We do not just offer internship for culinary students, our Culinary Internships Abroad Program is perfect for culinary professionals and those in training, food enthusiasts, and anyone with a background in culinary arts interested in traveling abroad to gain valuable experience.
Overview
Culinary Internships Abroad in Jamaica
The culinary apprenticeship abroad opportunities we offer will give you the chance to develop essential culinary skills through firsthand experience working with local professional chefs in restaurants, hotels, or specialized kitchens.
You will get to immerse yourself in the world-renowned Jamaican culinary culture and learn local ingredients, techniques, and dishes that has helped the island earn its stripes as one of the food havens of the world.
We work with culinary students, graduates who need apprenticeship hours, certified chefs who are seeking to enhance their skill set by gaining insights into different cooking methods, presentation styles, and flavor profiles.
We offer a wide range of customizable culinary internships abroad programs to match your area of specialization.
So, whether you are specifically seeking chef internships, pastry internships abroad, or baking internships abroad, there is a culinary arts internship abroad program for you.
Why Should I Join your Culinary Internship Abroad Program?
Culinary internships abroad with the Jamaica International Projects (JIP) will put you in a position to test and hone your skills in real-world situations.
Working in a professional kitchen on international culinary internships abroad helps culinary interns develop essential skills that will both boost their resumes and foster personal growth.
Key attributes that can be gained from hands-on experience working alongside a highly experienced local chef such as adaptability, problem-solving skills, time management, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, are invaluable in the culinary world, where flexibility, creativity, and innovation are key.
Furthermore, unlike the typical tourist experience in Jamaica, culinary internships in Jamaica with JIP offers a more enriching and wholesome experience.
Here’s why you should consider a culinary apprenticeship abroad with us:
- Meaningful Engagement: Connect authentically with local communities and build lasting friendships.
- Personal Growth: Uncover new passions, strengths, and weaknesses, potentially finding a new life purpose.
- Learning and Development: Gain valuable insights to become a more knowledgeable student and a more effective contributor to global culinary practices.
- Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself into Jamaican culture with interactive lessons and tours, including visits to local markets and indigenous communities.
- Versatile Experiences: Enjoy a balanced mix of professional development, fun, and sightseeing for a well-rounded and memorable experience.
Your Culinary Apprenticeship Abroad Rewards
Make an impact on a rewarding experience in Jamaica:
- Up to 40 internship hours each week
- Culinary internship certificate
- Jamaican culture certificate
- Language certificate
- Travel Safety & Security certificate
- 10% off all tours & adventures
Photos
Details
What Qualifications or Experience Do I Need to Join a Culinary Internship Abroad Project?
You do not need prior experience to join our culinary internships abroad program in Jamaica.
However, if you wish for more advanced placements where you will be doing culinary work such as managing kitchens, using specialized culinary equipment, or other tasks, you will need qualifications and experience.
Culinary professionals will need to provide such qualifications during the application to secure advanced placements.
Ideal Interns
- Culinary professionals
- Culinary students
- Teens and young adults who would like to explore the field of culinary arts
- Couples and families with at least one member qualified to do culinary work
- Corporate groups
- Business owners
- Mature professionals
- High school and university groups
Planning Your Project Activities
We encourage all interns to pre-plan for their culinary internships abroad in Jamaica.
This ensures you will make the biggest impact during your project. When you are accepted to join the project, we will advise and assist you with brainstorming about the activities you wish to do during your culinary internships abroad project.
We can also schedule a meeting with you to go over the activities you have planned.
What Can I Do During Your Food Science Internships Abroad Opportunities?
- Intern in local kitchens and restaurants to shadow senior chefs, assist with meal preparations, and record recipes.
- Assist with designing and implementing culinary solutions and distributing resources.
- Embark on community outreach programs to provide culinary support, conduct cooking workshops, distribute educational material, and educate the public on culinary practices.
- Visit local schools, orphanages, and other organizations to educate locals on culinary principles and practices.
These are just some examples of what you can do during your culinary internship abroad in Jamaica with Jamaica International Projects (JIP).
Feel free to discuss any other activities you would like to engage in during your project.
What to Expect on Your First Day
On the first day of your culinary internships abroad project, you’ll visit your internship site with your Project Advisor.
You’ll receive a tour of the property, meet your team members, get a brief project orientation, and learn how to get lunch plus more.
How Will I Spend Afternoons and Weekends?
During afternoons and weekends without scheduled internship work, you can purchase a tour and adventure package to add some fun to your culinary internships abroad project.
What Happens After Completing Your Culinary Arts Internship Abroad Project?
Upon completing your culinary internship in Jamaica, you will receive an Internship Certificate signed by our Managing Director.
We will also sign any documents verifying your internship or service hours if you provide them.
Do I Need Any Resources for the Culinary Internship Abroad?
This is optional, but we encourage all interns who enroll in our culinary internships abroad programs to fundraise at home to gather resources for donations to food banks, local shelters, or orphanages during your project.
These resources may include food, culinary books, kitchen supplies, educational materials, equipment, or items that are beneficial to orphans or an orphanage.
*This is entirely optional and is not a requirement to enroll in our international culinary internships.
Recommended to Take with You
- Money to purchase lunch ($3 – $5 USD per day)
- Insect repellent
- Supplies to assist with your project
- A camera to take photos & videos
- Sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- Comfortable shoes
- Notebook or electronic device
- Cash for any shopping or excursions
- Water shoes if you plan on swimming
Pricing & Requirements
Internship for Culinary Students Packages
Tuition for our culinary program:
*All fees listed below are in USD and priced Per Person
Enrollment Fees
| Project Format | Enrollment Fee |
|---|---|
| Placement Only Enrollment Fee | $349 |
| Full Project Enrollment fee | $200 |
Full Project Tuition
| Project Duration | Tuition |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | $999 |
| 2 Weeks | $1,499 |
| 3 Weeks | $1,999 |
| 4 Weeks | $2,499 |
| Extra Weeks | $500 |
Tour & Adventure Packages
| Tour Packages | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ocho Rios Adventure & Kingston Highlights | $300 |
| Portland Escapade & Blue Mountain Trek | $300 |
Tour add-ons are done on weekends and include multiple attractions and all entrance fees
- Guaranteed placement within an organization in Jamaica where you will volunteer or intern
- Do meaningful volunteer or work activities within your program
- Enrollment in our Jamaican culture course for a thorough lesson on the different aspects of the Jamaican way of life
- Receive lessons in Jamaican Patois, our island’s native and somewhat popular dialect
- Jamaican safety and security course
- A dedicated Project Advisor who will check in with you during your project to ensure you are on track and to solve any issues that may arise
- Receive a volunteer/internship certificate at the end of your project
- Complete up to 40 hours of volunteer hours or internship hours per week during your project
- Develop your critical thinking skills as you solve daily problems as they arise
Highlights of the Culinary Internships Abroad in Jamaica with JIP Experience:
- Dorm accommodation at Barnett’s Homestay
- Air-conditioned room, WiFi, cable television, and more
- Receive full breakfast and dinner each day
- Transportation to and from your volunteer project daily
- Airport pick-up and drop-off at the beginning and end of your project
- Welcome kit with your itinerary, emergency contact info, brochures and other surprises
- Receive pre-arrival support with planning your project
- Meet other volunteers, interns or students from around the world who may join during your stay
- 24-hour support while in Jamaica
Barnett’s Homestay – Jamaican Homebase
Our primary accommodation is Barnett’s Homestay, located in the quiet community of Portmore, St. Catherine. You will stay with Jomo Barnett, the Director of Jamaica International Projects, and his family during your project. This is your chance to live with a Jamaican family and learn our culture.
Amenities at Barnett’s Homestay include:
- Shared dorm room with air conditioning and spacious beds
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- Eat authentic and delicious Jamaican meals, or request meals for special diets
- Private room available upon request
- WiFi
- Rooms and common areas cleaned daily
- Clean towels, wash rags, blankets and bed linen provided
- Live with a local family and learn our culture
- Cable television
- Work area
- Games and activities planned each night
What Are the Requirements for Your Culinary Internships in Jamaica?
What do I need to join the ranks of culinary interns?
The minimum age to enroll alone is 16 years old. Interns under 16 looking to join this project must be accompanied by an adult.
Once you have applied and paid your enrollment fee and project tuition, there are a few documents we will ask you to share with us.
- 2 Reference letters (1 personal, 1 professional)
- 1 recent photo ID (passport, national ID, school ID, or driver’s license)
- Proof of travel insurance (if you do not have insurance, you can purchase it here)
- Flight itinerary
- Completed culinary internship project application
- Proof of qualifications if you have any
Email these to your Project Advisor during the enrollment process or you can submit them during your application.
How Does Your Culinary Internships Abroad Projects Work?
Culinary internships abroad opportunities such as those offered by JIP are designed for a mature audience seeking meaningful culinary experiences abroad.
Here’s what to expect:
- Challenge Yourself: doing culinary internships abroad in a developing country like Jamaica will force you to build key skills that are highly valued in the culinary field such as adaptability, problem-solving, resilience, and the ability to succeed in a fast-paced and often demanding setting that may differ significantly from what you are used to.
- Meaningful Internship Placements: Get placed within a Jamaican culinary facility where you can learn and share your knowledge about culinary practices.
- Comprehensive Support: From arrival to departure, receive full support throughout your stay to maximize your strengths and gain valuable experiences.
- Orientation: Start with an orientation session to get familiar with the internship site, team members, and the community.
- Cultural Immersion: Engage in cultural activities, language lessons, and community interaction to enrich your overall experience.
- Inclusive Meals: Enjoy included breakfast and dinner with accommodations for special dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free, vegan, diabetic).
- Leisure Activities: Participate in organized evening activities and weekend outings, including cultural tours and local dining experiences.
- Transportation Provided: All transportation for activities and projects is included, ensuring ease and safety in travel.
- Join Any Time: Internships are offered year-round. You can join us whenever you want throughout the year.
This structured and supportive environment ensures a fulfilling and safe experience for mature interns focused on culinary arts internships abroad.
Enrollment
The Enrollment Process
When you are ready to enroll in our culinary internship abroad programs in Jamaica, our enrollment process is simple. Our team is always just a quick call or message away.
Follow these steps to start planning and preparing for the internship experience of a lifetime.
Research & Get the Facts
Step 1: Research
Read through this page, what is included in our food science internships abroad project and decide if it is the right fit for you. Consider the costs involved, project durations, the requirements, and what you are able to do during your stay.
Step 2: Learn About Us
Read up about us, check out our reviews, download our brochure, or read through our FAQ.
Step 3: Open a Dialogue with Family and Advisors
Discuss our culinary internship for international students’ program with your parents or guardian, friends, academic advisors, or mentors.
Think about why you want to join, and what you hope to accomplish during your trip. And share our website or brochure with them.
Step 4: Connect with a Project Advisor
Reach out to us to connect with a Project Advisor who will meet with you and your parents or guardians to guide you through the enrollment process, answer your questions, help you set your goals and itinerary, and provide more information.
Admissions & Getting Started
Step 1: Apply
Complete the application form for the culinary internship abroad experience. By applying, you won’t be making a commitment or locking yourself into the project, so you are free to explore other options and compare our culinary internships abroad programs with other providers.
Instead, your application will help us better advise you, plan your itinerary, and customize a project for you.
We review and respond to applications within 48 hours.
Step 2: Meet Us
Schedule a virtual meeting with us. If you are under 18, you are required to have a parent or guardian present. Meetings are done on Zoom, Google Meets, or via phone call.
Step 3: Review the Culinary Internship Tuition Cost
Review the offer email, which includes the cost, sample itinerary, what is included, and what you need to submit.
Step 4: Secure Your Placement
Pay the enrollment fee and the project tuition. You have the option to pay the tuition in full or request a payment plan.
Step 5: Start Submitting Documents
Submit outstanding payments and documents:
- 2 Reference letters (1 personal, 1 professional)
- 1 recent photo ID (passport, national ID, school ID, or driver’s license)
- Proof of travel insurance
- Completed application form
- CV or resume
- Proof of qualifications (if you are certified or have experience in a specific field)
- Flight itinerary (Full Projects)
Pre-Arrival – Getting Ready to Go
Step 1: Onboarding Call
Within a month of the start date of your cooking internships abroad project, we will host a 30-minute onboarding call on Zoom or Google Meets with you.
This includes an official welcome, tips and guides, and virtual orientation.
You will get access to our Jamaican culture and our travel safety and security course online that you can complete at your own pace.
Step 2: Ensure You Are Travel-Ready
Check your passport to ensure it will not expire during your trip, research if you need a visa to stay in Jamaica, obtain a travel medical insurance plan that covers you during your culinary internship abroad, and book your flights.
Step 3: Finalize Your Enrollment
Confirm that all fees are paid and submit all required documents.
F.A.Q.
Who Can Become a Culinary Intern?
There is no restriction on the nationalities that can participate in our international culinary internships abroad opportunities.
Our only restriction is the age range of our participants, which is 16. Interns younger than 16 will need to travel with a parent or guardian.
Can I Talk to Previous Culinary Interns?
Yes! Read our reviews to see what our past interns have said about us, and during the enrollment process, you can request to connect with a past intern.
Will I Be Able to Meet Other Culinary Intern Participants While I’m in Jamaica?
This depends on the time of year that you join, but you may meet other interns during your project. Keep in mind that other interns may be enrolled in a different project than yours.
What are the Requirements to Join the Culinary Internships Abroad Opportunities?
You must be 16 years old or older to enroll on your own. If you are younger than 16, you will have to enroll with a parent or guardian.
For a full list of requirements check out this list.
Jamaica is an English-speaking country, so you should be able to read, write, and speak English (you don’t need to be fluent). No experience or qualifications are required, just a willingness to do a great job and have lots of fun.
We encourage you to share any dietary needs or any special accommodations needed for your participation.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about choosing the right program for you.
What Costs do I Need to Consider?
Beyond the program tuition and enrollment fee, consider these additional costs to ensure a smooth and worry-free financial experience:
- Travel: This includes flights and any in-country transportation needs you might incur back in your home country.
- Daily Expenses: Budget for personal spending on snacks, shopping, laundry, and other incidentals.
- Extra Adventures: Factor in costs for optional tours, excursions, and additional meals if desired.
- Essentials: Remember, travel medical insurance is required. You may also have to pay a visa fee to visit Jamaica, depending on your nationality. We recommend budgeting for gratuities as well.
How Can I Pay for My Culinary Internship Abroad Project?
We accept payments by credit card or international wire transfer. You have the option to pay in full or go on a payment plan.
Do You Offer Sponsorships, Grants, or Fundraising Opportunities?
While we do not offer sponsorships and grants directly, we can still help! Check with your school, parents/guardians, and mentors – they might have travel scholarships or grants available. We will assist with any application paperwork you need.
Need help funding your trip? Our detailed fundraising guide offers two options:
- Launch a Crowdfunding Campaign: This guide will walk you through setting up a campaign to get support from friends, family, and others.
- Discover Creative Fundraising Ideas: Get inspired with a list of unique ways to raise money for your adventure.
Can I Arrive Earlier or Later than My Project Start Time?
To get the most out of your program, starting on the recommended Sunday is ideal.
This way, you will participate in the initial orientation alongside your fellow participants, ensuring everyone is on the same page from the beginning.
Need to adjust your arrival date? No problem! Just let us know before enrolling, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
May I Intern with Friends/Spouses/Family?
Absolutely! Everything is better with friends. You can join with a parent, friend, sibling, or spouse and share a room (based on availability).
Will I Be Safe During My Culinary Internship Abroad Programs?
Yes! We take your safety and security seriously. Some steps we take to keep you safe during your trip include:
- Vetted project sites
- Accommodations with cameras and security systems
- A detailed course on safety while traveling
- Professional and licensed drivers take you to and from projects and destinations daily
- We take you to the supermarket or ATM and transfer you safely
- All employees undergo background checks
Follow this link for more information on how we keep you safe.
Do You Offer Culinary Internships for Undergraduates?
Yes, we do. Our culinary internship in Jamaica is ideal for culinary students or certified and practicing culinary professionals.
