Work and Travel in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES FOR TRAVELLERS

Are you moving through the Caribbean? Then stop off in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Southern Caribbean. As one of the poorer countries in the Caribbean, little is said about it. Most tourists never consider travel in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and you’ll rarely here about this country in the news.

But despite being underdeveloped, volunteering opportunities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines aren’t common. That’s why now has never been a better time to work and travel in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and focus on making a difference.

Read through our travel guide to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to find out more.

1. Help Fight Poverty in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Poverty is rife in this country. Without a huge tourism industry to support this country, there has never been a great deal of resources to dedicate to helping the poor. That’s why you can make a difference by joining a charity dedicated to helping them.

You’ll be working in either the slums or the rural areas. Projects range from working with children on their education to simply teaching valuable skills to young people. There are many ways to fight poverty and you’ll find a project that’s perfect for you.

2. Teach English in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The people of this country speak a specific type of Creole. However, as travel continues to become more popular the locals want to learn English. They know they need English to either grow a tourism business at home or to study abroad.

You can spend your time teaching English here. This work in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will often require a minimum of a TEFL qualification prior to taking up a job. But there are informal tutoring assignments that only demand that you’re a native English speaker.

You’ll make connections with the locals and be able to provide skills that will last forever.

3. Work on a Farm in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Many people only have a focus on growing enough food to feed their families. That’s why international organisations are dedicated to aiding the locals to implement smart growing methods. These help to maintain and control the nutrients in the ground so a regular crop can be produced every single year.

The work is hard and you’ll be expected to work long hours, but it’s a way to help and a way to integrate yourself into the local culture.

You’ll also have the opportunity to see a side of the country few ever see.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

Like most Caribbean nations, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines operates a liberal visa policy that’s welcoming to the nationals of nearly every country in the world.

Most countries in the world are entitled to a 30-day stay without a visa. There are two major exceptions to this. Countries of the European Union (EU) ratified a deal that allows their nationals to stay in the country for 90 days without a visa. Russia is also party to a similar agreement, and their citizens are also entitled to a 90-day stay in the country.

China is the only major country that isn’t entitled to visa-free travel in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. They must pay a fee of $200 EC in order to enter the country for 30 days. For more info click here.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

SPRING WORK

You’ll find a lot of volunteering opportunities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines because few backpackers make it here, so you won’t have to contend with much competition. It’s also so far south that it misses nearly every hurricane and major storm to hit the Caribbean. The last time it took a direct hit was in 1955.

The spring season is just after the main cruise season and before the rainy season. We recommend working in the rural areas in spring. The islands are quiet, peaceful, and don’t deal with any awkward weather.

Look for work on farms. There’s a lot of work to do in preparation for the rainy season.

SUMMER JOBS

The summer season is the main rainy season. As already mentioned, you don’t need to be aware of hurricanes because this country is below the main hurricane belt.

If you want to work and travel in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in summer, we recommend working in the urbanised areas. Consider working on poverty alleviation projects.

It’s also a great time to teach English in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Depending on where you want to work, you may or may not have to apply some time in advance. Schools will typically run a hiring process a month or two in advance.

AUTUMN

The autumn season is the second shoulder season of the year. It’s much like spring, so you should refer back to that section for further information on some of the things you can do.

WINTER

The winter season is the main cruise ship season. Hotels and guesthouses typically open their doors around the end of November. If you want to work in the tourism or hospitality sectors, this is the time of year to work in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

With the smaller guesthouses you should be able to just show up and apply. But if you want to work for a major chain or in a resort you should apply well before the main tourism season.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

Work and travel in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not a common choice for travellers. It’s hard to get to and this country loses out to its more glamorous regional competitors. But if you want to do something different and provide help to a country that so desperately needs it, this could be your next memorable adventure.

Volunteering and long-term tourism are so uncommon that the classic Caribbean friendliness continues to persist here. You’re not going to have any problems working and travelling here.

If you want to take advantage of the volunteering opportunities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, now is the time!