J1 Martha's Vineyard

rbag

Hi,

Would anyone know what the work situation was like on Martha's Vineyard last year? I'm thinking of going over for the Summer but not sure..

surfjunkie

from what i remember from a family trip a few years ago. there are no pubs whatsoever on the island. don't know if that will have any bearing on your decision.

sedantez

Sorry for the late reply... only a year too late. Martha's Vineyard is a brilliant destination for a J1, I was there a few years back. Its an absolutely beautiful island (see JAWS movie for example!), amazing beaches and the locals are one of a kind - really good fun, not typical American and very cool.

There are plenty of bars and clubs on the island however one town, Vineyard Haeven, is a dry town. Would suggest trying to stay near Edgartown or OakBluffs.

There was plenty of work when I was there for all our gang - painting, landscaping, work in shops & restaurants etc. The only problem is that the town is very expensive and finding budget accomodation is very difficult.

Also, worth pointing out no bus service on the island so you have to get a bike or hitch hike everywhere... which is safe there and a great way of meeting the locals.

wanderlust1

Again, little bit late on this but I spent summer 2011 there on a j1 - LOVED IT!!!

There's very few Irish people there which is kind of nice in a way - a lot of my friends who went to Hyannis/Ocean City/Newport were bumping into people from home everyday. There's lots of Eastern European students and Brazilians on the island.

It's absolutely stunning there. Think secluded ponds hidden in the middle of a forests... private beaches that you need keys to get onto.. parties on boats and in massive mansions. It's an incredible place!

The locals are all SO friendly - especially to Irish people. You'll never be stuck for a lift, a guide or a great night out over there. There's a pretty regular bus route that runs between the main towns (every 15 minutes) Getting around up-island (Menemsha, West Tisbury area) can be a lot more difficult but it's doable.

As for jobs, I got lucky and scored a job as a server in a fine dining restaurant in the evening and another restaurant serving breakfast and lunch 3 days a week as well. Most people on the island work 2 jobs over summer. I made an absolute mint as well. The clientele you serve are usually pretty well off and will tip you quite well if you exceed the normal standard of service there.

MV is amazing!!

roseheather

I'm going there this summer i'm working in a boat club in edgartown sounds like a great job and a fab place to be but i'm finding accommodation really expensive , what should i be looking to pay and do you have any places to recommend !!

Any info would be great

sedantez

Getting accommodation is the tricky part about going to Martha’s Vineyard on a J1. Its home to the rich and famous so house prices are sky high.

We were lucky in that we knew someone who had been there the summer previous and organised budget accommodation (a cottage in the woods) for around $600 per week. We loaded it with people which made it more affordable.

I think that is your best bet, ask your employer if they can set you up with budget accommodation for the summer. Otherwise, try looking online.

Good luck!

roseheather

Thanks , good to know !! now to round up people to live with