Jamaica

Ever since I was really little, it has always been my dream to travel, and with IVHQ I was given the perfect opportunity. My parents got married in Jamaica, which is one of the main reasons why I chose to serve in this location, and I am so glad that I did. The volunteer placement is located in a beautiful, very safe area of the island and was walking distance from James Bond Beach which all us volunteers loved. I volunteered in the local kindergarten, and honestly, working with the kids there truly changed my life. Both them, and the head teacher were so welcoming to me and the other volunteers, and I genuinely looked forward to going to work each day. Overall, IVHQ is an incredible and affordable option for people like me who love adventure and have a calling to travel. Can't wait to go on more IVHQ trips!

I had the best week of my life when I did IVHQ Jamaica. The staff was so helpful and responsive and really went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed, and that we were comfortable and safe and had an amazing and authentic experience. I maybe spent 1500 USD on the whole trip which included registration and program fees, travel insurance (required), a background check, flights, transportation, a meal plan of delicious home cooked dinners, and spending money. I had a wonderful time at my placement at the dog shelter and I’m even in the process of adopting a dog I met there! I learned so much about Jamaican culture, met so many amazing people, and I had an experience I will look back on for the rest of my life

Well, I'll start off by saying the only bad part of my experience was having to leave. The full-time staff were amazing and always made sure we had everything we needed. That started right from the get-go. I really like the way IVHQ runs their website like they give you a checklist and a timeline for everything you need to have done before you go, right down to what to pack. After what I had learned through my online training and orientation on the first day I felt very prepared to get myself around and be able to adventure out with the other volunteers. Once we got there it was immediately and constantly so much fun. We lived in a house with the other volunteers and it was comfortable and a nice place to relax and rest in the evenings. The staff showed us around the city and gave us lots of great tips for places to go and even set up a tour for us.

The week I spent in Jamaica was a rewarding experience that allowed me to become immersed in a new culture while having a beneficial impact on the local community. As part of the Sports Development Program, one of the most impactful parts of the trip was experiencing the enthusiastic and uplifting spirits of the children at the primary school where I taught PE classes. After speaking with the other IVHQ volunteers I lived with during my stay, I can say with confidence that IVHQ has rewarding opportunities for volunteers with a variety of interests. Whether it be your first volunteer trip abroad (like me!) or if you have vast travel experience, IVHQ’s supportive staff and high level of organization makes it a reliable and trustworthy organization for any volunteer.

We had the most magical time in Jamaica working with the Kindergarten program. The staff, children, and program in its entirety was incredible from start to finish. The food was amazing, the people were so kind, the excursions were breathtaking, and the other volunteers have become fast friends. We loved every exhilarating and beautiful moment of this trip.

The worst part of the program was having to leave this adventuring and heart-felt and impactful week.

We had the most magical time in Jamaica working with the Kindergarten program. The staff, children, and program in its entirety was incredible from start to finish. The food was amazing, the people were so kind, the excursions were breathtaking, and the other volunteers have become fast friends. We loved every exhilarating and beautiful moment of this trip.

The worst part of the program was having to leave this adventuring and heart-felt and impactful week.

I wish we would have known how difficult and expensive it is to mail items after leaving the program. Had we known this, we would have packed a suitcase with school supplies and left with the school upon leaving. Aside from that, I would change nothing about this incredible experience.