Hello there,

I was offered a job for 3 years at Bonaire today, but before I can decide if I take the job I would be pleased if someone could answer some questions. I really would appreciate it if you took the time.

1. I'm going to earn 4000 NAF (bruto/gross); is that enough to live on Bonaire and enjoy a lovely life with probably a trip to Mexico, Jamaica and so on; or do I need more (I have 2 young kids)
2.What are the prices for renting a spacious house (appr.) ?
3. Does anyone know teachers who are going back to Holland, whose house will be for rent for 3 years ?
4. Are there a lot of mosquitos on the island ?
5.Suppose you don't like watersports, would life not become a bit dull on Bonaire (excuse me for saying it so bluntly)
6. There seems to be a school for children aged 5 where all the Dutch children go; does anyone know its name, so I can contact her (I ask this because than he can still talk a bit Dutch, otherwise he would immediately learn Papiaments)

Hope someone takes time to answer my questions.

Bye,

Ben

Hello Ben,
I can only address questions 4 & 5. It's easy to see why someone living in a country on the edge of the North Sea might not like water sports, but I'd be surprised if that didn't change living in Bonaire. Think warm, clean, turquoise water filled with fascinating things to see. There are other appealing aspects to life on Bonaire. Perhaps the most enjoyable for those of us from more northern latitudes is the sunny wonderful climate, and the healthy, casual, outdoor lifestyle. There can be lots of mosquitoes during December and January and there are some mosquitoes year round. But they're not around in the daylight. At dusk, dawn, and the night there are ways to deal with them (screens or mosquito nets, repellant or long pants starting at dusk) so that they aren't a major hassle. I think it is a wonderful place for young children. If you need world class museums, opera, ballet, theater, and shopping then it isn't the place for you. Otherwise, it sounds like a great 3 year opportunity.

#6. Actually there is not one school that all the Dutch kids go to. There are 5 public schools for that age on Bonaire. Some interested parents recently organized a new school for ages 4-7 with Dutch as the primary language. You can email them at: mailto:ours@telbonet.an . Other schools would have Papiamentu as the primary language for ages 4-5 and begin learning Dutch with age 6. Recently they planned to teach in Papiamentu with the transition to Dutch at around age 8 or 9. This has not happened as of yet.

Ben,

4000,00 a month gross is not a lot for a family of 4. It is not bad though. I know some of the dive instructors make 1500,00 a month. My friend's working class parents make 3,000 combined..it's tough..I could not do it (with OB and all the other deductions from the gross..not much left after..to me..)..with 4 based on my desire to travel, drive a car, call the US to chat with Mom, internet, and dine out occassionaly...

There are many mosquitos, ants and creepy crawlers but none bother me much..my house has ants galore and I am getting a bit fed up..need to sort this out. My child uses a mosquito net..I have a commercial blasting fan on me all night so I am fine..haaa..

Sounds like you will be at SGB??

Annie

My boyfriend and I will be moving to Bonaire in the fall, He is going to attend med school. WE are not sure how much money is needed to live comfortable. How much does housing usually cost? and what should we expect? Any information will be nice?