Sports Psychology Internship in St Lucia, The Caribbean, Castries
As a largely misunderstood discipline in the Caribbean, sports psychology is an area in where a self motivated and knowledgeable sports enthusiasts will be able to make an instant impact. Using your knowledge of Sports Psychology, and applying the relevant theories to your chosen sport, you can have a positive impact on the development of both teams and individual players on this intriguing and fulfilling placement.
Castries, St Lucia
This internship requires you to participate for a minimum of 4 weeks. We believe an 8 week position will give both you and the athletes a lot more value. We will also need a CV from you showing at least 2 years relevant experience (ideal for university students needing a placement experience after year two of their degree course).
Sports Psychology in Saint Lucia
Sport is a significant part of St. Lucian culture yet the most popular sports operate at an amateur level. A lack of funding and infrastructure alongside insufficiency in discipline and commitment means much of the high nationwide potential remains unfilled. The benefits to performance of mental strategies is still underutilised and misunderstood in the region, hence the assistance of dedicated interns, can change, enhance performance of some of the island’s top athletes.
This project is ideal for psychologists with a particular interest in sport as well as undergraduates working on university dissertation projects. You will be given an excellent platform from which to further your knowledge by working with National athletes and the region’s young developing talent. This is a great opportunity for self-motivated and adventurous individuals to gain unique experience in a competitive sports environment, whilst getting full support and guidance from our in-country team.
Your Sport Psychology Placement
The sports psychology placement is intended for people who already have an academic or professional grounding in the subject. This could be a qualification such as degree-level Sports Psychology, Sports Science or another related subject, to at least 2nd year level. You could even use your time in Saint Lucia to prepare a project or dissertation as part of your course. Because psychological analysis among sports teams on the island is a relatively undervalued concept, experts in the field are a rarity. Therefore you must be independent and self-motivated to make a mark on the profession as you will be required to work independently and will subsequently get out as much from the placement as you are willing to put in. Your contribution could prove to be a unique and immensely valuable one in the progression of St. Lucian sport, as psychology in a sports environment is relatively unused and misunderstood.
Your Sport Psychology Role
We have a number of links with National teams and domestic sports clubs in St. Lucia, hence we are able to place you in the environment that best suits you. This ranges from National netball and rugby players to up-and-coming young cricket and tennis players, and you are not limited to just one position, as you will have the option to rotate between a number of sports disciplines and environments. Participants in the sport psychology placement can let us know what they want to do before departure and a preliminary itinerary can be drawn up to cover these interests.
During your stay in St. Lucia, you will have the opportunity to work closely with the national male and female rugby teams. This is a great opportunity to be an unrivalled asset to competing National teams and monitor the progress of their athletes. As teams aspire to professionalise and increase ranking, coaches will be receptive to any contributions you can make to training and preparation in their sport. You may also be invited to run school classes on match-preparation and life-styling. You might want to deal with the whole team or, alternatively, work intensely with a small group of players. Either way, you will find that your relationship with these talented and ambitious sports persons will develop into a strong and lasting bond.
In addition to your hands-on work with local athletes, you will also have the opportunity to discuss your ideas and methods with the local coaching staff, who would be happy to share their experience with you. They will also be a valuable source of information in coming to understand the character of Caribbean attitudes and cultural habits.
University Dissertations and Tailored Sport Psychology Placements in Saint Lucia
If you are a student in a sports psychology, sports science or similar course and are able to use part of your studies to gain hands-on experience, we can make a programme that suits your needs. Furthermore, if you are already qualified, it is a perfect opportunity to gain the sought-after experience all professional employers look for. A sports psychology placement in Saint Lucia is the ideal opportunity to gain an insight into the role of sport in the community, as well as gain a greater cultural understanding of sports development in developing nations.
International Sports Psychology Development Programme
By joining one of our sports psychology internships abroad you may be selected to join our International Sports Psychology Development Programme. Its aim is to provide ongoing sustainable input for both athletes at a grassroots to professional level whilst ensuring our sports psychologists have relevant continuous professional development.
Executed through our partnership with practising and professional sports psychologists you will be provided resources, mentorship and a framework to deliver effective sports psychology across multiple areas. This combined effort helps serve an often overlooked or privileged area of sports development whilst building a community of professionals that can share and contribute in a positive way to help athletes reach their potential on and off the field.
Criminal Records Check
We require you to complete a criminal records check in order to take part in this experience. We can accept those that have been done in the last two years if you have the certificate. In the UK it can be done through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in the USA further details can be found on Travel.State.Gov, otherwise please search for your local service provider. We may also request a reference from a reliable source. You must supply these to us before departure and also take a copy with you to present to the in-country team.
Why do we require a criminal background check?
1) Ensuring a safe environment is conducive to learning, productivity and overall positive experiences for everyone involved.
2) We implement thorough screening processes and we are committed to safety and integrity, fostering trust among participants and the local community.
3) Conducting background checks serves as a preventive measure, deterring individuals with questionable backgrounds from attempting to participate in our programme.
4) Safeguards vulnerable people from potential harm within the programme.
From the below arrival dates please choose a trip with a range that means you are with us for an even amount of weeks. This helps us manage airport transfers and also helps with the management of the projects. For example, you could come for a 6 or 8 week trip but not a 5 or 7 week trip.
Start Dates 2025
31st Jan – 2 to 30 weeks
14th Feb – 2 to 28 weeks
28th Feb – 2 to 26 weeks
14th Mar – 2 to 24 weeks
28th Mar – 2 to 22 weeks
11th Apr – 2 to 20 weeks
25th Apr – 2 to 18 weeks
9th May – 2 to 16 weeks
23rd May – 2 to 14 weeks
6th Jun – 2 to 12 weeks
20th Jun – 2 to 10 weeks
4th Jul – 4 to 8 weeks
18th Jul – 4 to 6 weeks
1st Aug – 4 weeks
15th Aug – 2 weeks
Start Dates 2026
30th Jan – 2 to 30 weeks
13th Feb – 2 to 28 weeks
27th Feb – 2 to 26 weeks
13th Mar – 2 to 24 weeks
27th Mar – 2 to 22 weeks
10th Apr – 2 to 20 weeks
24th Apr – 2 to 18 weeks
8th May – 2 to 16 weeks
22nd May – 2 to 14 weeks
5th Jun – 2 to 12 weeks
19th Jun – 2 to 10 weeks
3rd Jul – 4 to 8 weeks
17th Jul – 4 to 6 weeks
31st Jul – 4 weeks
14th Aug – 2 weeks
Note 1: Dates are subject to change.
Note 2: It is important that you arrive on published arrival dates to help with operational management and induction. In St Lucia this tends to be a Friday. There maybe an additional fee if you still require airport collection outside our normal times. Approx. GBP £60 each way.
Visa
British Nationals will not require a visa to enter St Lucia for up to 90 days. If you are travelling over 42 days (6 weeks) then you will have to provide travel details on arrival, to clear customs. All the details of the process will be explained once you have booked your trip.
For visits longer than 90 days we will arrange extensions for you.
Equipment Donation for St Lucia
We are dedicated to sustainable development. This is why part of the fee you pay goes towards buying decent equipment for beneficiary organisations in St Lucia. You will often use this equipment during your project and it is always left with the community when you leave. In some cases, an equipment donation may not be appropriate so a financial contribution is made instead.
Social Life in St Lucia
While you are abroad to make a difference it is still important to enjoy yourself and unwind. St Lucia boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, white sands and blue seas! We will often spend the days on the beach before training, and will organise events such as bbq’s or beach games. There are also a number of bars and clubs off the main beach. Then there is the weekly street party in Gros Islet where the roads are closed, speakers are rolled out and people party under the stars.
Travel and Adventure in St Lucia
With this project you get an excursion to world famous Marigot Bay, home to the set of the Dr Doolitttle film. Included is your return transport and water taxis across the bay. You can relax on a private beach or take a short rainforest walk, or get a drink in some of the best bars and restaurants on the Island.
You will be encouraged to explore St Lucia during your free time so you can sample some of its breath-taking sights and meet some of the Caribbean’s friendliest people. The capital, Castries, is home to numerous markets selling a wonder of goods and comes alive when the cruise ships dock. For bars and clubs we recommend Rodney Bay, the home of the vast majority of the hotels. This is also home to the main shopping mall. There are also the famous Piton Mountains which are located in the south of the island and are well worth a visit. You can also climb them if you are feeling ambitious. There is also the Sulphur Springs the ‘World’s only drive in volcano’! The springs are formed from water running through a volcano, which heats the water while the sulphur turns the water black. You can bathe in the water, which is reputed to make you live forever. St Lucia is home to many rainforests which can be explored in a number of ways such as on bikes, quad bikes and zip lining!
Accommodation
Accommodation is based in a shared house with dorm-style rooms and all bed linen is provided. The accommodation is a large open plan guest house, only a few minutes walk from the beach, making it the perfect base for a Caribbean adventure! There’s a large kitchen, sitting room and WIFI is available. Each bedroom has a shower and toilet and there are also laundry facilities.
Food
Breakfast is included on a help yourself basis. Lunch and dinner can be prepared in groups or individually as there is a supermarket close by.
Airport Pick-Up
We will arrange transport from the airport on arrival in St Lucia so long as it falls on the start date. Any arrival times outside this will incur an additional charge.
Training
Full project induction and local orientation given on arrival.
Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.
Donation
Part of your fee maybe used to buy decent equipment for the project and community you work with. We also encourage you to bring any extra equipment that you are happy to give away but this will need to fall within your personal weight allowance with the airline you travel with.
Flights; Lunch or dinner, Travel insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In-country personal travel; Soft drinks and alcohol; Extra activities not on itinerary.
Preferred Duration
8 weeks is a good amount of time to settle in, develop the relationships and get great value out of this sport psychology internship in The Caribbean.
Typical Hours
This will vary depending on weekly fixtures and sports events but as a guide use the following; Weekdays – Sessions will take place after school between 2:00pm – 4:30pm (subject to the school). Saturdays – Sessions will take place in the morning from 10:00am – 12:00pm. You are free to travel and explore the island during the days, or just spend it on one of the great golden sand beaches. There is also a street party in Gros Islet every Friday.
Pre-requisites
You need to have had at least 2 years at university or professional level in a relevant subject and we also require you to send a CV and cover letter to help with selection.
Ideal For
Sports Psychologists, Sports Science and Psychology Students, Professional Psychologists, Internship Opportunities, People wanting Work Experience, Sport Psychology Electives, Summer Placements, Those wanting relevant career development opportunities, those wanting access to sport networks
Suitable for ages 20 to 80
Most participants are between 20 and 25, so please be aware of this. We do welcome older people because of the value and experience they bring to the community.
You need to be 18 or over at the time you arrive in St Lucia. Those on an internship are usually 20 or older since needing some relevant experience to participant in the programme.
Breakfast is included in your project price. This typically consists of cereal, toast, eggs and local fruits. There is sufficient storage in the kitchen to store your own food. Some people like to cook independently, others in a group and this is usually worked out once you are in-country and have settled with the group.
All accommodation is based in a shared house with dorm-style rooms with air conditioning. The accommodation is a large open plan guest house, only a few minutes walk from the beach, making it the perfect base for a Caribbean adventure!
The house has all the required facilities including a fully equipped kitchen, large balcony for dining and socialising and living room with TV and WiFi. There are shower and toilet facilities per every two bedrooms and an additional toilet in the communal area.
Yes, there is a washing machine and ironing board in the house and a weekly laundry service is included.
This is completely dependent on availability at the time as there are only 7 rooms in the house. There is usually an additional charge of GBP £135 per week for this. Contact us to check availability for when you would like to come.
There is no safe in the house but each bedroom can be locked from the outside. We advise you lock any valuables in your suitcase. Coordinators live on the property which means that any problems that arise can be dealt with immediately. Staff are on site throughout the day and security is on the gate during the night so chances of theft is limited.
The accommodation is located on one of the main roads in Castries so there will always be buses to take you to the main city, local attractions or bars and clubs at the Rodney Bay strip. There are two of the island’s best beaches just a few minutes walk from the house, as well as a supermarket for all guest needs.
Weekdays – sessions will normally take place after school between 14:00 – 19:00 (subject to the school and programme).
Saturdays – sessions will take place in the morning from 10:00 – 12:00. You are welcome to travel and explore the island during the days, or just spend it on one of the great golden sandy beaches.
Excursions usually take place on Friday and Sunday; there is also a street party in Gros Islet every Friday.
This depends on your confidence, experience and the availability of local support. The in-country team will work around your comfort and ability and provide training where required.
We do not require you to have any particular coaching/teaching badges or qualifications, just an understanding of the game and a passion to help out on the project! You will receive a coaching manual on arriving in St Lucia and will be working alongside experienced coaches who will always be on hand to advise you and support your sessions. Those on internships with us will usually come with a bit more experience and focus on what it is they are wanting to achieve whilst away.
You will receive a wide range of support whilst in country, including a full time in country project coordinator, and local coaches at the project site.
There’s loads to keep you busy in your free time in St Lucia and our in-country coordinators will be on hand to point you in the right direction and book extra excursions for you. These activities include a Rain Forest Adventures Aerial Tram, botanical gardens, sulphur springs, paint-balling and zip lining. (please note these are an additional cost and not included in your trip price).
You need to arrive at Hewanorra airport on an allotted project start date where you will be met by one of our friendly in country team and taken to the accommodation to settle in. This is always on a Friday. If you arrive after the start date you can either make your own way to the accommodation or arrange collection with us but there will be an additional charge for this.
Your return flight should be booked on the project end date, a Friday. Transport back to the airport is included in the project price.
Transport to and from the project is included in the project price. Transport for extra excursions can also be arranged with the in country team for an additional cost.
Citizens for a large list of countries, including the UK do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. Please get in contact if you are unsure whether you require a visa or not. You will also be given contact details and address of where you will be staying when you book as you may need these for your immigration card on arrival.
There are no specific vaccinations required to enter St Lucia. However, we strongly recommend you visit a travel nurse before a trip in case boosters are required.
Being a Caribbean Island you can expect a lot of hot and humid weather throughout the year. As a tropical island, weather can be unpredictable and brief showers are fairly common. Due to its situation on the equator, St Lucia does not have well defined seasons. There is, however a rainy season which generally falls between June and November but these don’t tend to effect our work too much.
Yes, all donations are greatly appreciated. However, we will not assist in the transport of donations to St. Lucia so you will have to make sure to check luggage allowance before travelling. Some airlines will offer an extra bag for this but contact must be made with the airline against the booking prior to your flight to avoid problems when checking in bags at the airport.
We have great contacts with a number of local clubs and teams, so you will have opportunities to play and train if you want.
There’s a wide variety of gyms available on the island and close to our accommodation, all with short term memberships available.
We tend to use Vel’s Fitness Centre which is the closest and one of the most affordable. It’s basic but has everything including cardio machines, weight machines and free weights.
There are lots of alternative options available, and local to us such as:
1) BFiT758 – CrossFit & Functional Training gym with a wide range of group sessions, personal training, and open gym times.
2) Harbor Club St. Lucia, Curio Collection by Hilton is a high end modern gym, with all the latest equipment.
There’s plenty others too so it shouldn’t be difficult to find somewhere to fit your goals and budget.
"Getting such valuable sports psychology experience as well as working with national team players, has really given me the confidence to continue pursuing this career path. Doing it all in the Caribbean was the cherry on the cake!"
Tom Russell