Work Exchange Program

Kentuckygirl · Post by **Kentuckygirl** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 10:13 pm

Good evening friends... I'd love any information any one has on the work exchange program at Concordia. My 19 year old college student daughter wanted to apply, and we were like "sure...go for it...this is the time in your life you can do things like this..." long story short... she's accepted and will be working there this summer. She's beyond excited, and I am so excited for her (I wish I knew at that age what I know now) I'm just a little nervous, and wondering if anyone has done this. I've read everything on their website, but I'd love any more information I can find. Of course I've got to find a way to go visit her while she's there

Thanks in advance!!!

loria · Post by **loria** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 10:20 pm

haven;t done it-- but have stayed at maho and concordia frequently and have spoken to may of the persons who work there-- and the overwhelming majority LOVE it!

Kentuckygirl · Post by **Kentuckygirl** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 10:38 pm

Thanks Loria, that helps!!! I can't imagine not absolutely loving it, but I want to make sure she's ready. I should have applied to go with her

RickG · Post by **RickG** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 11:33 pm

My buddy Ralph did the program at Maho, run by the same folks. He was the 57 year old retiree among the youngsters. We spent a week on island when he was there in the program and met the work exchange crew.

Here's the TR from then, with a poem about the experience from Ralph.

http://www.garvin.us/STJ/Trip_Reports/2 ... of_10.html

Ralph says he worked very hard and lodging in exchange wasn't the best deal in the world, for him. It's probably different for a youngster. The hardest work was maintenance. Ralph snagged water testing and other tasks that didn't have him in the sun scraping paint for six hours a day. Sounds like a good approach.

Ralph is a character and has been doing volunteer work in Africa and South America since then. Teaching the locals to make fruit leather and rough wine is his idea of fun.

Cheers, RickG

stjchica · Post by **stjchica** » Fri Mar 22, 2013 10:56 am

Congrats to your daughter! I have been trying to get into that program for the past couple summers. I am off from my job all summer so it would be a great opportunity. I'm sure she will love it and do fine~

Kentuckygirl · Post by **Kentuckygirl** » Sat Mar 23, 2013 4:51 pm

Thanks Rick for the link to the trip report and poem...always love reading the TRs! I'm not sure if I'll share the Ralph's poem with her or not:) Hopefully she'll enjoy it. She knows it will be hard work, but feels it will be worth it to spend the time in paradise. She plans to get a part-time paying job on top of the work at Concordia. We'll see....

Stjchica, did you apply this summer? It would be crazy if you ended up there at the same time! Good luck to you!

Chicken · Post by **Chicken** » Sat Mar 23, 2013 6:08 pm

I've done it twice. Check your PM and I can answer any questions you may have.

Kentuckygirl · Post by **Kentuckygirl** » Sat Mar 23, 2013 8:22 pm

Thanks Chicken! I read your pm. I'm getting ready to run out the door, but I'll definitely email you later!

JJShaw · Post by **JJShaw** » Sat Mar 23, 2013 9:35 pm

Wonder if they take old fogies in their 50's?

kkd1618 · Post by **kkd1618** » Wed May 29, 2013 5:36 pm

Hi! I am also 19 and going to be working at Concordia Work Exchange program this summer in June so I will be with your daughter! I have been doing endless research as I am greatly anticipating this experience!

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Wed May 29, 2013 6:45 pm

KKD - you found the right place to research St. John! The people on this forum know everything there is to know about St. John, and love to talk about it

Welcome!

Kentuckygirl · Post by **Kentuckygirl** » Wed May 29, 2013 9:25 pm

Welcome KKD!
I am so glad that you posted here! My daughter got there yesterday. She is loving it so far and has met some great people! Have you done this before? She's been able to keep in touch, send pics and videos, so mom is happy too

Kentuckygirl · Post by **Kentuckygirl** » Wed May 29, 2013 9:29 pm

Now that I reread your post, I assume you are new at this too!

Feel free to pm any questions...I'll try to answer. Most of all, soak it all in and enjoy the experience!!

Kentuckygirl · Post by **Kentuckygirl** » Wed May 29, 2013 9:49 pm

KKD, I got your message and tried to reply, but I don't think it's going out. I'll try again in a bit.

piscesgirl0314 · Post by **piscesgirl0314** » Thu May 30, 2013 8:18 am

Thats awesome. I'd love some information on the program. Is there a link I can go to? Thanks

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