We think the Eastern Caribbean is a great place to serve and wish all the very best.  

The following is general information about the EC compared with other PC posts to help facilitate a good country fit for future Eastern Caribbean Volunteers and to provide a basic understanding about volunteer life in the Eastern Caribbean as it may differ from other volunteer posts.  

Mental Images of the Eastern Caribbean:

Cruise Ships                                     Yes, you will probably see cruise ships.

Tourists                                            Yes, in the larger towns you will see them.

Warm Water                                    Yes, not always easy to get to and ask about rip currents.

White Sand Beaches                         Yes, but mostly dark hot sand.

Palm trees                                         Yes

 

Frequent Assumptions:

Good Health Care                             Maybe, but in some places less than you think,
                                                        second highest incidence of aids in the world.
                                                        Probably better then many other posts. Check
                                                        this out before you need care.

Good Basic Housing                        Maybe, but bugs and some bad neighborhoods.

Good Food Variety                          Yes, but need to eat local foods on a Peace Corps  
                                                        budget.

 

Job Related:

Everything Is All Set                        Maybe yes and maybe no.

You Will Be Appreciate .                Probably but it is what you do and how you do it.

 

These positive expectations may also carry over into Eastern Caribbean job expectations. The Peace Corps, worldwide, cannot place all volunteers in ideal work environments.  To a large extent all volunteers (all employees) contribute to their own work environments. Human skills are needed. 

 

Volunteer expectations are generally positive because of the Caribbean image.  These expectations may make in country living adjustments more difficult when one starts adjusting to the stress of cultural and environment changes.  In other posts one expects more hardships and subsequently may adapt to them more readily. 

When reality meets up with positive expectations, disappointment may result. Many do not experience this disappointment but if experienced it can be harder and more frustrating due to white sand and warm blue water.   

If you are thinking about serving in the Eastern Caribbean and have questions email us at:  Hank Scheinost  and tell us about yourself etc.