Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program FAQ

Academics

Q: What is the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program (KBTGSP)?
A: The Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program allows students who are accepted to St. George’s University to spend their first year of Basic Medical Sciences on the Northumbria University campus in Newcastle, England. It was created to attract students from developing countries to learn and experience our program and go back home to practice medicine, and to attract students from developed countries who wish to practice medicine in developing nations or underserved regions of a developed country. The year spent in the United Kingdom is the same excellent program offered in Grenada, and, in addition, students will have the experience of being immersed in UK urban culture for a year.

Q: Do we have access to all the academic services that the Grenada students have?
A: Yes. To aid students in their educational journey, both campuses offer an extensive array of support services. Some of the student support services St. George’s University has become known for include test-taking tips, study skills development courses, and career guidance. Students who enroll in the KBTGSP will receive the same level of assistance on both campuses.

Q: What is the “International Health Focus”?
A:  In line with the Mission Statement of SGU, we are continuing to develop our programs worldwide, and we are seeking to enhance the delivery of health care. This aim is in line with the perceived need for more health professionals in developing countries, as defined in the Millennium Development Goals set by the World Health Organization. Students on the KBTGSP will have the benefit of a minimum of four formal guest lectures on aspects of public health and global medicine, to be delivered by eminent physicians and healthcare professionals.

Q: Where are labs conducted?
A: They are conducted in Northumbria University lab facilities, which are used for students in NU’s nursing and graduate medical science programs.

Q: Is the curriculum different from that of Grenada for “global” purposes?
A: No. The exams, academic calendar, and curriculum will be the same as that of SGU students in Grenada.

Q: Do Northumbria University students take the same classes with us?
A: It is possible that the occasional Northumbria University student may take a medical class as an elective for his/her master’s degree.

Q: What are the grading procedures?
A: The grading will mirror that of Grenada.

Q: How is it useful to have a United Kingdom academic qualification if we already have a bachelor’s degree?
A: Pragmatically, studying for the Diploma in Higher Education in Medical Sciences at Northumbria University allows KBT Global Scholars not only access to joint teaching by both SGU and Northumbria faculty, but also to wide range of facilities and amenities offered to students at Northumbria. This qualification is awarded to all students who successfully complete Year 1 MD (Basic Sciences) at Northumbria University and is indicative that students have studied in the UK as part of their program, further enhancing the "global scholars" ethos of the programme.

Q: Are students in Grenada given preference as to their choice of clinical sites during their third and fourth years or will we have equal standing?
A: Everyone is on the same academic schedule and so everyone goes through the same process to choose clinical sites. However, students who have done the KBTGSP are currently prohibited from doing more than one year of clinical training in the UK and should make plans to conduct at least their fourth year training—electives—in the US or Grenada.

Q: Are there any ceremonies, such as the White Coat Ceremony?
A: Yes. We hold a White Coat Ceremony on the Northumbria University campus each term; one of the members of the St. George’s University Administration from the Office of Enrolment Planning attends Northumbria University for the convocation. Other members of the University Administration are often in attendance as well.

Q: If placed on the waitlist, will my chances of admission improve if I show interest in the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program?
A: No, both programs are equally competitive.

Accommodations/United Kingdom

Q: Where do students dorm?
A: For their time in Newcastle, St. George’s University offers students University-sponsored housing in a building which is leased and managed by Northumbria University.

24-hour security and staffing provides a safe environment for all KBTGSP students. Stephenson Building is only a 10–15 minute walk from the City Campus and is a scheduled stop on the Northumbria University bus service that provides free travel to all students and staff between the two Newcastle campuses.

Students have individual bedrooms in self contained apartments (flats) for groups of 4 to 8 students (mostly 5/6). Most room sizes are in the range of larger than average. The flats have shared kitchen/dining room and bathroom facilities—two showers and two toilets in five bedroom and larger flats. Kitchens are equipped with cooker, fridge/freezer, microwave, and vacuum cleaner.

The costs of utilities are included in the housing fee, as well as possessions insurance. There is a launderette, bicycle storage, and covered car parking on site (31 spaces, at extra cost). A Freewire internet service is also included.

Q: As the students are enrolled as Northumbria University students as well as SGU students, do they have access to all NU facilities?
A: Yes. KBTGSP students study on the Newcastle City Campus, which is in the heart of the city. The City Campus contains the main University Library, the main Students’ Union building, the language laboratory, the University Gallery, and the refurbished sports center. 

Q: Is there married housing in Newcastle?
A: Students who are married, married with children, or bringing pets with them are advised to work through the KBTGSP Housing Office for advice regarding suitable properties. In some instances, housing for married couples may be available in the same location as University-sponsored housing. When seeking non-University-sponsored housing, students are to be aware of liability when entering into a rental agreement.

Student Support

Q: Are we able to get involved in student clubs?
A: SGU and Northumbria University support the start of any club.  

Finances

Q: What loans or financial aid is available for students attending the KBTGSP at Northumbria University? Also, what will be available once we go to Grenada?
A: Please note that, due to a recent change in the US Department of Education (DOE) regulations, effective July 2011, US Citizens and permanent residents of the United States who attend the KBTGSP program will not be eligible to receive USDOE loans or loan deferments in any part of their medical education at SGU (either in the KBTGSP program, 2nd year in Grenada or the clinical years). Student federal loan eligibility, for all foreign medical schools, is now dependent on taking the Basic Science portion of the program on the main campus. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.

Q: What scholarships are available to students attending the KBTGSP?
A: SGU is pleased to offer the Global Medicine Scholarship (GMS), a scholarship awarded to international students based on financial need. The University has committed funding towards supporting international students attending the KBTGSP who intend to practice medicine in under served areas during their medical career. Contact the International Admission Financial Counselor for further information.

Registration Information

Q: Do we need to have a health history report on file if attending school in the United Kingdom? If so, do we need to have the same vaccinations?
A: Yes, students at Northumbria University need the same vaccinations as students in Grenada.

Travel and Visa Information

Q: Do I need a Visa?
A: As a co-matriculated student at SGU and Northumbria University, you will need to apply for a UK student Visa. You will receive complete instructions and supporting documentation for making your UK student Visa application when you have reserved your seat in the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program.