smc2015
8/30/2015 09:32 EST
Hello Everybody!
I have been offered a job in St. Lucia and considering moving over in October with my wife and four young kids. I do not know too much about the island other than it is beautiful based on my on-line searches and youtube!
I have many many questions, but top of the list are questions concerning schooling, accommodation, and transportation.
My kids are 1, 3, 5, & 8. I see there is an international school at the north of the island. Is this the only option for ex-pats aside from home schooling? What are the reviews for this school?
I will be working south west of the island. would living in or around rodney bay be too much of a daily commute?
Although i would get a vehicle with my job, my wife would need one for her and the kids. We own a minivan in the U.S, would it be worth shipping this to SL and paying the duty or buy one there?
I do appreciate any help i can get with these (any many other!) questions.
Thanks
Post a Reply
 0 0 abuse
|
|
bobbyveee
8/30/2015 15:33 EST
Hi there, a premature welcome to the island.
Commuting is almost a non starter , just getting from Rodney bay to the Int. airport is 80 mins. and that's taking the main road. Is your working in the Soufrierre area its atleast 90 mins. Where exactly are you working? There is the Int. school, last I heard it was over subscribed, there is a very good private school in the La Toc area. We drive on the left, and importing is expensive, better to sell, I think, and buy a used mini van here. I expect Joey can add to my ramblings, he has kids that are older and owns transport, I bought my Nissan Xtrail on the island. It really would be worth doing a recce before you came so you can get everything in perspective. Good luck
Post a Reply
 0 0 abuse
|
|
|
|
JoeyThompson
8/30/2015 18:05 EST
Well let's see,
I would certain home school. The international school is in Rodney Bay and it is quite expensive. There are some really good on line home schools that are not near the cost and if you have a computer, its really good.
Sir Robert is correct. Depending upon where you will be working, living up north will cost you a lot of time and gas to travel back and forth from work. One thought is that if you just want to live up north, and you are good with a motor bike, you could make great time via bike over a car. Bikes can go between traffic here. It's a little dangerous but if you are careful, it would shave a good half hour off of the 80-90 mins drive.
Also, the home we are in, will be coming open in November and its south of Castries and and has a wonderful view and a great pool, four bedrooms and lots of living area. It would be just about 45 mins from home to work and 30 mins from home to Rodney Bay.
Food is high here. About 25-40% higher than in the US. Gas is higher as well, about double. There is affordable housing here, and there is nicer, higher priced housing here. You get what you pay for.
If you have any questions, you can contact me directly, at joeythompson777@aol.com
Blessings to you,
Joey
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
JoeyThompson
8/30/2015 18:05 EST
Well let's see,
I would certain home school. The international school is in Rodney Bay and it is quite expensive. There are some really good on line home schools that are not near the cost and if you have a computer, its really good.
Sir Robert is correct. Depending upon where you will be working, living up north will cost you a lot of time and gas to travel back and forth from work. One thought is that if you just want to live up north, and you are good with a motor bike, you could make great time via bike over a car. Bikes can go between traffic here. It's a little dangerous but if you are careful, it would shave a good half hour off of the 80-90 mins drive.
Also, the home we are in, will be coming open in November and its south of Castries and and has a wonderful view and a great pool, four bedrooms and lots of living area. It would be just about 45 mins from home to work and 30 mins from home to Rodney Bay.
Food is high here. About 25-40% higher than in the US. Gas is higher as well, about double. There is affordable housing here, and there is nicer, higher priced housing here. You get what you pay for.
If you have any questions, you can contact me directly, at joeythompson777@aol.com
Blessings to you,
Joey
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
bobbyveee
8/31/2015 08:21 EST
Hi Joey. I think the family are being provided with a car, so im going to assume he needs it for work, thus a m/b would be out of the question. Your place would be perfect for them. Sounds like home schooling is the way to go, or put your two broods together and start a school LOL
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
JoeyThompson
8/31/2015 17:07 EST
The question is, if the company would be willing to provide a company vehicle, could that be a motor cycle. However, if they lived here where we do, then their just 40 mins from View Fort, so a car would do just fine.
Oh and there's no way I'm going to be a principle for any kind of school. The object is to get the kids out of the house,not bring more in each year. But seriously, home schooling is the way to go, for sure, in my opinion.
Joey
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
|
|
smc2015
9/2/2015 20:01 EST
Thank you all for your input and advice. I have a few items to research and will probably make a quick trip out to explore before moving the whole family out.
We do have many more questions but I feel most can be answered once I visit. If not, I hope you don't mind me throwing them out on this forum.
Thanks again!
Actually, one quick question (from my Wife's), are there any gymnastics programs on the island?
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
JoeyThompson
9/2/2015 21:23 EST
Not sure about a gymnastic program on Island, but I did find this on face book.
https://www.facebook.com/sportsacademyslu
There is an excellent swim program here with competitive meets. Also, a great sailing program for kids, at the yacht club.
I'm sure there are other things for kids as well, these are just what comes to mind.
Joey
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
JoeyThompson
9/2/2015 21:23 EST
Not sure about a gymnastic program on Island, but I did find this on face book.
https://www.facebook.com/sportsacademyslu
There is an excellent swim program here with competitive meets. Also, a great sailing program for kids, at the yacht club.
I'm sure there are other things for kids as well, these are just what comes to mind.
Joey
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
mwolff
1/26/2016 08:54 EST
Kids Dance Classes are available in the north, from what I understand Ballet classes are starting in March 2016 as well
www.facebook.com/MotionStudiosSLU
www.motionstudiosstlucia.com
Post a Reply
00abuse
|
|
|
|
