GoAbroad
$300-600Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
Submit a ReviewNo Reviews
2007Year established

Program Overview

Volunteers on the Special Education program in St Mary support children who need extra help due to learning difficulties or developmental challenges. You will assist local teachers by providing one-to-one or small group support, helping students with reading, writing, and basic numeracy, and explaining lessons at a slower pace when needed. Volunteers often use creative activities, visual aids, or hands-on exercises to keep children engaged and build confidence in subjects they find challenging.

Your involvement helps bridge learning gaps for students who may struggle in busy classrooms. By offering patience, encouragement, and consistent support, you help children stay motivated, participate more fully, and progress at a pace that suits their needs. This extra attention can positively impact both learning outcomes and self-esteem.

This program is open to volunteers aged 18 and above, with placements lasting one to eight weeks. Volunteers contribute up to five hours per day. Shared accommodation, meals, orientation, and in-country support are included. This opportunity suits compassionate individuals who are patient, adaptable, and interested in education or special needs support.

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Program Highlights

Programs start every first and third Monday of the month.
Includes airport pick up, orientation, dormitory style volunteer house accommodation in St Mary, meals and 24/7 in country support.
Volunteer up to 5 hours per day in local elementary schools supporting children who need extra help due to learning difficulties or behavioural or developmental challenges.
Tasks may include assisting teachers, leading small group activities, providing one on one tutoring and helping children develop reading and writing skills.
Opportunity to gain experience in special education, support students long term learning and development, build communication and teaching skills and immerse yourself in Jamaican community life.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Wifi Costs
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Certificate of Completion

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Jamaica

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Couples, Families, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • University 5th Year or More
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree
  • Professional degree
  • Doctorate degree

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Guest House

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks

Starts At

$300-600

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ].

What does the Special Education program in St Mary with IVHQ involve?

The Special Education project in St Mary, Jamaica places you in local schools to support children with learning difficulties or behavioural disorders.

* Work alongside local teachers in special‐needs classrooms.
* Assist students aged around 8 to 10 years old.
* Project runs in the parish of St Mary.

What are the start dates and duration options for the program?

 The IVHQ Special Education project in St Mary begins every first and third Monday of the month and offers durations from 1 to 8 weeks.

* Start dates on first and third Monday each month.
* Duration options between 1 and 8 weeks.
* Volunteer shifts around 3-5 hours per day.

What are the eligibility requirements for the program?

To join the Special Education program in St Mary you must be aged 18 or older on your start date and may need relevant experience working with children.

* Minimum age requirement 18+
* Prior relevant experience in special education required.
* English fluency and travel insurance required.

What accommodation and support options are included with IVHQ?

The Special Education project in St Mary includes dormitory-style volunteer house accommodation and full in-country support by the local IVHQ team.

* Dormitory-style housing in St Mary included.
* Orientation provided on arrival.
* 24/7 local team support available.

What impact and skills can I gain from the Special Education program?

 Volunteering in the Special Education program in St Mary helps you develop one-on-one tutoring, creative lesson planning and cross-cultural skills while supporting children who need extra educational assistance.

* Provide individualized support to students with learning differences.
* Gain experience in special-needs education in a global context.
* Immerse in Jamaican community life near Ocho Rios.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
2025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad Program
Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022
Zero Carbon
Notable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad
Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad 2021 Finalist
Innovative Student Video 2020 Finalist
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
Top Eco-Traveling Enthusiast of 2017 - Sustainable Voluntourism
Certified B Corporation
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018

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