Volunteers looking to volunteer to teach Chinese abroad can join full projects in Jamaica with us, join placement-only projects where they source their own accommodation, transfers and meals, or they can teach Mandarin Chinese online.
Have you been wondering how to teach Mandarin abroad? Are you fluent in speaking Mandarin Chinese and would like to share your knowledge of the language and culture overseas? If you found yourself answering yes to any of the previous questions, you should come and volunteer to teach Chinese abroad in Jamaica.
This is a perfect opportunity for you to immerse yourself in our Jamaican culture while you teach locals about the Chinese culture in return. Jamaica’s dominant language is English, although you will find many locals speaking Patois, which is our colorful local dialect. You will interact with Jamaicans of all ages, especially students from elementary all the way up to the high school level.
You will be placed in schools and communities to teach Chinese to children, teenagers, and young adults. For many, this will be their only opportunity to learn a new language, as they could not afford to do so otherwise. This would also be greatly beneficial to you, as you will add valuable volunteer experience to your resume when you teach Chinese overseas.
You can also inject fun tours and adventure into your teach foreigner Chinese volunteer program in Jamaica by adding our tour packages to your program. Join tours on weekends and on afternoons after your project is complete. So if you wish to join a truly immersive teach Chinese language and culture volunteer program abroad, apply now to get started.
No experience is needed to join our volunteer to teach Chinese abroad project, however, if you do have experience and qualifications for teaching then you may qualify for an advanced placement.
We encourage all volunteers to properly plan for their teach German abroad project, to ensure they get the most out of their experience, and that you can make the biggest impact as possible. After you have been accepted into the project we can set up a Skype discussion to brainstorm the activities you would like to do as you teach German as a foreign language.
Some examples of teaching activities include:
These are just some examples. Feel free to discuss any other activities you would like to engage in during your project.
On the first day of your teach German as a foreign language project you will be accompanied to your work site by your Project Advisor. You will receive a tour of the grounds, meet other teachers and students, get settled in and receive orientation. You will also be assigned a supervisor and learn where you will get daily lunch.
On some afternoons after your volunteer work is completed, as well as on weekends, you can join one of our tour and cultural adventure packages to have some fun and experience some of the best attractions in Jamaica. We always encourage our volunteers to work hard and play hard as well while they teach German abroad.
Once you have completed your teaching German abroad volunteer projects, you will receive your Volunteer Certificate. We will also sign any documents that you need to prove community service or volunteer hours completed.
To spice up your program we suggest that you take along some items or pictures/videos to showcase the German culture to the students. These could include food items, music, board games, clothing, signs etc. This will no doubt give you a chance to better bond with the students while spicing up your lessons.
It is a good idea for all volunteers to do some form of fundraising back home to help collect cash and items to help you fund your teach German language project, as well as to get supplies to help with your lessons. These include markers, pens, pencils, crayons, stickers and more.
We will provide you with a list of recommended resources before you arrive so that you can begin gathering them as soon as possible.
*All fees listed below are in USD
We want your childcare volunteer program to help you build the future you want to create. Jamaica International Projects wants to ensure your experience is a safe and fulfilling one. Here are some of the highlights of the project:
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.
Great gap year travel programs secure your safety, ensure you have a great time and offer enough guidance to help you navigate the new terrain. Jamaica International Projects provides the support you need to ensure you are capitalizing on your strengths while working in a field that gives you the experiences you need.
We kick off your project with an orientation session that sets you up to succeed. We want you to have fun making new discoveries and memories, so we give you the support you need to ensure you have the right expectations. Orientation helps you to hit the ground running so you can dive right into your adventure knowing what to expect. We help you flatten the initial learning curve so you can navigate the intricacies of the culture and your project with ease.
With Jamaica International Projects, you’ll have the opportunity to meet like-minded volunteers who will inspire and support you on your adventure. Your peers have the potential to become lifelong friends. You will also have daily debriefing sessions with your Project Advisor so you can talk about any concerns you may have or simply share how your day has been.
Your Program Advisor will be certified in first aid and will always be on-site at your homestay. To ensure your safety, you’ll be accompanied by your Program Advisor on the first day of your project. Your Program Advisor will give you the support you need and answer all your questions to help you feel comfortable. In the event of an emergency, you can expect your Program Advisor’s support. We also ensure that you’ll be volunteering and living in a secure facility. All homestays are equipped with security cameras and systems.
For your comfort, all homestays are also equipped with free wifi, air conditioning, cable television, refrigerators, and snack stations. You will have access to a shared dorm room with spacious bunk beds and your rooms will be cleaned daily. Families and couples may request private rooms at an additional cost.
Unlike other gap year organizations, you will be paired with the Barnett family, the Directors of our company where you will live in a Jamaican household. Prepare to be treated like a member of our family, rather than a mere guest.
Speaking of delicious meals, breakfast and dinner options are included in your program cost. If you have special dietary needs, please this with us. Among others, we cater to volunteers who need accommodations for gluten-free, vegan, or diabetic diets.
Each night there’ll be something fun planned to help you unwind, or if you rather spend some downtime, that is an option as well. On weekends we tend to go out for some awesome tours and adventures, which is included in your first week. We arrange age-appropriate outings such as trips to the movies, bars/clubs, nice Jamaican restaurants, and more.
We provide all transportation to and from all activities.
What do you need to start gap year volunteering? The minimum age to enroll is 16 years old and the maximum age limit is 30. As long as you are in good health you’re welcome to spend your gap year with us. At the same time, it is recommended that you opt for projects that allow you to transfer skills while learning something new. It simply makes it easier for you to jump right in and get started.
Once you have chosen your project and paid your tuition, there are a few documents we’ll ask you to share with us.
Email these to your Project Advisor during the enrollment process.
When you are ready to enroll in our pre med internships abroad, you can begin our simple enrollment process. Our team is always just a quick call or message away. Follow these steps to start planning and preparing for the perfect gap year getaway.
Read through this page, what is included in our gap year abroad project and decide if this project is a right fit for you. Consider the costs involved, project durations, the requirements, and what you are able to do.
Feel free to learn more about us and what we stand for. Read about us, check out our reviews, download our gap year brochure, or read through our FAQ.
Start talking with your parents or guardian, friends, academic advisors, or mentors about taking a gap year, why you want to join and what you hope to accomplish during your trip. Be sure to share our website or brochure with them.
Reach out to us to connect with a Project Advisor who will guide you through the enrollment process, answer any questions you have, help you set your goals and itinerary, and meet with you and your parents or guardians to provide more information.
Complete the application form. 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 projects with other gap year companies. 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.
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.
Review the offer email, which includes the cost, sample itinerary, what is included, and what you need to submit.
Pay the Enrollment Fee and a deposit on the Project Tuition. You have the option to pay the Project Tuition in full or request a payment plan.
Submit outstanding payments and documents
The documents you should submit include:
Within a month of the start date of your volunteer gap year program, we will host a 2-hour onboarding call on Zoom or Google Meets with you. This includes an official welcome, tips and guides, and interactive lessons on Jamaican culture, Patois (our local dialect), and a lesson on safety and security. You can do the session in a single sitting or as two separate sessions (1 hour long each).
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 entire gap year in Jamaica, and book your flights.
Confirm that all fees are paid, and submit all required documents.
There is no restriction on the nationalities that can participate in our gap year travel programs. Our only restriction is the age range of our participants, which is between 16 and 30 years old.
You can volunteer online to teach Chinese abroad or teach in person when you visit Jamaica.
Yes! Read our reviews to see what our past volunteers and interns have to say about us, and during the enrollment process, you can request to connect with a past volunteer/intern.
Yes. Depending on what time of the year you join your gap year program, you may be the only participant, or you may meet a couple of fellow gap year voyagers during your project.
You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. 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.
In addition to the Project Tuition and Enrollment Fee, you will need to properly budget for your gap semester program so you get the most out of your experience without worrying about your finances.
While we offer gap year travel programs that cover your accommodation, transportation, meals, and some fun weekend excursions, other expenses you may need to consider include:
We accept payments by credit card or international wire transfer. You have the option to pay in full or go on a payment plan.
We have a detailed fundraising guide where you can create a crowdfunding campaign for your project to help raise the funds to cover your trip, or for awesome fundraising ideas. While we do not currently offer sponsorship or grants directly, you should check with your school, parents, guardians and mentors for any travel grants or scholarships available, and we will help you with any paperwork you need.
For the best experience, we recommend starting on the same date as your program outlines (usually on a Sunday). This helps to reduce confusion about what is expected of you since you’ll be a part of an initial orientation session.
If you need to arrive earlier or later than the start of the program, please let us know before enrolling and we will try our best to work with you.
Absolutely! Everything is better with friends. You can join with a parent, friend, sibling, or spouse and share a room (based on availability).
Yes! We take your safety and security seriously. Some steps we take to keep you safe during your trip include:
Follow this link for more information on how we keep you safe.
I spent (only) 5 days at Reliance Basic School at Braeton and I can say it was one of the best experiences in my whole life. I was there as an Italian/English teacher but mostly I helped the teacher out with the program. The whole staff was very kind and supportive of me and the children were simply amazing. They called me Uncle David and they were so cute. I honestly think that five days were not enough but unfortunately, I couldn’t stay longer.
I definitely recommend this volunteering program to anybody who wants to have a great experience in a real Jamaican environment. It’s not just about teaching to them, but also about learning from them.
Thanks!
Davide.
WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE. This was a life changing experience. The children were so great. They gave me and taught me so much more than I gave them. This was one of the most satisfying trips I’ve ever done. Jomo, his mother and Dwayne were great hosts and caretakers. Jamaica and its people will forever be in my heart.
Unforgettable experience! All of you should try it. It was only my first-time volunteering and I’d love to do it again through the same Jamaica International Projects.