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Hello all....I was wondering if anyone could give me any information on the Americorps program on St. Croix at Lutheran Social Services. I was interested in this program however don't know if the living stipend they offer would cover my living expenses. The program would start in June and last 12 months. Any advice, comments, recommendations?
Posted : March 23, 2006 5:01 am
How much is the living stipend? I seem to remember it was $10K/year.
Posted : March 23, 2006 12:43 pm
Topic starter
yes that's about right
Posted : March 23, 2006 2:44 pm
bwells,
I personally don't feel comfortable telling anyone to move here without having $10k cash in hand, after the cost of moving, to hold them over while they're getting settled, looking for housing and looking for a job, and then waiting for your first pay check.
Even though you'd come with a job already locked in, I've gotta tell you that I think it would be darn near impossible to cover your STX living expenses for a year on $10k. The only way I can imagine it happening is if you wrangled yourself free lodging, with utilities paid and laundry on site, that's within walking distance of where you worked. You'd also need to have friends who could take you grocery shopping, to the beach and other free entertainment, etc. as it's hard to get around without a car. More savings would come by growing some of your own fruits and vegetableand eating a lot of Top Ramen and Kraft Blue Box (mac & cheese). Travel off island is costly, so you'd probably be stuck on island for the duration, or be limited to taking a $75 (or so) ferry ride to STT if you wanted to escape this rock (for a different rock) during that year.
You'd also have to limit what you brought with you to keep shipping costs when you move down and then back to the states (if you decide to go back).
I guess it could be done, but it sure would take a lot of luck and sacrifice.
Sorry....
--HC
Posted : March 23, 2006 3:12 pm