Thank you so much for such an amazing experience! It was a true honour to participate in the programme and I loved every moment. I have returned home with a true appreciation for Jamaica and its culture, and was so pleased to be able to make a small difference in a school there. Already thinking of the next trip!
Volunteer in Jamaica
Immerse yourself in Caribbean culture on International Volunteer HQ’s Jamaica volunteer abroad program. Choose from a wide range of trusted Jamaica volunteer projects, including Teaching, Childcare, Sports Development, and Animal Care. Volunteer work in Jamaica is based in and around the parish of St Mary in the northeast of the island. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 140,000 travellers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organisation in Jamaica.
Highlights:
- 10 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from AU$842 for 1 week
- Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, daily breakfast and 24/7 in-country support
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Accommodation in a dormitory-style volunteer house or local homestay
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Unique add-ons available, including Blue Hole, cave, lagoon and city tours, as well as cooking and dance classes
Key information
Volunteer opportunities in Jamaica
Protects animals
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$842
- Duration: 1 - 4 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based at a dog shelter in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Help a local dog shelter to care for up to 200 dogs, giving them the best chance of being re-homed. Assist with playing, cleaning, feeding and shelter upkeep in a busy but rewarding environment for animal lovers.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$842
- Duration: 1 - 4 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based with start-ups, charities and NGOs
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Use your business experience to help local start up enterprises to get up and running, or go to the next level.
Provide a safe space for youth
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$842
- Duration: 1 - 4 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based in schools in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+
For those with a passion for promoting wellness among young people, volunteers help to work through mental health and emotional understanding, running workshops to equip students with the tools to deal with the challenges of growing up.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$842
- Duration: 1 - 4 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based in kindergartens in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist in busy kindergartens with all aspects of daily tasks. Help teachers to provide more focused attention to children during lesson and play time, with a flexible approach to helping wherever it’s required.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$994
- Duration: 1 week
- Only available the week of Christmas
- Based in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
This is a special Holiday project that runs for one week over the Christmas period. Help collect donations and provide Christmas gifts, food and companionship to underprivileged communities in Jamaica during the festive season.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$842
- Duration: 1 - 4 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based at schools in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist in special education classes in schools, helping local teachers to provide attention and stimulation to students with a range of learning challenges.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$842
- Duration: 1 - 4 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based at schools in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Volunteer in local schools, helping to teach or practice new sports with students aged between 5-12. Assist local teachers or take charge, and even introduce your own favorite sports from home.
Conserves the environment
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$842
- Duration: 1 - 4 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based at a farm in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Volunteer at a goat ranch or help local youth get involved in agriculture and develop an interest in farming, beekeeping, soap making, paper making and other skills which may help generate future income opportunities.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$842
- Duration: 1 - 4 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based at schools in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist local elementary school teachers in busy classrooms of up to 30 students. Help to give students learning support and be on hand for assistance wherever it’s needed.
Protects animals
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$842
- Duration: 1 - 4 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based at veterinary clinics in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+
IVHQ’s only specialised veterinary project, where you’ll be partnered with a local vet to help to treat animals in a hands-on way.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Elissa Baird
04 Jul 2024
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Giovanna Zucchini Nery
26 Jun 2024
It was an extremely meaningful experience, where I could meet incredible people and make a positive impact!
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Isabella Lemos Oliveira
26 Jun 2024
It was the best experience of my life. I met so many new people, made new friends, and felt honored to have helped the ones in need.
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Maliha Saraf
29 May 2024
I immersed myself in Jamaican culture, cuisine, & community with the best feeling and truly had so many fun experiences. The other volunteers I met were also so wonderful and it felt great to be part of a nice, little family with the same interests as me. The whole experience turned out to be the exact opposite of scary because of how well-supported I was and I highly recommend any volunteer to consider the beautiful destination of Jamaica. The people are so friendly & energetic while the beaches are heavenly. The project I undertook was business & community development which involved a lot of creative thinking as well as exposure to unique rural businesses. The entrepreneurs have so much to share and hearing their stories are very inspiring. I highly suggest to immerse yourself in this rewarding initiative!
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Batsheva Myers
26 Apr 2024
I gained a deep appreciation for the inner child. I came to Jamaica hoping to grow, and grow I did. I learnt from the kids how to be unapologetic, unfiltered and follow my instincts, knowledge often lost into adulthood. I advise anyone who wishes to volunteer to come humbly, and without expectations, because such an experience will call for being present and open-minded. Volunteering challenges what you think you know about yourself, ultimately allowing you to get to know yourself in a new and wholesome way.
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Holly Shelton
19 Feb 2024
I gained a lot of perspective on the local culture of Jamaica as a developing country. It was very enlightening to be immersed into the local culture, I definitely learned a lot of new things! Most people do not value their animals the same way we do in Canada which was very eye opening, the vet team that we worked with tried their very best to help every animal in need with the limited supplies and knowledge they had at hand. It was very inspiring to see all of their efforts!
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Webinar: Volunteering abroad in Jamaica with IVHQ
Considering volunteering abroad in Jamaica? Watch the replay of our webinar where our experts will answer all your questions, give their top program recommendations, and give you tips and tricks to make the most of your volunteer abroad program.
Free-time experiences & tours in Jamaica
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Jamaica! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Jamaica program.
Blue Hole Excursion
Spend an afternoon cliff jumping and swimming in a natural series of waterfalls and swimming holes.
AU$81
Green Grotto Caves & Luminous Lagoon Excursion
Tour to the historical caves of Green Grotto, once home to the first inhabitants of the island.
AU$173
Jamaican Cooking Class
Learn to prepare Jamaican dishes from a local expert in this 2.5 hour cooking class.
AU$40
Blue Hole Excursion
Spend an afternoon cliff jumping and swimming in a natural series of waterfalls and swimming holes.
AU$81
Green Grotto Caves & Luminous Lagoon Excursion
Tour to the historical caves of Green Grotto, once home to the first inhabitants of the island.
AU$173
Jamaican Cooking Class
Learn to prepare Jamaican dishes from a local expert in this 2.5 hour cooking class.
AU$40
