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Jamaica Volunteer Programs

Why choose Jamaica Volunteer Programs?

We identify and offer programs where travellers can volunteer, intern or study abroad while immersing in the ‘Real’ Jamaican culture at affordable prices.

When you book with us you will be treated as if you are a relative visiting from overseas and provided with a safe home away from home environment.

Many visitors to Jamaica do not get a chance to experience Jamaica beyond the confines of the all-inclusive hotels, villas and resorts.

We will provide you with the perfect combination of impactful work/study programs and thrilling cultural immersion trips that will allow you to touch, feel and see the ‘Real Jamaica.’

Our programs are flexible, available all year round and are suitable for college/university students, high school students, individuals and families or groups seeking to bond and work together.

We create opportunities for volunteers to make a real difference, gain life changing experiences and valuable life skills.

Reviews

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Jake
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

This experience was one of the best volunteer experiences I've ever had

I came to Jamaica not knowing what to expect from the trip but it has truly amazed me how this small little island of Jamaica had so much to offer. The people were so kind and friendly and always used their slang which I tried my very best to pick up so I can take home to my family and friends haha. The volunteering experience was very heartwarming for me because even though Jamaica is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, there are a lot of impoverished persons there, who needed help and this is what I believe volunteering is all about. I helped at local primary schools and even a soup kitchen that feeds the elderly. I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of this experience and I will definitely return.

Pros
  • The people
  • The food
  • The beautiful scenery
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Sara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Carlow University Study Abroad in Jamaica

When we arrived in Jamaica, we were greeted by the staff overseeing our volunteer experiences. They are such welcoming, warm and friendly people. Aligned with the Works of Mercy by feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked and instructing those who lack education have been fulfilled on this experience as we provided services in soup kitchens, schools, and mental health clinics. The most impactful experience was the appreciation of the Jamaican people for the services and fellowship we provided.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Curried goat, coconut drops, roasted breadfruit and Jamaican apples
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Kaya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It Was The Best

The trip to Jamaica was the best trip In my high School Career. Being there I definitely look at everything differently and no regrets. One of my favorite parts of the trip was costing the Annie Dawson Home because the girls there were so grateful, beautiful, loving, and funny. I also loved the house we stayed in, the food that was cooked for us, and the party they threw for us before leaving. Another I enjoyed was the beach, it was so beautiful. I love Jamaica and would most definitely go back if I could.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
The advice I would give is do not travel if your not going to try to be open to different food and others culture, it just defeats the purpose of traveling.
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sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

a lifetime experience

My time with Jamaica Volunteer Programs was outstanding and unforgettable. The whole organization of the program was reliable and uncomplicated. The Volunteer House is a beautiful clean place with a stunning view. I felt comfortable from the first day on! The provided food was fresh, healthy and delicious.
All members of the family are very caring, warm-hearted and always there when I had questions or needed any help. The internship itself was very interesting and there were many different opportunities to work with people in two different settings. I was able to make a lot of experiences that shape me both in my professional career and personally. Furthermore, I could explore the island with private guided tours which were absolutely amazing. I highly recommend this program and I definitely want to come back again!

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Seth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ACES 298 in Jamaica

The experience was an incredibly fun thing to do for the class, and was very educational. The staff were very kind and personable, and the Smokey Vale Manor was absolutely lovely. We were served Jamaican food every day at the manor, and given lessons on Jamaican culture with any questions we had answered by the very nice and personable staff. They accompanied us on our trips, making sure we got where we needed to go, giving us advice and tips, and pointing out nuances of what we saw and did.

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Eliza Wilder

Meet Eliza! She is a first year graduate student studying pharmaceuticals at the University of Cincinnati. She likes to ride horses, hang out with friends, and enjoys trying new foods!
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Why did you pick this program?

The University of Cincinnati's "Serve Beyond Cincinnati" student organization partners with both domestic and international organizations to volunteer and make the world a better place. We were placed with Jamaica Volunteer Programs to assist with working in an orphanage and primary school. I love children and service so I felt this was a perfect match for me...AND I WAS RIGHT! I loved the children so much!

What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?

I encourage every single one of my friends to go abroad! In undergrad I studied in France and now this most recent trip has solidified my love for traveling. Even if one of my friends goes to an English speaking country I encourage them to go! I tell them traveling doesn't mean going to somewhere you don't know the language. Traveling is to experience a new culture, try something out of your comfort zone, and open your eyes to what the entire world has to offer.

What is the most important thing you learned abroad?

The most important thing I learned abroad is openness and awareness of other cultures. I'm originally from a small rural Ohio town where there was barely any diversity. Being exposed to other cultures truly opened my eyes to the beauty of the world. But it also reminded me to count my blessings each day and to never take anything for granted.

What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?

My favorite experience was the first day at the orphanage. We arrived in the morning while the children were eating breakfast. We were waiting at a picnic table outside and marveling in the fact that the children only had a swing set in a concrete playground. The orphanage was exactly how you see it in movies, but living the experience was a whole different ball game.

Once the children finished eating we heard a woman tell them to go outside so we prepared to meet them. But as soon as they saw us they ran to us, climbed all in our laps, grabbed crayons off the table, and it was absolute chaos!!! These children had no idea who we were but they loved us immediately. We were complete strangers in their lives but they could not stop talking to us, getting us to play games, and demanding attention. It struck me as profoundly beautiful that children with no possessions or toys or anything to call their own could love so immensely.