Faculty-Led Study Abroad in Jamaica

The Jamaica Study Abroad is an excellent value of time, experience, and learning. In Kingston, Jamaica, I had the opportunity to understand the culture of the people in Jamaica and the economic landscape that forms the societal values. The Jamaican people are immersed in a rich history that shapes each aspect of their life. As an American student, this all helps me understand their motivation to work hard and how they impact the global economy. Beyond the economic aspects, the cuisine and reggae helped us understand the values they hold close to them. Understanding these values have helped me realize how they deal with adversity and challenges, and how Jamaicans make an effort to provide a better life for their own children.

This program was an all inclusive experience. I was able to not only volunteer but be directly submerged in the culture, and get hands on experience of the histories and root of the culture. This is truly a once in a life time experience, rarely do you get the opportunity to take part in a program that gives you the best of everything - from learning of the maroons, to historic cites such as Castelton Gardens, to experiencing the beautiful and diverse cuisine that Jamaica has to offer and finally giving back to the future generation.

Jamaica volunteers is truly an amazing experience, what makes it unique is the way you are able to experience real life in Jamaica without all the tourism.
you get to live alongside a Jamaican family in a local area, eating Jamaican food and working with Jamaican colleagues, so it is truly the real deal.
The guest house is lovely and spacious with lots of character and scenic views, the facilities could be updated however such as Aircon in all bedrooms and up to date TV/Entertainment.

All of the staff are really friendly and helpful, the cook is very accommodating and punctual.
The drivers are really reliable and trustworthy with good manners and a great understanding of Kingston and beyond.

The human rights programme was extremely worth while, with a variety of conferences to attend as well as teaching life skills to students and day to day admin tasks. It was very varied and all the staff were approachable and friendly and made my time there memorable and enjoyable.

There is so much to do in kingston alone including shopping malls, beaches, nightlife, museums, local events like festivals, restaurants etc. you never run out of things to do, however its important to budget for these as they can be expensive.
I reccommend deciding what trips you want to do when you arrive rather than in advance as it is cheaper and you may meet other volunteers that want to do something as a group.

Overall this is an amazing experience and this is mainly because of the hard work the staff put in to making sure you have a fun safe time in Jamaica, i have made friends for life on this island and will definitely be returning in the near future!!