International Volunteer Work and Internships in Jamaica

Jamaica Map

The Caribbean island of Jamaica is well known for its idyllic beaches, turquoise seas and romantic sunsets. However, beyond the tourist brochure, Jamaica is a country of laid back welcoming people, smiling children, and a lush mountainous interior well worth exploring.

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean and was described by Christopher Columbus in the late 15th century as the ‘fairest land my eyes have ever seen’. Plenty of visitors today would still agree and tourism is a vital source of income for the country. However, many visitors who find time to venture off the cruise ships do not make it beyond one or two coastal towns and often miss out on one of Jamaica’s biggest assets - its incredible mix of people.

Jamaica

Jamaica’s rich history and cultural heritage is an intriguing mix of Arawak Indians, infamous pirates, Spanish settlers, British naval explorers and slaves yearning for freedom. Today, people of African descent make up just over 75% of the 2.6 million population.

Volunteering in Jamaica is a unique way to experience the real Jamaica, a world away from the tourist hype. Projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, whether you are a volunteer on a gap year, a summer placement, or a career break.

Volunteering Abroad in Jamaica

Projects Abroad Jamaica is based in the University town of Mandeville. Situated inland at a cooler altitude of about 2000ft, 100km west of Kingston, Mandeville is removed from the main tourist trail. The town is the capital of Jamaica’s Manchester Parish and retains an English village feel with its grassy town square and local parish church.

However, there are areas in and around Mandeville that are home to poorer communities where there is a real need for help. As a volunteer with Projects Abroad in Jamaica, you will have the chance to make a real difference whether you are teaching English in a school or working on a Care project. You will live with a local host family who will provide you the very best that Jamaican hospitality has to offer and will find you rapidly integrate into the local community.

Travel and Tourism in Jamaica

Volunteers in Jamaica are spoiled for choice in terms of travel opportunities, either during the weekends or after volunteering. The Milk River Bath is a popular day trip from Mandeville, which is a natural hot spring renowned for its healing powers and a relaxing way to spend the day after a busy week at work.

Further a field, hundreds of paradise beaches await. Added attractions at places like Ocho Rios, home to the aptly named Eden Falls, are where you can tube or raft down the river. Water sports like diving and snorkeling are popular around the entire coast or you can choose to lie back in a hammock and sample a classic Jamaican rum cocktail.

Finally, no experience of Jamaica is complete without experiencing the vibrant music scene. Strains of Jamaica’s most famous citizen, Bob Marley, will undoubtedly follow you everywhere on the island and spectacular music festivals take place throughout the year.