Expat opportunities in American Samoa

How's the economy and job opportunity situation in American Samoa? The guidebooks make it sounds really run-down and bleak... Are there any American expats out there? As a US citizen are there any visa/permit hastles for living and working there long-term?

There aren't a ton of opportunities here, but there are a few possibilities. Most expats work as lawyers, teachers, managers, construction workers. or in tech-related post. What kind of job are you looking for? You won't get paid much here, but it is also possible to save a lot more of your money here than in the States.

You don't need a visa to stay here, but you may get hassled at customs if you don't have a return ticket or a letter from a potential employer. Nobody asked me any questions when I arrived and I honestly wouldn't worry about it too much.

I wouldn't describe Samoa as bleak, but people certainly don't take care of it like they should. There is trash around, but I've seen more elsewhere and many villages are kept very clean. I don't mind living here, although there are much more interesting vacation locales in the area.

Let me know if you need any more specific information!

Thanks lilfoot1598, I really appreciate the information. I'm a freelance web developer/designer mostly. I support myself well enough living in Vietnam and elsewhere in SE Asia, although I'd be struggling if I were back in the USA on this income. I wasn't sure how the economy on AS compared though. I'm actually educated as a environmental biologist (I've worked with a lot of primates and done conservation work). I'm happy to do that kind of work but in most of the world it's not a viable way to make a living. Hoping to also get CELTA certified to teach English soon too, but I don;t imagine it's a useful credential on AS?

What would rent be on an average, basic apartment, or for that matter the room rates on a decent guesthouse room or hotel room? If visas are not necessary are room and food is cheap enough, it might be ideal.

There is very little need for ESL/EFL teachers here per se, but even high school students have ESL-type difficulties and have comparatively low-level English skills. There may be ESL classes offered at American Samoa Community College, but that's about it. You could probably get a job as a high school science teacher rather easily. You could go through the department of education or contact the private schools directly. I work at Pacific Horizons School and we have a chemist teaching our science classes this year! Another good private school is South Pacific Academy. I can give you contact information if you are interested in that. I know some biologists who are able to come down to work with NOAA or The Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (sea and forest conservations). If you are tech savvy, Blue Sky Communications (cell phones and internet service provider)might be a good bet.

Basic apartments here are quite expensive, as is power. My brand new, three bedroom apartment is $1000/month. There are plenty of places for around $$600-800, but nothing much below that range. I have always shared my apartment with other palagi colleagues to defray the cost a bit. Food is about the same as it is stateside, sometimes slightly more because it has to be shipped in. Gas and cars are very expensive, but there are a lot of small bush stores scattered around and there is also a fairly decent and cheap bus system. So in general, the cost of living isn't cheap but there is also very little to spend your money on (no clothing stores, etc.). To put things in perspective, I make $16,000/year and have no problems paying my bills and having some money left over to travel on.

Decent guest houses are hard to come by and I know nothing about them. The Clarion Tradewinds is a major hotel that caters mainly to business travelers and is a rip off at over $100/night. There are a few decent guest houses that run between$40-$60/night.

Anyway, I hope this helps you make a decision. Let me know if you would like some contact information for any of the places listed above!

Thanks so much. You've really given me a lot of great info. That gives me a good idea of the economy regarding the aspects that are important for me. If you can pass along any of the school contacts, I would greatly appreciate it.

Here is the information for Pacific Horizons School:
Mara Ashley, School Director
P.O. Box 326
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
Phone: (684) 699-5787
Email: info@mail.pacific-horizons-school.com
Website: www.pacific-horizons-school.com<BR><BR>Contact Information for Public Schools:
American Samoa Department of Education
P.O. Box DOE, American Samoa, Pago Pago 996799
Tel: (684) 633-1246/1247
E-mail: [webmaster@doe.as]

American Samoa Community College
Board of Higher Education
P.O. Box 2609
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
Telehone: (684) 699 9155
Website: www.ascc.as<BR><BR>That's all for now. Let me look around and get you some contact information for some of the other private schools.

Thanks so much! You've been incredibly helpful! :)

Just one more contact for you: South Pacific Academy

I would say this is the other high-quality school on island (together with PHS)

Sally
myonset@yahoo.com

This is Sally's personal email. The school email address is currently down, but Sally personally screens all job applicants anyway.

There are other private schools with religious affiliations here, but I'm sure you can get more information from the DOE if you are interested in those...

Thanks so much!

As I pointed out in the Guam thread, US citizens can work and live anywhere in the US and its territories they wish to, as guaranteed by the Constitution. Customs and Immigration might ask you questions, but that's their job, won't cause you to get denied entry or anything.