[bayoubengals]

Where have you worked? Barrow, Bethel, Kodiak, KetichiKan(sp) etc...
What was it like?
Would you go back?
How was housing?

I am thinking about going there for my next assignment. I was stationed up there at Clear AFS twice and I lived in Kenai, AK for 6mth. So I know about the cold and dark during the winter and the extended daylight during the summer.

[musherdeb]

hi,
i have just started traveling but i was in Alaska for 8 years. I worked in Nome and Fairbanks and Anchorage areas. I did not ever get to Barrow. there are a few things you need to know about working in Alaska.
Other than Anchorage and Fairbanks, you will more than likely have to share housing. There just is not enough housing in the smaller villages. Keep in mind, things are more expensive there and you really need to do your homework and research the area you are going to. The native population is great to work with if you dont go in with the attitude that you are going to change their way of life.
It is a different life and a harsh one. There are many things you wont agree with adn you should make sure you can handle being in remote areas. There is usually not much to do in the smaller villages unless you are willing to do the things that are common there. There are no malls or shopping centers in the smaller villages.
A 12 pack of soda can cost as much as $8-10. In Nome you dont get a car. but it is only a mile and ahalf long so dont really need one. they have a great taxi service that is acutally not too expensive.
Bethel is a larger village but not a city. It is a busy hospital. Nome and barrow do not do surgery so the tough stuff gets shipped out.
Kotzebue is a nice village but i never worked there.
just do your research. you can learn alot and have a great time.
you can email me if you want any more info
deb