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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 135,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Jamaica.

Highlights:
  • 10 meaningful project options available year-round
  • Program Fees from $525 for 1 week
  • Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, daily breakfast and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation in a dormitory-style volunteer house or local homestay

  • Unique add-ons available, including Blue Hole, cave, lagoon and city tours, as well as cooking and dance classes

Apply For Free

Key information

Fully hosted experience from $525
Volunteer from 1 - 4 weeks
Ages 18+ and families
Based by the port town of Ocho Rios
Projects align with UN Sustainable Development Goals
Impact driven projects run by locals
B Corporation certified organization
Explore Jamaica's hidden gems

Volunteer opportunities in Jamaica

Protects animals

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $525

  • 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 $525

  • 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 $525

  • 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 $525

  • 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 $620

  • 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 $525

  • 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 $525

  • 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 $525

  • 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 $525

  • 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 $525

  • 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 specialized 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

HS
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!

...
AB
Alisa Brace
13 Feb 2024

Being immersed in the culture of the country and going through our days as a local was a huge piece of the experience that I will keep with me forever! I was terrified to be a solo, female traveler arriving in a country where I knew no one and didn't understand how everything worked but the team was so great that integrating into the day-to-day here was easy. You gain so much independence from doing a project like this and really allowing yourself to live like a local. This also creates a unique relationship between you and the locals. They begin to recognize you, look out for you, and are always so excited to see you during your days of volunteering. To anyone who is hesitant about going, take the leap of faith! It is a safe, and meaningful experience you will take with you for the rest of your life and you'll have so much support along the way. I was so nervous to go and almost backed out the morning of my flight but because of the positive impact this trip made, I'm already looking at which one I can apply for next!

...
KH
Karin Hiltbrand
20 Dec 2023

What an incredible trip to Jamaica! I reflect back on it often. As a solo female traveler looking for a 30th birthday adventure, my trip could not have been more perfect. I was terrified to travel internationally alone, but I have since booked another week through IVHQ for 2024. I plan to make an IVHQ project an annual vacation - an affordable way to travel the world solo and make an impact! IVHQ does a fantastic job of making sure volunteers are prepared both before and during the adventure.

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HH
Heather Horsley
11 Jul 2023

The best part about the program was the connections I made. Connections with the students, the other volunteers and those involved with the program. We made lasting memories and more importantly, lasting friendships. I learned that I can step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I say just go for it. You won't regret it! Take the chance to learn something new about yourself, something about a new place and meet some new people.

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MK
Matilda Knight
23 Mar 2023

The amount of guidance I received from IVHQ was fantastic and it made me feel much more confident when I started my trip. I loved proving to myself that I’m capable of travelling alone and also seeing some aspects of life in Jamaica - it made me very grateful for my family and schooling in the UK. It may seem scary to fully immerse yourself in the culture but it was the best way to actually learn about the different ways things are done in other countries! It also will take a couple of days to set in so don’t let a wobbly first day change you’re mindset.

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MD
Mallory Davis
26 Feb 2023

My favorite moment was getting to school on the first day of my placement and being accepted immediately by my teacher and students. They welcomed me with open arms. The biggest impact for me was the relationship I grew going to school everyday by teaching the students. I was crying happy tears on my last day saying my goodbyes to them. They made my trip so worth it! If you are hesitant or nervous to volunteer - I was too! But that feeling leaves immediately when you meet your housemates. I've volunteered with IVHQ twice now, both times have left me with friendships and memories to last a lifetime.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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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
Blue Hole Excursion

Spend an afternoon cliff jumping and swimming in a natural series of waterfalls and swimming holes.

$51
Green Grotto Caves & Luminous Lagoon Excursion
Green Grotto Caves & Luminous Lagoon Excursion

Tour to the historical caves of Green Grotto, once home to the first inhabitants of the island.

$108
Jamaican Cooking Class
Jamaican Cooking Class

Learn to prepare Jamaican dishes from a local expert in this 2.5 hour cooking class.

$25
Blue Hole Excursion
Blue Hole Excursion

Spend an afternoon cliff jumping and swimming in a natural series of waterfalls and swimming holes.

$51
Green Grotto Caves & Luminous Lagoon Excursion
Green Grotto Caves & Luminous Lagoon Excursion

Tour to the historical caves of Green Grotto, once home to the first inhabitants of the island.

$108
Jamaican Cooking Class
Jamaican Cooking Class

Learn to prepare Jamaican dishes from a local expert in this 2.5 hour cooking class.

$25

Check what's required to visit Jamaica

Other volunteer destinations in Caribbean

How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way!