Best International Schools in Barbados

One of the things that make Barbados such a popular destination to people from both overseas and throughout its own borders is that, it offers world-class education across an extraordinarily wide range of fields and disciplines.

In fact, one of the most important and fastest-growing areas in global education is international schools. For this reason, our list here provides you with some information about the best international schools in Barbados.

The Seaforth High School

The Seaforth High School is a private, all-girls school located in Lower Bay Street, Bridgetown. The school was established to answer the need for an island-wide girls’ high school and was officially opened on 16 February 1963 with three staff and 50 students. It has grown exponentially over the last 50 years, with over 500 students enrolled today.

The school has won several awards, including winning the Barbados Chamber of Commerce Award for Business Excellence in and being awarded the Outstanding Caribbean Examinations Council School by Caribbean Examinations Council.

CedarBridge Academy

CedarBridge Academy is a private secondary school located on Oldbury Road in St. Michael. The school opened in September 2005 with eight students and has rapidly grown to become one of the leaders in international education across the island.

The school provides an American-based curriculum that is guaranteed to enable its students to develop a deep understanding of both academic disciplines and educational values that will see them not just survive but thrive in a rapidly changing, global world.

Villa Academy

Villa Academy is an international style elementary and secondary school. Its programs and curriculum are designed to prepare each student for success in a rapidly changing, ever more interconnected world.

Here, they will be equipped with the necessary skills of creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving that form what is known as The 4 C’s of 21st-century learning. All of this is delivered by means of a unique series of dynamic and transformative educational experiences.

Raffles International School

Raffles International School is located in St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church. Raffles was founded as the first English-speaking school on the island and has been delivering excellence in education for 60 years.

More than 2,000 students are enrolled across the Pre-School, Primary School, Middle School, and High School. The school provides both British and American curriculum for students who hail from over 40 countries worldwide.

Raffles is one of the schools in Barbados to have achieved International Baccalaureate World School status. It has won several awards, including the Outstanding Caribbean Examinations Council School by Caribbean Examinations Council. It is also a Microsoft Showcase School and an Apple Distinguished School.

The Providence College

Providence College is a secondary school located on Broad Street, Bridgetown. It is an all-boys school and part of the Seventh Day Adventist Education system. The college opened its doors in October 1937, with a staff of three and 51 students. Today it delivers excellence across a range of core disciplines and offers courses at both GCSE and GCE Advanced Level.

The college has been recognized as one of the best schools on the island and has won several awards, including winning the Barbados Chamber of Commerce Award for Business Excellence and awarded the Outstanding Caribbean Examinations Council School by Caribbean Examinations Council.

St Gabriel’s School

St Gabriel’s School is a private, all-girls school that offers an accredited British curriculum and also provides the IB diploma program. The school was founded in 1940 and has grown significantly over the years to where it stands today, with over 2,300 students enrolled. It provides excellent facilities such as a 25-meter swimming pool, television studio, state-of-the-art ICT suites, and science laboratories.

The British Schools Foundation (BSF)

The British Schools Foundation (BSF) is a group of schools located across the globe. The United Kingdom Government founded the BSF in 1975 to provide educational services for children of British civil service staff abroad.

There are over 20,000 students currently enrolled in The BSF’s schools which include St. John’s School (Barbados), St. George’s International School (Tunisia), Sandford English School (Oman), and Hilterfingen (Switzerland). The BSF has been recognized as the best school by Caribbean Examinations Council in 2015.

Dottins Academy (DA)

Dottins Academy (DA) provides a world-class education for children between 2 and 18 years. It’s a co-educational, day and boarding school that has been an important part of Barbados’ educational landscape since 1965.

The academy has grown significantly over the years and is now home to 1000 students who enjoy excellent facilities, including a 25m pool, tennis courts, rugby pitches, cricket nets, and science laboratories. The academy has won several awards, including winning the Barbados Chamber of Commerce Award for Business Excellence.

The Barbados Community College

The Barbados Community College is an institute of higher education established in 1966. It delivers courses across various disciplines, including business, engineering, applied science, humanities, and tourism.

The college offers internationally accredited programmes at the undergraduate level as well as offering access to bachelor’s degrees through articulation with local universities or other institutions abroad. Students can study under the auspices of The University of the West Indies and Barbados’ public universities.

Studying in Barbados in 2022

Have you ever wanted to study aboard? Perhaps you’re looking for high-quality education on beautiful Caribbean beaches with laid-back vibes and friendly locals. Then, Barbados is the place for you! Here are six things to know before studying in Barbados in 2022.

1)    What is the cost of living?

The cost of living in Barbados will be relatively low compared to other countries. For example, the average price for a movie ticket will be around USD 8, while coffee or tea will be around USD 6.

If you wanted to, say, rent an apartment for a month, it’ll cost about USD 600. Your tuition fees will range from $8,500 – USD 16,000, depending on the course you’re taking and how many courses you are enrolling in per semester/year.

2)    What kind of university is the best?

When you study abroad in Barbados, you’ll have a lot of options and where to go. There are more than three universities in the country, each offering different prestige, and different courses. The University of West Indies has campuses worldwide and has received many awards for its quality education offered.

Cave Hill School of Business and Education has a small student body but provides high-quality education in business and law. Finally, the University of Professional Training offers courses in hospitality primarily.

3)    What kind of country is Barbados?

Barbados is a small island nation in the Caribbean. It’s known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and popular tourist destination. The island was first colonized by the British and has since had a large influence on its culture and language.

Many locals will also speak English with an accent similar to the British. Haitian Creole is another common dialect on the island, but it’s not as widely used as English and is more common among the working class.

4)    Is travel easy from Barbados?

Traveling to other countries from Barbados can be very easy and cheap. Many airlines fly to different cities, like London, New York, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, and Toronto. Most flights last about 2 hours and cost about $800 – USD 2,000.

Once you’ve landed in one of these cities, it’ll be easy to travel to the United States or Canada (depending on which airport you land in).

5)    What are the must-see attractions?

Barbados is known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibes, but if you want to learn more about the island, you’ll have a lot of options. The Caribbean Civil Rights Centre is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region, as well as see some art exhibitions.

There’s also Oistins Fish Fry on Friday nights, where many locals will go out and eat some local grilled fish and meet with friends. It’ll be a great place to meet the locals, eat some good food and have a drink.

6)    Is it a good place to live?

Of course, yes! Barbados is a great place to live. The cost of living is low, the people are friendly and welcoming, the beaches are beautiful, and there are a lot of tourist attractions. It can get pretty hot in Barbados during certain times of the year, but that’s what ice cream and popsicles are for.

Conclusion

So 2022 is here, and it might seem like a long wait for some people. But if you want to know what studying in Barbados will be like in 2022, you don’t have to wait; we’ve got the inside scoop on everything that’s going to happen. All you need is to follow this platform for more relevant updates.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Barbados is one of the few Caribbean countries with a high literacy rate. This does not mean that there are no opportunities for improvement as Barbados continues to face several challenges with regard to its education system, such as overcrowding and underfunding.

However, their educational system has been continuously improving, especially at the primary school level, where more public schools are being built. Parents are also becoming more aware of the importance of education, which is reflected by an increase in the number of children enrolled in primary school.

The government has plans to expand even more on this growth, with its new ‘Education Sector Strategic Plan,’ which covers the years 2015-2025. Their aim at this stage is to have Barbadians that are more qualified, resulting in an improved overall standard of living. They hope to achieve this by increasing the number of students who advance past the primary school with good grades.

This plan was created because there were noticeable deficiencies regarding their former plans’ goal achievement. It is hoped that this new plan will address some of these shortfalls and improve the education system by focusing on five key areas: access, quality, equity, management, and outcomes.

Today, we will walk you through the best private and international schools available in this country. Not only is that, but you’ll understand the reasons to study in Barbados as an expat. We will cover some of the benefits, cons, and many other things, to mention a few. Read further to get the full details!

Benefits of Studying in Barbados

As the festive season rapidly comes to an end, many students are thinking about where they should study. There might be a lot of choices around you. However, there is one destination that stands out among all others.

If you’re looking for a warm climate with beautiful views and friendly people, then Barbados should definitely be at the top of your list. Here are some of the most compelling reasons why Barbados is a great place to study abroad.

Experience a Variety of Teaching Methods

There are many types of courses available in Barbados, and because the culture embraces learning, there is a diverse range of teachers from all over the world with many different styles to teach you. You will have more opportunity to experience studying under these varying circumstances as at home, you might only have access to one teaching method.

Gain Independence from Home

You might have been living under the watchful eye of your parents for a long time, and going away may be a new experience for you as well as an exciting one. You will learn how to cook, clean, and keep yourself safe on the island so that when you return home, you are fully prepared to be out on your own. You will have the chance to explore the world around you and relax through this newfound independence.

Meet People from Different Cultures

Studying in Barbados gives you the chance to meet people from all over the world and make friends with them, which is great for development as well as opening up your mind. You can learn about their home countries, customs, culture, and why they chose Barbados to be their new home. You can also learn the language if you choose to study one of the languages spoken in Barbados.

Enjoy Sunny Weather All Year Round

The Caribbean is well known for its hot, tropical weather, so it will be much more enjoyable than studying in cold or unpredictable climates because you will feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your course. There are many outdoor activities to participate in, such as surfing, kayaking, and sailing, which you can try throughout your stay with Barbados’ year-round great weather.

Life Experiences Are Priceless

Studying abroad is not only about gaining knowledge but also experiencing new cultures with exciting travel opportunities around the world. You will create memories that don’t cost any money but are priceless and can be kept to look back on with fondness.

Embrace the Caribbean Lifestyle

When you study in Barbados, even if it’s just for a few weeks, you will be able to embrace all that the country has to offer and might even learn how to cook some of their traditional dishes. There are many different places for you to explore, with white sandy beaches perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, as well as warm, clear waters perfect for these activities.

You can learn about the history of Barbados by visiting some of the old plantations, which are now museums where you can learn about plantation life, see how sugar cane was processed to make sugar and rum, and also hear stories passed down from generation to generation about former slaves who worked on the plantations.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the country’s history and even hear personal accounts from people there.

Participate In Fun Activities

Barbados is known for its entertainment and nightlife, and there are many clubs, bars, and restaurants where you can hang out with friends and meet new people while enjoying the music, culture, and food of Barbados. There are also great opportunities to hire a car or go on a tour and explore more of the island and even some neighboring islands such as St Lucia, which is only a short boat ride away.

Best Private Schools in Barbados

Many people choose to send their children to private schools. There are several reasons for this which include smaller class sizes, greater parental involvement, and better education results overall. For those that want the best possible education for their child, then these private schools in Barbados should be at the top of your list.

1.    The Lodge School

The Lodge School is a co-educational independent school located in the parish of St. Peter. It offers education from Kindergarten to Sixth Form and has roughly 200 students enrolled at any one time. As far as facilities go, there is a library with extensive resources and a computer lab.

Also, there are science labs for biology and chemistry, a music studio, a drama stage, and an auditorium. The school also has a large playing field for sports use.

2.    Bridgetown Grammar School

Bridgetown Grammar School offers education to children from preschool through to secondary level. The school is located in the parish of St. Philip and boasts small class sizes, which allow the teachers to focus on the individual needs of each child.

The academic curriculum is designed around international standards, offering traditional knowledge and modern ideals. Students are also encouraged to develop their physical well-being, with many after-school activities to take part in.

3.    Holy Trinity School

Holy Trinity School is located in the parish of St. Lucy, in a rural area west of Bridgetown. It is a small school with over 100 students enrolled at any one time and offers education from nursery to secondary level.

In terms of surroundings, its location might not be as picturesque as others on this list, but the facilities make up for it. The school has an extensive collection of books, a state-of-the-art information technology lab, and science laboratories. The school also offers its facilities to interest outside parties for functions.

4.    Grenada Boys’ Secondary School

Grenada Boys’ Secondary School is located in the parish of St. Andrew’s, not far from Bridgetown. The school offers education from Kindergarten to Sixth Form and has roughly 250 students.

Athletics are a very important part of the curriculum, with students encouraged to participate in cricket, soccer, netball, table tennis, and swimming. For students that excel in certain areas, they are also given opportunities to participate in special clinics and training.

5.    St. Michael School for Girls

Located in the parish of St. Michael, this school is co-educational from Kindergarten to Sixth Form, offering education only up to secondary level. The school has around 100 students enrolled at any one time and boasts a teaching staff that is highly qualified academically with many years of experience in the classroom.

Moreover, It has a wide range of facilities, including a science lab, music room, and drama studio. The school also offers students the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities such as cricket, soccer, swimming, netball, and rugby.

6.    Queen’s College

This school offers a huge range of subjects and extra-curricular activities. There is a high level of pastoral care for every student, which includes the provision of a dedicated teacher who advises on any issues related to their studies or home life. The cafeteria food at this private school in Barbados is rated highly, and Queen’s is well known for its academic reputation.

7.    Harrison College

Harrison is a leading private school in Barbados, with an emphasis on education as part of a holistic experience. Students follow an all-rounded lifestyle that develops them into becoming confident adults ready for further study or work opportunities. The school has successfully produced top-performing students with a strong record in the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Barbados is an island country located in the Caribbean. Like many island countries in the Caribbean, it is known for its golden and white-sanded beaches, rich culture, exotic tropical beauty, and curious national treasures. Barbados was a British colony until she gained her independence in 1966.

For this reason, much of Barbados’ culture and customs mirror that of Britain than any of the African or Afro-European cultures present in the country. This cultural blend contributes to why Barbados remains one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Caribbean.

But for the expat who wishes to spend a lot more time than a regular tourist, it becomes necessary to know just how much a high-quality life in Barbados would cost. Barbados is unarguably one of the most expensive places to live in the world, but this is all for a good reason.

Even though different reports on Barbados’ cost of living conflict, there is a standard range these costs fall into, and this article will give you an idea of what to expect as an expat living in Barbados. Does that sound interesting? If you answered YES, read further to know what we have unleashed for you.

Barbados Visa and Traveling Expenses

As a British citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Barbados. This doesn’t mean you can stay for a long time without a visa. If you plan to stay for longer than the specified period granted you on your entry, you’ll need to apply for an extension at the Barbados Immigration Department at a specific cost. But 180 days is the longest time permissible.

If you’re a foreigner (Americans and Canadians included), you need to get an entry visa to be able to enter Barbados. Some of these visas are valid for up to six months, after which you would either apply for an extension or apply to be a legal resident.

A single entry visitor visa costs $104, while a multiple entry visitor visas cost $208. With a single entry visa, you can only enter the country once and would need a new visa to return once you leave its shores. Still, with a multiple entry visa, you can enter and leave as frequently as you’d like, with every visit limited to a certain number of days. Your visa would take at least two weeks to be processed.

If you’re worth at least $5 million or you’re a retiree who owns property in Barbados, you can simply apply for a Special Entry Permit that gives you legal residency for 10 years (if you’re below 60) or indefinitely (if you’re above 60). To apply, visit the Barbados Consulate or Embassy closest to you and get the process started.

Accommodation

Barbados offers a wide array of affordable and luxury housing options for expats, foreigners, and whoever’s interested. The real estate scene in Barbados features residential homes, condos, townhouses, luxury apartments, properties on the beachfront, retirement homes, houses in gated communities, tiny apartments, villas, etc.

The cost of renting or buying a house in Barbados depends largely on which area you decide to live in. Barbados real estate is spread across three coasts; the East Coast, West Coast, and the South Coast. Housing prices along these parts depend on factors like their proximity to certain amenities.

The East Coast, for example, is where you’ll find a lot more affordable accommodation because it is far from the shopping malls, the stadium, etc. This part of the island is more rugged and wild and appeals to those with a knack for adventure. Some neighborhoods in that area are Bottom Bay, Long Bay, Ocean City, etc.

The South coast houses some of the nicest neighborhoods on the island, but even though they cost more than houses on the East coast, they are affordable. Living on the South coast is great if you have to travel a lot because it’s the coast closest to the airport. Some of the most popular areas on the South coast include Rockley, Worthing, Durants, Dover, Elizabeth Park, etc.

Now, the West Coast in Barbados is the pricey, luxurious side of the country. Its nickname -Platinum Coast- is befitting because there, you’ll find some of the most luxurious beach resorts, villas, and hotels. All of the good stuff is on this side of Barbados, which is why it’s so pricey. The areas on the West coast include Oistins, Port St. Charles, Heywoods, Sandy Lane, Bridgetown, Royal Westmoreland, etc.

The typical range for a rental property in Barbados can be as low as $1,000 and as high as $10,000 per month. Like we mentioned before, the price depends on 1) the area, 2) the size of the property you wish to rent, 3) the amenities you want access to, like a swimming pool, etc.

If buying a property outright is your plan, then you should know this. As a foreigner/non-resident, you have equal property rights with citizens of Barbados, but you need to get permission from the Exchange Control Authority before buying a property. The funds must also be transferred to the Central Bank of Barbados before you can buy the property.

The process can be very time-consuming and stressful, but with the help of a good real estate agent and lawyer, you can have it all settled in three months. Prices per square foot usually start from $1,000. Some houses cost as much as $3 million in Barbados, but of course, you can get a mortgage for 50-70% with a maximum of 15 years.

Utilities and Connectivity

The resources needed to generate power do not come in handy on this island. Therefore, don’t be alarmed when you discover that the electricity bill is higher than what you are used to. The Barbados Light and Power Company power the properties on the island, and you can even get an estimate of what your light bill would cost in certain areas before moving there.

You can also install solar panels to power your home like many households in Barbados already do. Water is, of course, supplied by the Barbados Water Authority. Although the water is treated to be suitable for drinking, many expats prefer to drink bottled water.

The National Petroleum Corporation will also supply natural gas. At the end of the month, the total of these bills would range between $100 – $130. Your internet, cable, and mobile telephone services would cost around $25.

Food

Unlike most places, food can get very expensive in Barbados, even when you want to stick to homemade dishes. This is because a good majority of the food items are imported from other countries, and upon their entry into Barbados, they are heavily taxed. A particular product you buy in the U.S. is usually almost three times its original price when it gets to Barbados. 

Regardless, there are certain stores where you can buy food at lower prices. If there’s one thing Barbados has an abundance of, it’s the fish. So, if you enjoy eating fish, you can get them at low prices in a local fish market. 

Eating Out

Because Barbados caters to thousands of tourists every year and food is one of the ways people like to experience new places, eating out can get very expensive. Restaurants in the city’s center and those that cater to main tourists sell costly food. Even fast food is expensive. Nevertheless, there are local restaurants that serve local cultural delicacies. Because they cater to a more localized audience, food can be bought at lower prices.

Healthcare

Barbados boasts of one of the best healthcare systems in the Caribbean. Despite its small population and high population density, the healthcare policies and provisions are on par with some of the best ones worldwide.

As an expat, your healthcare priority, once you move to Barbados, is to sign up for international health insurance. It does not matter how young or healthy you think you are; signing up will only do you good. Private healthcare can be costly, and if you do not have insurance, you might find yourself paying thousands of Barbados dollars for a mere migraine.

As research disclosed, 65% of the healthcare facilities belong to the public health sector while the remaining 35% are private. While the government has made public healthcare significantly cheaper than their private partners, it’ll still cost a ton.

If you suffer from a chronic illness, there is also a way you can save drug money when you’re in Barbados. The initiative is called the Barbados Drug Service, where those suffering from chronic illnesses are entitled to free medicine. Apart from the issues your health insurance can cover, a few minor health concerns that need urgent attention may surface.

For example, a regular cold medicine like Tylenol, coldrex, etc., can be gotten for 10%. 12 doses of antibiotics (a box) cost $16. A visit to a private doctor could cost you a few dollars too. Just get your health insurance, and you’ll be just great.

Leisure and Entertainment

Barbados is not one of the best tourist destinations in the world for only its beaches. There are so many recreational activities you could engage in that would keep you entertained and relaxed.

Barbados has a bustling nightlife and party scene. A lot of these parties and clubs are free to enter. Beer is one of the cheapest commodities in Barbados, so you’ll have plenty to drink (if you’re into that). If you want something a bit fancier and put together, you can go out on dinner dates.

While a regular night out in the local pub can cost you $20, dinner at an Italian, Chinese, or other high-end restaurant might cost you anything from $100 to $300. You can buy tickets to the movies too for nothing over $20.

If playing sports is your way of relaxing, this small island has you covered too. Barbados is called the sporting capital of the country because of the different activities you can engage in. You can go bowling, cycling, go-karting, horse riding, horse racing, hiking, walking, etc. You can team up with other expats or new friends to play golf, polo, tennis, and even rugby.

Watersports like body surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and many more are not left out. As a tourist, you might need to employ a guide to help you experience these things, but if you decide to stay for the long term, you can experience them at your own pace. Some of these activities come at zero cost, while certain others could cost you a few hundreds of dollars.

For more inexpensive enjoyment, you can go sightseeing, reveling in Bridgetown’s museums and enchanting botanical gardens. You will find several caves you can also explore on your own. Do note that even if you’re without a professional guide, you might still be charged a small entrance fee to access these places.

One thing you should keep in mind while spending on your entertainment is that you can find true relaxation by simply walking and letting the breeze wash over you. Unless it’s something that means something to you, there’s no need to splurge your budget on just the fun times.

Self Care

If it’s not locally sourced, it is expensive. Like we mentioned earlier, most things are imported from outside the country, and the government places an insane amount of tax on it. If you’re coming from a place like the United States, it might be a bad idea to leave all your toiletries, makeup, accessories, clothes, and personal effects shopping till you get to Barbados. That would be a terrible move because although you’ll find the same quality of products here, they’ll be sold three to five times the original price.

A great tip for saving a considerable chunk of shopping money will be to bring everything you believe you’ll need into the country. Do not hesitate to pack bags filled with clothes, shoes, personal effects, and even toiletries when you’re relocating. You should only seek to replace these things when you run out.

Apart from buying things costlier than they should, some expats have also complained about not having the selection and availability opportunities they would typically have in other places. So, if there is something you really like back at home, bring it in its dozens to Barbados.

Studying in Barbados

Since Barbados was colonized by the British, their education system followed the British model. For the expats still pursuing education, international schools are the best option because they make transitioning easy. Instruction and evaluation are also presented mainly in the English language.

Now, Barbados’ schools provide the highest quality of learning, but it comes at a very high cost. Even the local schools are considered expensive, but if it’s any consolation, the system is of the highest quality—tuition rates for elementary and secondary school range between $1,500 – $7,000 per term.

It might help you to know that Barbados is 98% literate.

Transportation

Like most island countries, a car might be an unnecessary expense. It’s a small country, and unless you want to go on a ride somewhere far, you can walk anywhere. Many expats prefer to leave their cars parked in their homes while taking public buses to their destinations. Public transport will get you anywhere you need to go conveniently, in and out of the city center.

One trip usually costs under $2, regardless of the distance. Carpooling is also commonplace in the expat community because they live not too far from each other. So, if you need to be somewhere in the city, chances are there’s someone with a car going in that direction. If you cannot import your car from your home country or purchase a new one, you can rent a car.

Many tourists do this, but for an expat who plans on staying for a long time, it might not be feasible. Renting a car costs between $500 to $600 per month. You can also rent for one day if there’s somewhere essential you need to be, and it usually costs about $50 per day.

There are no e-hailing services in Barbados yet, but there are traditional cabs that would drive you anywhere you need to be for a fair price, usually starting from $20. If you don’t move around too much, you can spend a little over $150 every month on transportation. If you need to move a lot, you might want to consider investing in a four-wheeled vehicle.

Average Cost of Living in Barbados

As a single person living in a modest rented apartment in Barbados, you can live on $1,500.

Without paying rent, a family of four could conveniently live on $5,000 every month. On average, the cost of living in Barbados is 34% higher than that of the United States.

Earning in Barbados

Many expats, especially retirees, move to Barbados, intending to live on their savings. Through smart budgeting, a lot of these retirees make it work. Some of them also receive their pensions from outside Barbados, and this is sufficient to live on.

There is another set of people who permanently reside in Barbados – they are called the digital nomad community. During the pandemic, the government of Barbados initiated a program designed to welcome remote workers from all over the world to live and work in Barbados for 12 months.

The Barbados Welcome Stamp visa opened the doors for a community of remote workers contributing to the economy. If you work remotely already, you can move your business to Barbados and continue to fund the lifestyle you can afford. If it interests you, you can pick up a few interests in Barbados that could quickly turn into side hustles and reduce the financial burden.

Barbados is ripe with investment opportunities. You can take advantage of this to grow your income and earn your keep. Tourism is a great money maker, and you can eat out of that pie if you know your way around it.

If you have any experience running a business, you can put that knowledge to work by starting a business. Look around your immediate community and find a problem that you could solve for people. Barbados is very supportive, and governmental policies are designed to favor small and local businesses. So, don’t hesitate to start something up.

Note: As a non-national, you cannot work in Barbados unless you have a work permit, and the Barbados Immigration Service grants these permits.

Living in Barbados on a Budget

Although life in Barbados can get very expensive, especially when you’re not earning enough to take good care of yourself and your household, there are a few ways you could cut back on some expenses and save some money. Here are some little tips and tricks to help you live that high-quality life on a budget.

1.    Book Your Flights Early

You can save a lot of money (as much as $400) on your flight costs if you book them early. It can get costly if you wait till the last minute.

2.    Eat Local Food

You might have to reinvent your palette, so it stops craving your homemade dishes and start adjusting to the local food in Barbados. Anything that has to be imported into Barbados will be expensive. To save money, eat more local food and cook them yourself too.

3.    Choose Practicality Over Luxury

There is a lot of room to live a luxurious life in Barbados truly, but if you’re living on a budget (with no constant source of financial reprieve), then you’ll need to set your priorities right and choose practicality. This means choosing home-cooked food to eat out, taking public buses instead of renting a car every day or hiring a driver to take you around town, and so on.

Conclusion

For all the incredible beauty, entertainment, and wonder that living in Barbados has to offer; it is no wonder that the cost of living is above average. Overall, it’s a great move if you believe you can afford it. You’ll definitely get more than your money’s worth as soon as you see your quality of life improving.