Teach English in Jamaica with Projects Abroad

  Jamaica

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Year Round/Rolling Starts

Description: Jamaica is today a country of extremes, with wealthy Jamaicans enjoying a modern, western lifestyle, frequenting shopping malls and exclusive golf clubs, whilst the poorest people in society, some 16% of Jamaicans, remain living below the poverty line. The wealth distribution reflects Jamaica's slave-plantation heritage and the descendants of black slaves tend to be among the poorest classes in Jamaica. Yet it was the end of slavery that heralded the start of education for all and the government is currently investing in improving and modernizing the education system throughout the country.

As a Projects Abroad volunteer, teaching in Jamaica will give you an amazing new perspective on this incredible country. You can gain invaluable development work experience without any previous qualifications, and you are not required to have undergone TEFL training. Whether you are coming to volunteering during your gap year, career break or an extended vacation, you will have a role to play in one of the schools that we work with, and you will be able to make a real difference.

Teach English Language in schools with Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad Jamaica is based in the University town of Mandeville. Although Jamaica's official language is English, many children grow up speaking Jamaican Creole at home. Jamaican Standard English (a mix of American and British English) is taught in schools and speaking Standard English well is key to getting a sought after job in business or within the tourist industry.

Volunteer teachers work alongside the Jamaican staff to help improve the pronunciation of Standard English. By running lessons in Standard English and making them fun and inclusive you can really help to develop the pupils' confidence. They are sure to be interested in you and your life, and you can take advantage of this to get them talking to yourself and each other.

In most schools you will begin as a classroom assistant, supporting the teacher in their lessons. However, as you get to know the children better and start to grow in confidence you may want to take on more responsibility. If you have any other interests or subjects you would like to teach - such as math, art, music, drama or sport there will be opportunities to incorporate these into your classes too.

Volunteering on a Teaching Project in Jamaica

Whatever your skills, as a volunteer in Jamaica you will make an important contribution by improving students' spoken English and giving them the confidence that comes from being able to communicate more easily. You will also help to increase cultural awareness, which is one of the main aims of the government's current educational campaign.

The impact you have on the lives of your students will be obvious and long-lasting, but you will also be part of a much larger volunteer network, which is making a really positive contribution to the wider community. It will be an experience you never forget!

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

Further a field literally hundreds of paradise beaches await, with added attractions at 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 snorkeling 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.

All accommodation is organized, paid for and monitored by Projects Abroad. All project placements are regularly visited and checked. We require high standards of supervision and accommodation, which are verified before you arrive in Jamaica.

This project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Qualifications: none

Cost in US$: From US$2,895 Up

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 16-80

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Jamaica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 2-5

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992