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Lifestyle and Culture in Montserrat

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(Bachelor's, Master's & PhD)

Nothing is so uncomfortable as being caught-up between deciding how to behave and not having the chance to do so especially if you're in a foreign land! We understand that studying abroad can be a life-changing experience and, should you choose Montserrat, our RocApply tips and guides will enhance what will already be a wonderful trip by helping you also understand the culture and etiquette in Montserrat.  We recommend that you thoroughly go through this guide to enhance your peaceable stay with the Montserratan.

Montserrat, known as the Caribbean’s own Emerald Isle, shares much in common with Ireland. Irish influence is evident in the surnames of many people, the island’s resemblance to Ireland’s coast and the fervour with which Montserrat celebrates St Patrick’s Day. In fact, the country is the only place outside of Ireland where St Patrick’s Day is an official public holiday.

The people are well known for their lavish hospitality, respect for seniors, honesty, and sincere generosity. To this day, a visitor will be given tea and food before even being allowed to explain why he has visited!

Children’s first birthday celebrations, known as kemem, are among the most crucial. Montserratan family gatherings. Extended family and friends celebrate with tunes and huge feasts. Religion is also an important part of Montserrat culture, and most residents have fairly conservative ideas on nudity and alcohol, especially outside of the capital. These small islands command a disproportionately unique number of fishing and boat building techniques.

Most of Montserrat’s population are descendants of people who reached on the island against their will. These include not only the African slaves brought to the Caribbean, but also Irish indentured servants who came to Montserrat during the 16th century. Irish influence remains strong here, which has celebrated St Patrick’s Day as an official public holiday since 1768, the year a failed slave uprising broke out during Ireland’s national holiday.

Irish influence is also very much evident in the country’s traditional music, especially the drumming and fife playing accompanying the standard Caribbean rhythms found elsewhere around the West Indies. Montserrat’s music contains several African influences such as shak-shak instruments made from calabash gourds. Cricket is Montserrat’s most popular sport and the British subjects are happy to welcome foreigners to their casual and peaceful lifestyle.

Montserratan are people full of compassion and courtesy! This is evidenced by the level of security and peace the country offers. You will likely stay for the entirety of your study period unbothered here! There is no need to contemplate about studying here. The country lives up to its fame! Make your application today with RocApply and get started to roll with everyone else here.

 

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