life on Saba

[pinki]

Why are people complaining about life on the Island, how bad is it?
I never got the chance to visit the island.
I just don't have enough money to take a trip right now.
Since I'm preparing to start my first semester in January, every dollar counts.
It would be great if some of the current students could share their experience on the island and school.

[ResearchingGuy]

Pinki,

Could you direct me to some of the posts with complaints about life on Saba? I think I'm missing something.

Best of Luck!

[fourthyear]

I have not read any old post regarding living on Saba but I will offer some advice- keep in mind I last lived in saba in 2001.

I would not live in the Bottom becuase it is too hot. In general places of business close everyday from noon-2:00, including the bank. There is no ATM and there is one gas station down the steep road toward the pier.

The grocery stores had small variety. Although they did let you keep a tab which I paid at the end of every month.

Any goverment office you may deal with is very slow and the people move at snail's pace. e.g. post office, driver's licences office, phone company.

You will get accustomed to the life and it will pass quickly. The choice of were you live will greatly improve your experience or lessen your experience. We had a cleaning lady also who did an excellent job for close to minimum wage.


I purchased a vehicle when I arrived to Saba, and combined with the internet helped keep my sanity.

In the 4 and 5 semesters I traveled to ST Marteen often to get away.

I always purchased my Winair ticket well in advance before the beginning/end of a semester.

Do expect some of the saba residents to be student-friendly as well as some to act as if the stduent population is a burden.

Saba is smaller than the other islands but do not be deceived and think there are alternative islands that are similar to living in America because there are not. Caribbean=slow, everything is slower . After 5 semesters returning home was one of the best days of my life.

A newer student may comment if what I has posted is no longer accurate. The Saba facility was only half finished when I was leaving so I am sure it is nice.

No matter where you go I would visit St Bart's, it was nice.
Go up and see Mt Scenery (sp?) at least once.

[Ferrarijp]

You mentioned you had a vehicle... what type? I am thinking about bringing a motorcycle... (cheaper than a car, but functional). What do you suggest? I have read about getting an antilles driver's license, but are there any other hoops that you know of? Thanks

[ResearchingGuy]

Three people in my class have motorcycles. Two purchased here. One shipped his from home. They all seem content. I think that if you're inclined to ride a motorcycle at home, you should probably feel comfortable here.

Most of the cars on the island are of either the small economy car type (e.g.Hyundai ATOS) or the small 4x4 type (Daihatsu Feroza), though there is a great variability about the mean. The big thing is that most of them are "beaters". A few students have shipped cars from home which are in much better shape, but it seems that life on an island rapidly takes its toll on a car (salt air, stone walls, etc.). You can probably purchase a serviceable car here for about US$2500 (I've seen US$1200 to US$5000). Insurance costs about US$200 per year and gas is currently around US$2.50 per gallon. The car will be nothing fancy. No A/C. The windows might not work. It will be a little beat up and rickety, but it will usually get you to school on time. Even in "traffic" the average car ride here is less than ten minutes.

When you arrive on Saba, school officials and other students will be able to walk you throught the process of getting a local Driver's License. It took me about two weeks to get my DL. A friend told me it took him 6 days. I know someone in 3rd semester who has supposedly been waiting 6 months. I cannot explain this great variability, but it might have something to do with how we all presented ourselves to the authorities when we applied (subliminal message -- being nice seems to go a long way down here).

If all of this sounds daunting or a little out of your budget you can still get by without personal transportation. The school vans run every morning and every afternoon, and there are lots of people who will give you a lift. I think Fourth Year is right though, that having your own car will go a long way in helping to maintain your sanity.


Best of Luck!

[Rwl22]

a bicycle? Is there a place on the island where I can get one. I really don't feel like having my jeep shipped down here. I was under the impression that the island was so small you could pretty much get anywhere on foot.

[ResearchingGuy]

Yes, the island is small. No, it is not bicycle friendly. Remember that we are essentially living on a mountainside. You may arrive and find that a bicycle is perfect for you, but, so far, I have seen precious few bikes in use.

My two cents.

Best of Luck!

[medwatcher]

Saba is a small island. I have had friends attend Saba and they had very few complaints about the island. Other than the fact that the island is small and is actually the top of an inactive volcano without any beaches the island is fine. Very nice honest people virtually no crime or unemployment and extremely clean. I was told they sweep the roads almost every day-by hand. Outside activities are hiking and some of the best scuba in the caribbean. Not much else to do but study-oh that's why you went there in the first place.

[Ferrarijp]

Where can I see some more pictures of the school and the island? I have seen what SABA's homepage has to offer, but I am more interested in the candid type. If you have them, why not share... :)

[ajcarrol]

Sorry, no candid photos! But this website has quite a few pics of the island as well as other info.

www.sabatourism.com

[camkiss]

I have an old website I do not update anymore that has Saba pics from 1999-2001. www.geocities.com/camkiss

Enjoy!
Mike

[ML]

Other than the fact that the island is small and is actually the top of an inactive volcano without any beaches the island is fine.

I can't believe there exists an island in the middle of the sea without any beaches....It is unbelievable....

ML

[Dr Pepper]

I can't believe there exists an island in the middle of the sea without any beaches....It is unbelievable....

ML
Unless you have a very fancy, Discovery Channel-based definition of what a beach shall be, the answer is no. No beaches, but beautiful coral reef to snorkel and dive. What else do you need?

[you5]

hi Mike,

i ve seen your pretty nice website about SABA, I wanted to know how does life cost in general:
-rental of the house you had
-was it your own house or did you share it with other student
-what is the best place,cheaper and closer to the university to live.
if i succeed in my interview in two days, i should normaly come with my wife, so, for her, i would like to get the best appartement or house i can.

thank you very much for your help

You5

[camkiss]

Hi-
My wife and I lived there alone. Our rent was $400 per month, but that was the lowest of any student I knew with a house. The average is probably $700/month. As for places to live, it depends on what you want. I think there have been several posts on this forum about the pros and cons of livin gin each village.
Good luck,
Mike

[robmd]

hey michael
I looked at your website and it is really good. I was wondering a few questions that i have.

1. what did you have to do to get you pet on the island, and how hard was it to do?

2. How far away from school was your house, and did you have a car to get to school?

thank you so much

Rob

[wifeofDr2b]

Hey neighbors!
I have a question/comment about cars. My hubby just started at AUC this semester. We've noticed you can get a fairly decent "island" car anywhere from $1000-3000 dollars, or higher if you want to spend it. In that range, and even in the low end of it, the cars have A/C that work, windows that work, but are "island" cars meaning they can get you from point A to point B, you just won't be arriving in style. Which is fine b/c of the salt water and you really don't need a flashy car.

I read in a post earlier in this thread that some cars on Saba are in that price range without working A/C or working windows. Knowing that there is the ferry between our islands, would it be possible for someone to buy a car here and retun back to Saba on the ferry, with the car? Not sure if there would be any extra fees, other than the cost of the ferry ride, but it is something maybe to consider. Not having windows that work or not having a good A/C in a car down here can make for a rough ride. But, it is not like we do a lot of driving. Just a thought and question, but who knows if it is possible.

[WantMD]

That's a great idea. I hadn't thought about it, but now that you mention it, I will look into it.

Thanks!

WantMD :-)

[Ferrarijp]

Those are probably the better options, but for curiosities sake, has anyone researched how much it would cost to ship a car from the U.S?

[mdmama]

i believe the price for shipping a car from US is $1600. call hassellfree at 772-219-4522 they are the one doing the shipping and give you more info the company is based in florida.