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*Andrea J.* · 04-19-2009, 09:07 PM

*****

I am a single, young, male teacher in the Northeast US and I have a certain school in Aruba interested in me moving down there to teach for them. I was wondering what teaching in Aruba is like and if there are any teachers out there that would like to give me some advice.working permits in aruba are very hard to come by. will the school that is hiring you handle all of the red tape? Besides the normal benefits of living on a beautiful island, could I save some money? If your housing was inexpensive and your salary was great then you would be able to save.How is the cost of living compared to a normal US suburb? depending on what you do for fun and how frugal you are would give you the cost comparisons. i am guessing that housing would run you about 1000 florins a month and that would NOT be beachfront . if you spend $150 a week here in the usa for groceries, you will be spending about $200 there. your cell phone will be more costly in aruba. your electricity and water will be more expensive. not obscenely expensive, but more expensive nonetheless....maybe 30% more. the middle class neighborhoods although looking very different than here in the usa are quite similar. kids playing kickball, neighbors talking, gardening and tending their property. modest and upscale homes are all over the island. there are really no very disturbing looking slums as one would see in mexico or the doinican republic. What would the crime rates be like in middle class neighborhoods? there is some crime, but nothing in comparison to here in the usa. drug laws are tough, even for marijuana.If I wanted to find a possible roommate where could I start looking? your employer hopefully will be helpful re: a roomate. you will get many suggestions on this forum
andrea

Thanks in advance to any advice!![/quote]

04-19-2009, 09:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
Andrea J. Aruba since 1979 Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: renaissance island, eagle beach, amsterdam manor beach bar, alto vista chapel, cooks restaurant, madam janettes, big porch at B55 Posts: 12,012	*** I am a single, young, male teacher in the Northeast US and I have a certain school in Aruba interested in me moving down there to teach for them. I was wondering what teaching in Aruba is like and if there are any teachers out there that would like to give me some advice.working permits in aruba are very hard to come by. will the school that is hiring you handle all of the red tape? Besides the normal benefits of living on a beautiful island, could I save some money? If your housing was inexpensive and your salary was great then you would be able to save.How is the cost of living compared to a normal US suburb? depending on what you do for fun and how frugal you are would give you the cost comparisons. i am guessing that housing would run you about 1000 florins a month and that would NOT be beachfront . if you spend $150 a week here in the usa for groceries, you will be spending about $200 there. your cell phone will be more costly in aruba. your electricity and water will be more expensive. not obscenely expensive, but more expensive nonetheless....maybe 30% more. the middle class neighborhoods although looking very different than here in the usa are quite similar. kids playing kickball, neighbors talking, gardening and tending their property. modest and upscale homes are all over the island. there are really no very disturbing looking slums as one would see in mexico or the doinican republic. What would the crime rates be like in middle class neighborhoods? there is some crime, but nothing in comparison to here in the usa. drug laws are tough, even for marijuana.If I wanted to find a possible roommate where could I start looking? your employer hopefully will be helpful re: a roomate. you will get many suggestions on this forum andrea** Thanks in advance to any advice!![/quote] __________________ Please, I'll have a Grande' decaf Mocha Latte' with a shot of liquid tranquilizer.