First off, let me apologize: I know this question does not strictly adhere to travel and is definitely not US-related, but let me explain... The readers of the Fodors boards have always struck me as extremely knowledgeable, and the US board is by far the most active.

That aside, here is my question... I am graduating from college in May. I am taking a year off before going to law school, and I have decided that my "dream" is to move to the Caribbean and work as a bartender at a resort (or any nice bar) and have a great time being young and carefree for the last time.

Does anyone know how to best go about making this happen? First, I need to know what island would be best for a young, intelligent, open-minded American to move to for about a year. Secondly, how do I go about getting the job I want? And lastly, where do I need to look/go to go get a bartending license or take bartending classes?

I apologize again that my question kinda breaks the rules, but Fodors was the first place I thought of to look for answers. And, thanks in advance to anyone who helps this dream of mine come true!

Let me start by saying that if you get any flack from this post on Christmas, consider it from an immature, unintelligent individual with a chip on their shoulder. Now, back to the caribbean. I'm not going to say that I'm a caribbean expert but I've spent some time on about 50% of the islands. In my opinion, I would start with the U.S. Virgin Islands...St. Thomas possibly. We've met individuals just like yourself while visiting the U.S.V.I. The seemless transition is what catches my attention. U.S. currency, I don't believe you'd need a passport since you are already a U.S. citizen. Many U.S. tourists. And BEAUTIFUL. Good Luck and I admire your enthusiasm!

You would get more responses on the Caribbean Board on Travel Talk home. It is also a very active board.

The most enjoyable islands are not always the safest islands, and do beware that Americans are reviled by native islanders in many areas.
Safest islands which are still somewhat upscale and fun:
Grand Cayman
Anguilla (very quiet though)
Aruba
Turks/Caicos (also very quiet)
Puerto Rico is a mixed bag but has the most to offer as far as nightlife and such.
Good luck on your attempt to become Tom Cruise for a year (Cocktail)

Just a comment on your mention of a "license" or perhaps classes for bartending. Forget that. There are no licenses and the courses that "teach" you to be a bartender are generally laughed at by people in the food and beverage industry. Experience is the key but if you present yourself well, have a good personality and love people, you're likely to be able to find a place in a resort area that will give you an opportunity. Before you start looking, read a few books on bartending and then park yourself at a bar on a few occasions and watch. Tip well and don't be afraid to ask some questions if it's not teribly busy. Tell the bartender what you're planning to do and ask for feedback. Most bartenders in a busy hotel type setting know someone who's worked in resort areas or may have done so themselves at some point. Also.... consider positioning yourself to get hired as a "bar back" to get the experience you need. A bar back acts as a runner for the bartender in a busy place to restock the coolers, cut fruit, pour drafts etc. It's the logical stepping stone to working as a bartender in a better quality establishment and an option worth exploring.

Trying to re-direct this back to Robert's question....

It has been YEARS since I was in VI's, but wager my observations still valid.

Seems most of the workers were native people, very friendly, very nice, and very poor. I have no idea of the tax situation, but would wonder how fun and carefree a time you could have bartending. Things were so expensive. Unless you view near destitution as the fun you seek, this might not be an ideal choice.

Having worked in hotel & restaurant industry once, I fully concur with Owen's advice to you about learning the trade.

Good luck. A year off to "blow off steam" sounds great, but hope you'll do more homework first before you pursue this particular endeavor.

This post sounds more like Harald to me, but I hope he is gone.

Robert. As mentioned by several posters, to work on some islands you have to be a native or a work permit.

I would check with some of the larger chain hotels like the Marriott and Club Med who hire staff for positions in island locations. It would also help if you speak at least one other language.

Good luck.

Thanks everyone for your great advice.

No, I am not the Robert that posted in the Bahamas thread about hating swimming with dolphins. You may have seen my posts concerning the South Carolina coast, a trip to Chicago, and various other threads. I grew up near the beach and I love everything about the outdoors.

The point about not making much money in the Carib. is very true. But, considering I have been in college for 4 years, being broke is nothing new to me. As long as I can have a reasonably respectable place to live and some change in my pocket, I'll be happy. I don't expect to be saving for retirement or anything!

Bartending was just one idea out of many. What else could I do? I'm not registered for SCUBA, but I am great with people and kids. I speak some Spanish and French...enough to get by somewhat. I'd do anything short of hard manual labor - remember, I'm going to relax and have fun for a year!

Thanks to everyone who has helped me, and thanks esp. to Grant and Nancy for their entertaining spat! Strength of opinion is always fun to watch. Keep it coming guys!

Robert,

This may be a good place to start your search:
www.hcareers.com

Good luck!
Andre

Robert: Sounds like an excellent plan - one I would have jumped on in a heartbeat back in my earlier years.

The only problem is that most (not all) Caribbean-based establishments don't hire "foreigners" since they suffer from high unemployment rates. The government will not allow it when their own people cannot even find work.