The Team in St. Lucia
Whilst in St. Lucia your main point of contact for support and advice will be our dedicated in-country team members at United Through Sport who have many years working in the community, so you will be well looked after.

Please do not contact these people before you are in-country as they are busy delivering the programme unless this has been prearranged. However, if you are in transit and are aware of flight delays then you may make contact, but they are usually already aware of situations such as this and will still be waiting for you at the airport on arrival.

Programme Manager: Joël A. Martin

Mobile: +1 758 5200556

Email: [email protected]
Languages: English, French (a little bit of Dutch, mainly songs from Dutch artists)

Netherlands Office

Whatsapp: +31 6 42250867 (working days between 09:00 – 17:00)
Emergency number: +31 6 24131467
Email: [email protected]

Other emergency numbers:
911 Police
911 Fire
911 Ambulance

Address
United Through Sport Office and Accommodation:

Cardinal Kelvin Felix Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre
MARISULE
GROS ISLET
SAINT LUCIA
P.O. BOX GM 592

Arrival Information – what to expect when you arrive in-country?
How and when to arrive

First Steps

Meet our Local Coordinator

One of our staff members will meet you at the your port of arrival (airport or port). They will be holding a sign and wearing a United Through Sport top (so should be easily recognisable). They will take you to our accommodation. If you are delayed or make changes to your arrival plan please let our Coordinators know of the changes (make sure you take down their numbers before departing from home).

What to do, if…

…you  are  waiting  at  the  port of arrival  but  can’t  find  our coordinator?

Make sure you have gone entirely through arrivals section of your port and have reached the collection point. If you are there already, stay where you are and try calling one of our Coordinators. If  they do not  answer on  the  first  try,  keep  trying.  If  they  still  do  not  answer after several tries, try one of our other staff members (below).

…you can’t reach all of our contact persons on the phone. In this very unlikely event please send them a text message and wait at the meeting point.

…you don’t get an answer on your messages

This is extremely unlikely, but if it happens you can make your way to our accommodation alone  using  one  of  the  several  taxi  and  shuttle  services  located  at  the  port.  The  cost should be no more than 30 Eastern Caribbean Dollars (EC) from SLU, 40EC from Castries Port or 180EC from UVF- naturally any fee paid would be reimbursed to you in this extremely unlikely event.

Early/Late Arrivals
What does it mean

All volunteers/interns should try to arrive on the Friday start date to be ready to start the programme on Sunday or Monday.  We discourage late or early arrivals as this causes disruption to your programme and other interns however if there is no alternative for you, we will always be on-hand to assist in making arrangements for your collection, however you will be required to pay the transport fee. If you arrive early you may need to find alternative accommodation on the island until placement start date (unless alternative prior arrangements have been agreed).

Important departure information

All volunteers/interns should leave on the their allocated Friday departure date, anyone requiring additional nights stay will be able to stay at an additional nightly cost. Departure forms must be completed on departure, our in-country team are able to support you with this. Free drop-off is available to any of the island’s air or sea ports.

Accommodation & Amenities

Based in the north of the island, your accommodation is located perfectly between St. Lucia’s prime tourist and nightlife spot; the Rodney Bay Strip, and the country’s capital Castries. A 5 minute walk down the road is a local supermarket, post office and bus stop. With the nearest beach (East Winds) just a few minutes walk away, it will begin to feel like home in no time!

Accommodation & Food
Overview

*bar two of the 7 rooms, in which room fans are provided

Accommodation

A large dorm-style guest house with plenty of space (holds 21 max). The house contains seven air-conditioned bedrooms, shared ensuite bathrooms between every two rooms, the large communal area has a flat screen TV with American cable, movie and sport channels for use in downtime.

The kitchen area is equipped with all required utensils and is suitable for multiple people cooking at once. The majority of in-house social activity takes place either in the communal area, the vast recreational space within the compound and the Balcony that looks over it. This space is the notorious heartbeat of the house during gatherings or preparations for nights out.

Address United Through Sport Office and Accommodation:

Cardinal Kelvin Felix Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre
MARISULE
GROS ISLET
SAINT LUCIA
P.O. BOX GM 592

Also included:
Wi-Fi broadband
Laundry Service
Twice a week cleaning

Food arrangements
A daily breakfast is included; generally comprising of a self-catered selection of cereals, toast, local fruits and spreads. Lunch is occasionally provided during certain sessions on some of our placements, although normally volunteers/interns are encouraged to pack a lunch prior to coaching or will be given an opportunity to buy something on the go. In the evening we encourage volunteers/interns to shop, cook and eat in groups as it is more economical and allow you to utilise each other’s strengths. There are many good options for dining out locally in the area too, with a wide range of options.

Facilities
Either 5 minute north or south from our location are large shopping malls containing an International ATM, a supermarket, post office, food court, pharmacy, electronics and hardware store.

Passport
Your passport is your most important document when travelling overseas and should be guarded at all times. It is proof of who you are, where you have been, as well as a means of entering or leaving a country. Ensure that your passport is fully up-to-date with at least 6 months of unexpired time after your due return date. This will avoid problems at immigration.
Learn your passport number by memory so you can write it on official forms when required.
Avoid putting your passport in overhead luggage compartments when travelling on planes, trains and buses. Keep it in your pocket.
While undertaking overland travel in-country, as far as possible, don’t allow bus drivers to collect your passports when approaching border crossings. Deal with the customs officials yourself.

Visas

As a tourist with Dutch nationality, you can stay in St. Lucia for a maximum of six weeks without having to apply for a visa. If you want to stay in St. Lucia for more than six weeks, it is advisable to contact the St. Lucia embassy in Brussels. State that the reason of your trip is tourism. Sint Lucia has no embassy in the Netherlands. Although as a tourist you usually do not need a visa for St. Lucia, you must be able to submit a number of other documents. For example, you must be in possession of proof of a return flight or flight to the next destination and a valid passport. Getting a visa for Saint Lucia is not hard, If you travel longer then 6 weeks please contact your mentor or in country team in Saint Lucia.

Volunteers/interns from all other countries should check with the Saint Lucia Consulate in their home countries or Brussels as well about entering Saint Lucia as a tourist. Standard immigration requirements apply to all travellers to Argentina, and volunteers/interns will be required to provide evidence of:

• A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you intend to leave the country (and note that to get back into your own country, you often need a passport that does not expire for at least 6 months)
• Travel tickets or evidence of onward travel arrangements
• Sufficient funds (approx USD$600 – $1200 in cash)

Photocopies
You should make photocopies of all your important documents. Keep one copy with you while overseas (separate from the original documents of course!) and leave another copy at home with a friend or family member.

We recommend you make photocopies of the following documents in case of loss or theft:
Passport: your passport number, date and place of issue and any visa pages.
Flight Details: your flight numbers, connections and destination airports.
Insurance Policy: your policy number, 24-hr medical emergency telephone number, general claims number
Vaccination Card: documents stating what vaccinations you have.
Travelers’ Cheques: all the serial numbers and cancellation phone number.
Bank Cards: the phone number needed to report/cancel credit or debit cards.

Email Yourself!
It is also wise to scan your important documents into a computer and attach them to an email as jpeg files. You can then send this email to an account that you can access from an internet connection anywhere in the world (e.g. hotmail, yahoo mail, gmail). This ensures you still have copies of your documents even if the originals and photocopies are lost or stolen.

Travel Insurance for your Trip

We believe that safety and enjoyment are equally important when travelling with United Through Sport. It is therefore one of our terms and conditions of booking that you have adequate travel insurance in place before you travel; cover must include emergency medical expenses, personal accident and repatriation. In addition, we strongly recommend that you include baggage, personal liability and cancellation cover.

Insurance
You can only join your chosen programme if you have taken out adequate travel insurance. Read the notes in the insurance section of this document and make sure that the policy you buy provides you with the essential cover listed.
Always read through your chosen policy holder’s terms and conditions thoroughly, especially the ‘small print’.
Make sure you keep your insurance policy in a convenient place and leave a copy with your next of kin. This will be vital in the event of an accident when someone else needs to notify the insurance company. Beware hospitals may also want proof of insurance before giving you medical treatment

Additional Notes from United Through Sport:

Remember to travel with us, you must have a full insurance policy that covers the activities you will be undertaking overseas. This is compulsory. You need to be fully covered for the whole time you are away (from initial departure date to arrival back in home country date), so may need to choose a policy that is 1-2 weeks longer than your placement dates. Also include any extra weeks of independent travel you plan to do after the programme.

Look at your chosen policy carefully (read the small print (Terms and Conditions)) and make sure that you are comfortable with the cover offered and have paid particular attention to general exclusions and pre existing medical conditions.

Also think about other activities that you intend to undertake that are not part of your programme and ensure that you policy also covers them. We further recommend that your policy includes personal liability.

Health and Hygiene
We are not medically qualified and so can not give any medical advice with regards to travel health and vaccinations, so it is absolutely essential that you seek professional medical advice (GP / Travel nurse / Travel clinic) before departure (also see link in pre departure check ups).

Ensure that you make photocopies of your vaccination certificates and medical documentation, and ask a friend or family member to keep a copy at home while you are away.

As with all things, the best way to look after yourself is to prevent illness and injury as much as possible. There are a number of things you must do before leaving to make sure you remain fit and healthy overseas. Read the advice and recommendations below carefully.
What can I do to prepare for my trip?

Pre Departure Check Ups
• Visit a travel nurse or travel clinic to discuss and organise vaccinations required and recommended for your destination. Ensure that you tell the clinic where you are going and what you are going to be doing in country (and after if travelling on).
• It is advisable to visit your doctor at least 2-3 months before departure for a general check up.
• Stock up on any prescription medication you are taking, including any contraception medication you are using.
• Check with your doctor (or your governmental Department of Health) that it is legal to take your prescribed medication in-country. If taking medication into the country, it’s advisable to have an accompanying letter from your doctor stating what the medication is for and why you are taking a batch in country with you.
• Book an appointment with your dentist. Toothache will ruin your trip, and dental work overseas is usually very expensive. The quality of treatment may also be very poor.

Stomach Bugs
Many of our travellers contract a 24 hour/48 hour stomach upset early into their trip due to changes in the environment and adjusting to new bacteria. By resting, drinking lots of fluids and replacing salts, you will soon recover from such upsets. Some people travel with 1-a-day multivitamins to encourage and promote the body’s defences through these changes.
If you are unwell, be sure to contact the Lead Coordinator in country.

Sunburn
Beware of hot climates and intense sunshine found in other countries. Dehydration, sunburn and heat stroke are all too common among our ‘overeager’ travelers. However, you can easily avoid these problems by taking the following preventative measures:
– Avoid direct sunlight when the sun is at its strongest (e.g. midday)
– Wear sunglasses
– Wear a cap or hat
– Apply a high factor sunscreen
– Drink lots of water throughout the day and always carry a full bottle of water
– Add re-hydration sachets to your water to add lost salts and minerals

HIV and AIDS
All travellers should be aware of the HIV virus and how it is transmitted. HIV and AIDS is present everywhere in world. Therefore, make sure you follow these basic rules wherever you are:
– Avoid casual sex and contact with infected bodily fluids
– Never allow yourself to be injected with an unsterilized needle or syringe
– Where possible, avoid any other blood-to-blood contact

First Aid Kits
It is advisable to take a personal first aid kit with you. This will be essential for any minor accident or injury you encounter abroad. The big high street chemists and outdoor travel shops sell medical kits with all the key items. Also make sure you keep it in a convenient place throughout your stay and take it to your placement each day

Vaccinations, Malaria, Sun Precautions and Dehydration
For the latest advice about health including in country requirements and recommended vaccinations and prophylaxis, we recommend that you contact your local Travel Nurse.

Safety + Security
Unfortunately, problems with security, including theft and robbery, affect all of us everywhere. However, danger can be avoided by staying alert and taking various preventative measures. The majority of safety related issues could have been avoided. Below are some general things that could get you in to trouble.

Tourists are always targets for pickpockets and thieves. Please educate yourself about the Caribbean and Saint Lucia in particular, before you leave, so that you can be alert for all types of situations. General travel safety rules are below.

_ Avoid travelling alone, especially at night
_ Find out where the unsafe areas are and avoid them
_ When travelling keep all-important documents and valuables in a safe place, like an inner hidden pocket or money belt
_ Carry only as much cash as you think you will need for the day
_ Don’t wear expensive jewellery or watches
_ Be wary of people who seem too friendly too fast
_ Keep cameras out of sight. Always keep bags and purses in your sight.
_ Before swimming, ask how safe the area is

Money
At home we generally feel quite safe opening a wallet or purse, we probably do not have too many notes in there at any one time. However, when we are overseas and for various good reasons (exchange rates, access to cash etc) we sometimes are tempted to, or by necessity, have a considerable amount of local currency in our possession. This is almost certainly the opposite to the vast majority of the population of the country you are visiting, hence, if you are tempted to `Flash the Cash” whilst overseas, you could well be setting yourself up for unwanted attention.

Precautions to employ:
• A money belt is a useful piece of kit for your valuables, have only small denomination notes and small change in your pocket. Keep the money belt under your clothes, out of sight and only open it in a known safe location.
• When using an ATM, make sure it is in a well lit area and do not count your money until you are in a safe place. Also avoid withdrawing money at night.
• Do not think for one second that `it only happens to someone else.
• Be cautious of over friendly strangers wanting to assist you at ATM’s never tell them your pin number or allow them to see it.

Manner and Dress
Your behaviour and dress can and will attract a considerable amount of attention. Cultures in the less developed world will not understand many of the mannerisms that some travelers may portray. It is possible that they will see them as insulting or showing a lack of respect. Over confidence will be perceived as showing off and bragging, particularly where materialistic possessions are concerned.

Some tips:
• Try to be understated, keep your actions as low profile as you can.
• You are there to experience, understand and immerse yourself in the culture, not to compare / contrast and make derogatory comments.
• Try and adopt some local mannerisms and ‘blend in’, for example many cultures have their own style of greetings – learn them.
• Wear clothing that is appropriate and NOT in any way political or insulting. Your country’s flag on a T shirts etc should be left at home. Patriotism is admired, xenophobia is not. If you are unsure what is and is not appropriate, seek advice from your local coordinator.
• Travelling in a group can be perceived as intimidating and threatening. Think about your impact.

Mouth
As a traveler to another country you are already at a disadvantage.  When we want people to, we expect everyone to understand what we say, however, when we then decide to talk about locals in a derogatory way then we expect them not to. Many swear words are international and just as people take offence at home they will overseas. Considering you are very often in that country trying to set an example to young people it goes against the ethos to be using bad language.

Do’s and Don’ts
• Do keep your voice down
• Don’t swear
• Do pick up some greetings and please & thank you in the local language

Drugs
Never EVER buy, take or keep drugs on you while overseas. Not only will your placement be terminated immediately, local police will have no hesitation in arresting you and sending you to a local prison without trial. The conditions in foreign prisons are often very poor and you will usually not be entitled to the same rights you have back home. The penalties for possessing a small quantity of marijuana are extremely high and can be well over 10 years. There are also periodical drugs searches by local police. Always carry identification with you (i.e. a photocopy of your passport ID page).

Alcohol
Virtually all safety related incidents are in some way connected to the over consumption of alcohol. Travelers consuming excessive amounts of drink are often `targeted` in bars and mugged or worse on leaving. Any amount of alcohol will inhibit your judgment and give you a sense of invulnerability, it is this that will get you in to a potentially dangerous situation and one that, in normal circumstances, you would have avoided at all costs.
• Drink in moderation
• Keep watch over others
• If you feel uncomfortable in a particular bar…LEAVE
• When out at night, NEVER walk home, and avoid taking local buses. Wherever possible, use taxis in pairs.

ATM Theft

It is very likely that you will need to withdraw cash at some point during your travels. Please be cautious when withdrawing money from an ATM and ensure that you are vigilant of other people near the ATM, especially those that offer unsolicited assistance if your card is detained. It has been recognised that individuals are operating unlawful withdrawals by placing ‘traps’ in ATMs whereby personal bank cards are being detained, causing the victim to believe their card transaction has not been completed, and leaving their bank card in the ATM which is then later retrieved by the thief. If your card is confiscated or you are concerned that your card has been tampered with, please report immediately to the bank or cancel your card.

Some General Points
• If faced with the choice of giving up your possessions or confronting a hostile person, always give up your possessions – your life is worth far more than anything you own. Furthermore, anything you lose can be replaced. A new passport can be issued by an Embassy or High Commission, your airline company can issue new tickets and your insurance company will cover lost money and possessions.
• The road conditions and attitude to driving can be very different in other countries. Make a judgment call, if you feel unsafe – take yourself away from that situation (vehicle).
• Only ever use officially recognised taxis. At night always travel in pairs.
• Some foreign coastlines have extremely strong currents and rip-tides. Make sure you are careful and always listen to the locals on where you should avoid swimming.
• If you are approached on the street by an overly friendly stranger who wants to shake your hand, put his arm around you or ‘get physical’, be cautious! The best case scenario is that they are trying to get a cigarette or some change from you. The worst case scenario is that you are being distracted so an accomplice can snatch your valuables. Be aware, but don’t be paranoid.
• Never EVER be rude to a police officer or any other official. They will take great pleasure in arresting you to make an example of your disrespect.

Safety Measures
• Permanent in-country staff are resident in the same accommodation that you will be staying in. They are on call 24hrs a day in case of an emergency.
• All our travelers receive detailed pre-departure information explaining how to prepare for your trip. Read it well!
• Full contact details of in country staff are given to our travelers pre departure. Staff overseas can be contacted at any time in an emergency.
• Our travelers mostly live together in the same place as far as possible. This creates a fun, social atmosphere where everyone looks out for one another.
• On arrival, an induction is given to all our travelers. Our in-country staff have a very sound knowledge of the destination you will be visiting and will explain all the ‘dos and don’ts’ of the country. This includes important information about the people, the local customs and the cultural courtesies which all travelers should be aware of.
• We encourage all our volunteers to explore the country in which they are living, but our in-country staff give plenty of advice on the ‘must see’ places, as well as the safest and most rewarding ways to travel to them.

Kit List Guidance
What to bring – you may need some but not all of this, so give it some thought.

The following list is designed to help you select and prepare your personal equipment for your trip overseas. Essentially, the weather will be warm(ish) dependent on when you go, so you need to bring enough clothes that will allow you to have enough ‘during placement kit’ and ‘after placement kit’ (whether that’s informal beach gear, or clothes to go out in!).

We may also be providing you with some kit that is specific to your project, such as sports equipment and teaching materials. These will be given to you in country and are yours to use throughout your stay and will be left with the community at the end of your placement. You may also want to bring some additional equipment for your project but please note that you will have to take this out under your own luggage allowance.

Recommended Clothing

_ Hat: An essential piece of kit for keeping the sun off your head to prevent sunstroke. We would advise that a wide brimmed hat be worn rather than a baseball cap, which will not protect the back of your neck.
_ Jumper: Although it will be warm for the majority of the time overseas, it will sometimes get cold, particularly when it rains, so make sure you bring a couple of warm jumpers (wool / fleece).
_ Shirts: Always useful to bring a couple of shirts that can be used for smart wear. It is highly recommended that you bring a bunch of your own sports shirts and training tops to wear during the programme.
_ Shorts: A selection is recommended, as it is likely that you will be wearing these the most.
_ Socks: Again, enough to see you through the week is recommended. You may also want to bring socks for any sport activities you may be involved with, e.g. football socks.
_ Swimwear: There are plenty of places to go swimming, either in pools or the sea, so a swimming costume is very important. You may also want to try your hand at surfing.
_ Trousers: We suggest bringing lightweight cotton trousers, as it may get quite hot and they are also good for wearing after dark to keep those bugs away! Also bring one reasonably smart pair for wearing at night.
_ T-Shirts: Bring a selection that you can use while on your placement.
_ Underwear: Cotton underwear is more hygienic than synthetic. Enough to see you through the week is advised.
_ Specialist Clothing / Kit: Sports kit, whistle and sports boots  / cleats

Shoes

_ Casual Shoes: Bring a comfortable pair of shoes that you can wear for going out and, ideally, for any indoor sports activities that may require ‘clean’ shoes. Closed toed shoes are required if working in the schools or orphanages.
_ Sandals: A pair of good-quality sandals, with ankle straps, very common amongst travellers in warm climates because of the good ventilation they provide.
_ Shoes/Boots: Bring a pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty because you will often be working and playing sports outside. Furthermore, it is likely that you will experience the odd downpour of rain, which can often turn parks and pitches into temporary mud baths! Footwear such as Astroturf boots, blades or soft studs is recommended if planning to do sports. If you plan on doing any walking/hiking during your placement or while travelling independently, we suggest that you take a good quality pair of walking boots. Whether you choose leather or fabric walking boots they should have a rigid sole with a good tread and good ankle support. Boots should be purchased in advance of your placement to make sure they are comfortable and worn in.
_ Trainers / Running Shoes: For everyday running around

Wet Weather Gear

_ Waterproof Jacket: Lightweight, waterproof and breathable – always useful

Equipment and Toiletries

_ Camera or your smartphone to capture those memories.
_ Personal Medical Kit: People tend to underestimate that carrying a good medical kit when travelling is very important. Remember your prescription medicines if you’re taking any. Your medical kit should at least include assorted plasters, paracetamol, Ibuprofen, antiseptic wipes and rehydration sachets. A lot of pharmacy products are readily available in-country but it is wise to arrive with some supplies. If you plan to travel independently after your project your medical kit should be more extensive.
_ Mosquito and Insect Repellent: You should take prevention measures against mosquito bites. Therefore, we advise you to take strong repellent (we would suggest getting a product with a high DEET content i.e. 50% DEET).
_ Sleeping Bag: You may consider taking a sleeping bag for travel pre / post activity with us.
_ Sun Cream and After Sun: It is essential to bring a high factor (30+) sun cream, lip sun block and after sun due to the strong rays and long hours spent outside.
_ Sunglasses: Good quality sunglasses are an important piece of equipment because you will spend a lot of your time outside. Check that they are polarising and provide an effective filter against UV radiation. A neck-leash is also handy to stop them from falling off
_ Torch/Flashlight: Not essential but could be useful.  A head torch, plus a small backup hand torch, gives great versatility. If for example you experience a power cut, or are out camping, you will have to undertake a lot of two-handed tasks in night time darkness, such as getting ready for bed, going to the toilet, etc. A head torch is also great for reading.
_ Towel: Essential, (travel towels are often useful as they are compact and dry very quickly)
_ Wash Kit: Bring the usual items: toothbrush, toothpaste, sufficient soap (you can purchase highly concentrated travel soaps that wash your hair, body, food and clothes), moisturizer, deodorant, shampoo, razor, shaving gel/foam, wet wipes, anti bacterial hand gel, etc.
_ Watch: There is no need to bring an expensive watch, but having both an alarm and stopwatch can prove very useful.
_ Water bottles: You should be carrying at least two litres of water with you at all times; bottled water is available in country but not all the time. Having your own supply is important while on your placement or when travelling. Whether you carry a platypus (hydration system with drinking tube) or a US Army style bottle it doesn’t matter as long as you carry enough water.
_ Whistle (for sport placements only): You may want to bring a whistle to use while on your placement. This is especially helpful when organising your team or refereeing matches.

Luggage
_ Luggage: Due to the style of placement that you are doing it is not necessary for you to spend extra money on purchasing a particular type of main bag; you are free to use a hold-all or rucksack as you choose. If you are travelling on after your project, or plan to travel in the future, you should consider more carefully the type of bag you choose. If your plan is to go backpacking then a travel sac is probably the most suitable bag that you can take (this is like a normal rucksack but zips around the edge allowing you easier access to your belongings).

Code of Conduct
We of course want you to have a fun and life changing experience overseas, but it is important to remember that you are an ambassador for us. It is therefore essential that you conduct yourself in an appropriate manner for the entire time you are abroad.
We would like to remind you of our Code of Conduct as outlined below:
a) You will at all times respect local attitudes, cultures and beliefs. Specifically, You will not make comments of a derisory, sexist, or racist nature to anyone during Your stay. And You will dress, speak and behave appropriately at all times.
(b) You will not act in any way that is considered to be an anti-social manner by the Lead Coordinator or local inhabitants at any time during Your stay. You will adhere to this specifically while under the influence of alcohol.
(c) You will arrive at Your Placement on time each day and, in the event that You are delayed or cannot attend Your Placement altogether, You will notify the Lead Coordinator as far in advance as is reasonably possible. Alternatively, You may notify another individual, such as the In-Country Staff member associated with your Placement, provided that this individual has been expressly nominated in advance by the  Coordinator
(d) You will not take any time out from Your Placement in order to undertake personal in-country travel or to spend time with friends or family unless You have obtained the express permission from the Lead Coordinator.
(e) You will not spend the night away from Your accommodation unless You have obtained the express permission from the Lead Coordinator.
(f) You will not allow any person to enter or spend the night at Your accommodation unless You have obtained the express permission from the Lead Coordinator.
(g) You will leave Your accommodation on the Placement End Date stated unless You have obtained the express permission from the Lead Coordinator. This includes local home-stays that You may have stayed with during Your Placement which We sourced and introduced to You. You will not leave Your Placement earlier than the intended end date without consulting the Lead Coordinator.
(h) You will ensure that any equipment used by You, whether personal belongings or otherwise, are cleared away and kept tidy and orderly at all times, in both personal and communal living areas of the accommodation. You will treat Your Accommodation with respect. Failure to do so may result in You being asked to leave Your Placement.
(i) You agree to drink alcohol only in moderation throughout Your entire time abroad. The Lead Coordinator will explain the drinking rules that apply to Your Placement when You arrive in-country.

(j) You will not buy, handle or consume any illegal substance during Your stay. You understand that We have a zero-tolerance policy on this matter and anyone who is caught in possession of illegal substances or is suspected of using or handling them will be asked to leave their Placement and Accommodation immediately
(k) You acknowledge that We explicitly advise against You developing sexual relations with any persons in the country where You are staying and You do so at Your own risk. Specifically, You accept and understand that there may be different attitudes to sexual relations in the countries that You visit, and that this could result in danger to Yourself. You also accept that health facilities may be of a lower standard in Your Placement country and that HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases may also be common. You acknowledge that You are aware of the risks of unplanned pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases involved in unprotected sexual relations. You also acknowledge that You are aware that drugs are sometimes used in cases of rape/non-consensual sex and this may be a risk while socialising during Your Placement.
(l) You will follow the advice of the Lead Coordinator at all times. Failure to do so may put You or others in danger and may lead to You being asked to leave Your Placement and Accommodation immediately
(m) You are responsible for Your health and wellbeing. You agree to deal with any medical ailment immediately and seek medical attention and the advice of Your medical assistance company, should You require it. You accept that health facilities in Your placement country may be of a lower standard than You are used to.
(n) You will ensure that return flight date falls before the expiration of any in country visa requirement. You understand that You need to obtain Your visa (if required).

Additional for the Volunteer Coaching Programme
(i) * Furthermore on the VOLUNTEER programme, unless otherwise permitted by the Lead Coordinator, You will not consume  alcohol in excess from Sunday up until Friday evening. This rule may be relaxed on Friday evening and Saturday provided You have obtained the express permission from the Lead Coordinator. You understand that We have a zero-tolerance policy on this matter and anyone who is caught over consuming alcohol or is suspected of consuming alcohol outside the times permitted by the Lead Coordinator may be asked to leave their Placement and Accommodation immediately.
(o) If You are undertaking a volunteer Placement under the VOLUNTEER programme, You agree to attend the minimum hours of Your Placement provided by and agreed by Us. The agreed hours will be a minimum of four (4) hours per weekday (Monday – Friday) unless otherwise expressly stated in literature given to you or by the Lead Coordinator. You understand that You have made a commitment to Your placement and will perform to the best of Your ability.

Termination of Placement
If your trip is terminated as a result of non compliance with the code of conduct or terms and conditions, you will be asked to leave immediately and asked to refund any costs incurred as a result of the non compliance.

Discrimination on any grounds
We do not stand for any form or discrimination against any individual. If you see, hear or are a victim of discrimination, please inform the Lead Coordinator immediately.

Drugs
There is an absolute ZERO tolerance on drugs. Anyone who is caught in possession of illegal substances or is suspected of using or handling them will be asked to leave their Trip immediately

Programme Facilities and Services

Telephone

If you are from the Netherlands your mobile phone might not work at all in Saint Lucia, as the frequency is different. If you want your phone to work please check first with your local telephone provider service but calls are likely to be very expensive. However whatsapp is working fine and is free!

The international dialing code for Saint Lucia is +1758

Laundry

Is available on the accommodation.

Electricity

In Saint Lucia the power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Money

The official currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR) An approximate conversion rate follows:

1€ = 15 ZAR

For the most current exchange rate use www.wisselkoersen.nl

Spending Money

We would recommend that you allow for €60 – €100 per week spending money for your time at the project.

Smoking and Drinking

Smoking and drinking is tolerated in Saint Lucia, although smoking has been banned in public areas such as cinemas, bars and airports. You will find that you will be able to get imported beer cheaply in most establishments and there are many tasty local beers too. Argentina is more famous for wines, so you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to try some local varieties.

However, please respect other volunteers/interns. Drinking is only permissible in moderation and must not impact on your work during the week. While we want you to have fun in your free time, antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated on the project.

Currency & Spending Money
The official currency of Argentina is the ‘Oost-Caribische dollar’.

You will need some spending money for local transport costs, lunch and any independent travel you want to do. You will also want a bit of money for local food, basic items such as souvenirs, postcards, stamps and toiletries, as well as for internet cafes. Read the information below to help you prepare your finances for travelling and the ways you should deal with money matters abroad.

Budgeting

We advise you to budget your likely spending before you arrive in-country. Remember it’s easy to overspend with the social experience and extra travelling you may do. We recommend that you budget for weekly spending of £100-£120 (US$145 – $170). However, this really is dependent on what you buy, and if you intend to travel at the weekend, your budget should be higher.

Cash

You should take some cash out with you (e.g. to the value of US$20 – $40 in $1, $5, and $10 denominations). This ensures that you have some local currency immediately when you arrive in country in case of any emergencies. It’s always better to carry small denominations of cash on you for public transport, taxis, food and water. It is also advisable to carry a fake second wallet and keep your real monies and cards in a money belt or a well hidden wallet. In the event that you are forced to give up your wallet, you can simply hand over your fake wallet without losing lots of money and important bank cards.

ATMs and Bank Cards

There are ATMs in throughout the island, however do not count on this when you go travelling to smaller towns. You should not have a problem withdrawing money with a plastic card (but do check with your bank first). Visa is accepted, but you may have problems with other cards such as American Express – again it’s best to check this.

As for using credit cards, they are accepted in more and more places, but cash remains king (again the locals especially favour low denomination bills and you may find it difficult to change bills of $20 and certainly for $50). Remember if you do use your Credit Card from ATMs, you may be charged a Credit Card charge, as well as incurring interest immediately on your withdrawal. Debit cards are not widely accepted, but you may be able to withdraw cash from the ATM with them. Check with your bank before you leave that you are able to use your card when overseas. Also check what the bank charges would be.

Remember to be ‘on your guard’ when withdrawing cash and look around for any unsavoury characters watching you. Never use ATMs at night time, unless the area is well lit, or you can enter a secured area.

If you want to locate visa ATMs overseas, use the following website: http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/jsp/SearchPage.jsp

Make sure you remember your pin numbers and always carry your bank card’s international ‘lost or stolen’ phone numbers with you. It would be a good idea to discuss card security when overseas with your bank prior to departure.

Beware!

You may find other places that are willing to change both your cash and travellers cheques. These may include shops, taxi drivers and ‘street corner’ money changers. You may also discover a thriving ‘black market’ that trades in foreign currencies. However, please note that you should stay away from any unofficial exchange bureaus, especially the ‘street corner’ exchanges. Not only are they likely to be illegal, you are also subject to being ripped off. Stick to the banks and you avoid any risk.

Free Time

You are always free on the weekends. As an intern or volunteer you can do whatever you want. But it is good to know that there are always organized programs for you. Some are free and others cost extra money. See below a schedule of what is offered.

Hike Gros and/or Petit Piton – Transport approx. EC$180 between group, Guide EC$50
Pigeon Point National Park – Boat Taxi EC$20, Entry EC$7
Sulphur Springs – Transport approx.  EC$120 Tour – EC$5, Bath EC$2
Rainforest Ziplining –  EC$60
St. Lucia Carnival (j’ouvert etc.) – J’ouvert; Entry, Costume, Food & Drinks   EC$150
Caribbean T20 premier league – From EC$15
Scuba certification and diving – 1 dive US$85, PADI Certification 2 day course US$340
Rhythm of rum distilleries – Rum tasting and Distillery tour EC$26
Marigot Bay – Transport Free, Boat taxi across the bay Free 

Note dates of activities are not guaranteed and will change depending on factors, such as weather, number of volunteers wishing to take part and other potential events taking place.  Participants will only be able to partake in all activities if they come for a full 12 week duration. Prices may vary between now and arrival date