Jamaica: Volunteering in the Caribbean

Volunteering Projects and Internships in the Caribbean - Jamaica

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.

As a volunteer with Projects Abroad in Jamaica you will have the chance to make a real difference on various needy and exciting projects including Teaching, Care, Sports, Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery and Culture & Community projects. You will live with a local host family who will provide you the very best Jamaican hospitality and you will find you rapidly integrate into the local community.

Projects Abroad Jamaica is based in the University town of Mandeville. We also have projects in St. Elizabeth (Junction, Black River and Santa Cruz) and St. Ann (St. Ann’s Bay and Discovery Bay). Mandeville is situated inland at a cooler altitude of about 2000ft, 100km west of Kingston it is removed from the main tourist trail. The town is the capital of the Parish of Manchester and retains an English ‘village’ feel with its grassy town square and local parish church. However, there are areas in and around Mandeville which are home to poorer communities, where there is a real need for help.

St. Elizabeth is the neighbouring parish to Manchester, approximately forty five minutes from Mandeville. It offers a different feel; a very natural, rustic and pristine atmosphere. Projects are located in Black River, Junction and Santa Cruz where much help is needed in these poorer communities. St. Ann is located on the north coast of the island, approximately two hours from Mandeville. It is called “the Garden Parish of Jamaica” on account of its natural beauty. While this parish is home to some of the island’s main tourist attractions, fourteen of the island's poorest communities are in St Ann. Many poor communities exist beyond the sun, sea and sand and need social interventions to assist in raising people’s standards of living.

Volunteering on a Placement Overseas in Jamaica

The Caribbean island of Jamaica is well known for its idyllic beaches, turquoise seas and romantic sunsets, however beyond the tourist brochure façade 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 island. 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’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.

Volunteer Travel and Tourism in Jamaica

Volunteers in Jamaica are spoilt for choice in terms of travel opportunities, both at the weekends and after volunteering. The Blue Mountains, YS Falls, Dunn’s River Falls and Treasure Beach are popular weekend or day trips from Mandeville.

There are literally hundreds of paradise beaches awaiting you in places like Ocho Rios, home to the aptly named Eden Falls, where you can tube or raft down the river. Water sports like diving and snorkelling are popular around the entire coast or 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.