What inspired you to work for Jamaica International Projects?
I was inspired to launch Jamaica International Projects to help others visit, learn, and appreciate the real Jamaica. The Jamaica where you meet locals that are friendly, loving and appreciative for everything they receive. The Jamaica that is more than just easy going people who love Reggae music. By volunteering, studying or interning in Jamaica, you will make self-discoveries while helping others.
Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because there are so many people who live in Jamaica that need help, and there are even more people around the world willing and able to give this help. I try to bridge this gap with meaningful projects that will have an impact on the lives of everyone involved, whether big or small. That is why we offer projects as short as one day and as long as three months.
Group photo on a nice day with stellar volunteers on the beautiful Blue Lagoon.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of what I do is welcoming new volunteers and interns to Jamaica and seeing them integrate into the Jamaican culture. Watching new visitors to our island enjoy delicious Jamaican food, going to their project site for the first time and meeting their local colleagues, teaching them about the Jamaican culture and Patois, our local dialect, is truly special to me.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Do your research and ask any questions you may have! There are no dumb questions when you are about to travel to a new country and culture for days, weeks, or months. When I took my first trip abroad, I did tons of research about where I was going, what the culture was like, what events or activities were available during my stay, food options, and much more. If you wonder about it, ask your Project Advisor!
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
Many local organizations don't have the best interest of their volunteers and interns at heart, or even the interest of the volunteer sites they work with in Jamaica at heart. They see the volunteer/travel industry as one big cash grab to book out their guest houses and to line their pockets while ushering thousands of volunteers into mediocre projects each year that benefit no one but themselves.
We customize each project based on the goals and skill sets of each volunteer and intern and place them in projects where their efforts can reap real results for their local beneficiaries who are truly in need.
Awarding our volunteers with a volunteer certificate at the end of their project.
Are there any developments with Jamaica International Projects that you would like to share with us?
We are always looking to improve ourselves and better serve our clients and our community. Two major improvements we are looking to achieve and share with the world in 2023 and beyond are to partner with a university to offer college credits to our participants, as well as to extend our projects to include other countries to offer a multi-cultural experience.
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
We believe our flexibility and our authenticity make us easy to market to potential participants. Already have a vacation or trip planned to Jamaica, but you want to take 1 day to volunteer and just do some good? We have you covered!
Do you want to try volunteering while you vacation, but instead of staying in a dorm you want to book a 5-star hotel with the top amenities? Great! We have a project structure with you in mind! Whatever your budget or availability, we will customize a project just for you.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Jamaica International Project's mission is to connect with students, interns, and volunteers with meaningful projects in Jamaica while promoting cultural awareness. We work towards this by offering customizable projects that can fit into anyone looking to travel to Jamaica's schedule. Whether you are looking to volunteer, get work experience or learn about the Jamaica culture, we have a project in mind just for you.
Volunteer vacationers with myself and our Patois teacher at the end of their lesson.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants leave our projects with a newfound love, understanding and appreciation of Jamaican culture and our people. While volunteers usually join a project and travel to impart their time, skills and knowledge to help the needy, the big reward that volunteers often receive is the reward of gratitude and self-discovery. Who knows what skills and talents you will unlock during your next project abroad or whose life you will touch and alter forever?
How do you help support participants?
We support participants from the moment they contact us, while they are in Jamaica and even after they return back home. We call this 365 degrees of support, as we offer pre-arrival support, in-country support, and post-departure support.
Pre-arrival support is given during your application process. We offer one-on-one virtual meetings, project itineraries, fundraising guides, culture and security classes so you learn about Jamaica before you even arrive, help with obtaining travel insurance and much more.
In-country support is given when you firsty arrive. We accompany you to your project on the first day and offer 24-hour support in the event of emergencies while in Jamaica.
Even after you return home, we offer post-departure support. We give you a certificate of completion and offer you the option to get references from our project supervisor.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
The number one question we get asked is about safety. Is Jamaica safe, and will I be safe at my project? The answer of course is yes! The safety and security of our volunteers and interns are our main priority, and we take extraordinary steps to reinforce this.
Another question we get asked often is if we have a project available for a specific date. We offer projects on a rolling enrollment basis, so you can join any time of the year. We only ask that you apply and enroll within a reasonable timeframe.
Myself and a group of volunteers at the airport moments before their departure after a successful project.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It is important to travel and experience new cultures to get a different perspective on life. What you take for granted in your own country is a cherished blessing in other countries. Take for example, $10 USD is just enough to get you a snack at McDonalds or coffee at Starbucks in the United States. However, in Jamaica, $10 USD is enough to feed 2 people breakfast, lunch and dinner in Jamaica for an entire day.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means that you travel with purpose. You outline clear goals you want to accomplish. At the end of your trip, you should be able to check off at least one goal you had from your project off the list.
Meaningful travel should make an impact, no matter how little. Whether you spend a few hours playing with kids and teaching them how to read, or you spend three months building a new school from scratch, by taking action and giving back, your trip will have a purpose.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
My hope for the future of international education is that it becomes more accessible to all in the near future. Everyone should be able to travel abroad and learn about a new culture, while simultaneously promoting their own culture. I believe that every college and university should have a study abroad department with resources to help students access international education.