Pre-arrivals
It’s really exciting that your journey with us is about to start! This page has been created to help you prepare for your trip, please read it carefully.
Packing…
Don’t forget the essentials! Here are 10 things you must include on your packing list…
1. Appropriate clothing for work. It is expected in Saint Lucian society that you will dress modestly and smartly for work. (For Ladies: Please ensure shoulders are covered and skirts are knee length or longer. For Men: Collared shirts and Polos are a sensible choice. As are chinos)
2. All programmes require you to bring a tablet or laptop with you.
3. Sunscreen and high-strength insect repellent (Please be mindful to select coral reef-friendly lotion if possible)
4. A towel for daily use and a towel for beach use.
5. Beach towel(s) as you will not be able to take accommodation towels to the beach
6. Passport
7. Copy of your Caribbean Elective confirmation
8. Pocket-size form of ID such as a Driver’s License
9. Health insurance/travel insurance documents printed
10. List of any medications you use
What should I wear to work?
In Saint Lucian society it remains very important to dress professionally. You should respect this. But, you should also dress being mindful that it is very warm so pick light and breathable fabrics.
Here are some key points and please see the images shown below for examples of appropriate work attire…
Women must dress modestly with their shoulders covered. String shoulder straps are not acceptable and mid-riffs must also be covered.
Trousers should be full in length and skirts must sit just above the knee or be longer.
Shorts are not allowed for work.
For men, chinos, polo shirts and buttoned shirts are a smart choice.
Smart trainers are acceptable but you must bring at least one pair of smart shoes.
You must bring at least one very smart outfit in case of a formal meeting or meeting a VIP. This does not have to be a suit but must be smart. Particularly those on the Law, Business and Politics programs.
Students working in clinical settings should always dress modestly and bringing scrubs is important. (Medical students)
For students on the Mental Health programme please also dress smartly and modestly, But, be mindful that your programme is particularly variable and there will be days when you are working outside and in communities so a more relaxed dress code may apply here.
Before you fly…
You should fill in the Saint Lucia immigration and customs form. This speeds up the process of your arrival.
Arriving in Saint Lucia…
When you arrive in Saint Lucia you will need to be processed by immigration officers as any traveller normally does. Please remember the purpose of your trip to Saint Lucia is for volunteering. We have had students in the past make the mistake of saying they are in Saint Lucia to work, this is incorrect and you need a visa to take up paid work in Saint Lucia. You may also be asked to provide an accommodation address and contact details of a person looking after you. Use these details…
Caribbean Elective House, Old Military Road, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia
Shernice Eugene, Destination Manager, Caribbean Elective. Phone:+1758 485 9106
What happens when I leave the airport?
Once you have cleared immigration, customs and picked up your luggage then head out the arrivals doors to find our driver who will be waiting for you with a sign. The arrivals area is often very busy so please take your time to locate our driver. If you do not see anyone at first please wait in a visible spot so we can find you.
Once you have found our driver then you will be transported up to the north of the island where our accommodation is located and where most of our project work occurs. This is a long (usually 90 mins) but stunning drive.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by accommodation staff or a Caribbean Elective representative and shown to your room.
What happens on my first full day?
It all depends on what day is your first full day. In most cases, your first day will be a relaxation and acclimatisation day. You will have time off to settle in.
We will ensure that we will help you get to the local shops so you can do a grocery shop and also run any other errands such as setting up a local phone sim if you would like to.
Your arrival induction which happens in your first 24 hours in Saint Lucia will help set the scene for your trip and help you settle into Saint Lucian life. You will also receive a full induction into your programme during your first working day which will be provided to your group by the programme lead.
