, etc. We have a decent library, a bookstore, a CD store, and a department store where you can get odds and ends. Prices here can be slightly higher than in the US but not by much. Professional work clothes are available on island but the selection is small and the prices are high.
Is there a problem with crime?
Yes and no. Violent crimes such as murder and assault are almost non-existent. They do happen but it is very rare. Small crimes such as theft and vandalism happen as often as it does in any urban or suburban area. Poverty can be a problem here, so that brings some crime. There is also some drug use (marijuana and methamphetamines) and some prostitution, but again no more than most large cities.
What Holidays does MCS observe?
Federal holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, and Memorial Day are enforced but Martin Luther King Day is not. Being a Catholic school we observe Easter and All Saint's Day. Local holidays include Citizenship Day and Constitution Day. We also have a Spring Break in the spring.
What do most teachers not realize until they get out there?
That Saipan is not much different from the United States. American culture with all its movies, MTV, McDonald's, etc. has been here for so long that the culture is very similar to living in the suburban U.S.
How is the mail service in Saipan?
Mail usually takes a week or so to get to and from the U.S. mainland. We have a U.S. Post Office here, and they keep track of mail as well as they do anywhere. The main difference is this: the streets here do not have official names, so there is no home delivery of mail. Teachers have all their mail sent to the school since renting a PO Box can be expensive. The school's address, and your new mailing address, is:
Your Name
c/o Mount Carmel School
PO Box 500006
Saipan, MP 96950
This is also where you can send your boxes before you officially leave for Saipan. Please be advised that boxes sent at book rate can take up to 2 months to arrive on Saipan the quickest rate is Priority Mail. We'll store them in the school until you arrive. Some businesses do not have their computer-run mailing systems set up to accept MP as a valid state code, so it may take a few phone calls to get your credit card bills, etc sent to this address.
Can you drink the water there?
The tap water is treated just like in the US so it's safe to drink and shower with (the only difference is there's no added fluoride). However, the water table here is so thin that the water is as salty as the ocean. Most people on island buy bottled water for drinking.
Does the school have a gym? Cafeteria? Assembly Hall?
Sort of. Our gym is basically a basketball court with a roof. The ends of the court are walled, and along the sides are two screened areas where students can eat lunch at picnic tables. We have a canteen where students can buy set lunches or snacks such as hot dogs, soda, and candy. Assemblies are usually held in the Cathedral or Parish social hall.
How long is the school day?
School officially starts at 7:30 AM every day, and ends at 2:40 PM. The only exceptions to this are Wednesdays, when school ends at 1:50 PM to allow weekly in-service meetings and presentations. Teachers are expected to arrive by 7:00 AM and stay until 4:00 PM each day.
What do teachers do for lunch during the school day?
Teachers either bring their lunch (leftovers or microwaveable stuff), or walk to a small store across the street called Marge's that serves sandwiches and similar items.
What are class sizes like?
Classes, average between twenty and twenty-five students schoolwide. In the high school, some classes such as Physical Education can often be as large as thirty and Advanced Placement courses have had as few as four.
How are teachers expected to dress?
Teachers are expected to dress professionally. Clothing that teachers should not wear to school includes the following: jeans, open-toe sandals, sport shoes or sneakers, sweats, short skirts, tight clothing, see-through or revealing blouses, t-shirts, et cetera. Men usually wear button down or polo shirt with dress pants, while women can wear dresses, skirts, blouses, and pants.
How big a part does religion play in your school?
Partially, it depends on each teacher. Because we are a Catholic school, one of our most important features is our Catholic identity. The Mount Carmel School mission statement reads, "Mount Carmel School educates the whole person to see with the eyes of Christ". We believe this has many levels of meaning, which we try to make it real in the lives of the MCS family. In practical terms, we ask all teachers to lead prayer at the start of each class and to attend weekly prayer services every Wednesday.
What are the students like?
The Mount Carmel School students are typical students. They listen to the latest music, go to the movies, and participate in extra curricular activities. We do have a number of ESL students. Most of these students speak very good English but there are a few students who are still learning the language.
What is the food like? Can I get stuff I'm used to in the supermarkets?
You'll find most American brands are out here (Oscar Meyer, Doritos, etc.), and we have Subway, KFC, Church's Chicken, Taco Maker, Jollibee, and McDonald's so a taste of home is always available. Local food is a little spicy and includes lumpia (similar to an eggroll), keluguen (diced chicken with lime and coconut), and red rice (rice with bacon and natural red dye). We have plenty of authentic Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean restaurants.
How will I find an apartment once I get to Saipan?
We'll put you up in a hotel for your first five days. During that time, one of our returning teachers or administrators will drive you around to all the local apartment buildings, giving you a chance to look at them before you decide anything. Usually, new teachers pair up with another new teacher to rent an apartment together and save money, but this is entirely voluntary.