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IVHQ English Teaching and School Support in St Mary Jamaica

by: International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

5 (2)VerifiedSince 2007

Volunteers on the Teaching and School Support program in St Mary assist local teachers in primary schools where class sizes are often large, and students benefit from extra attention. You will help teach children aged five to twelve by supporting lessons in mathematics, reading, writing, social studies, and basic health. Volunteers also assist with non-academic activities, including arts and crafts, home economics, games, and creative projects that help students stay engaged and build confidence. Daily tasks may include tutoring individual students or small groups, helping prepare materials, supervising during lessons or break times, and supporting school routines. Your involvement helps reduce teacher workload, provides students with more one-on-one support, and contributes to a positive classroom environment. This program welcomes volunteers aged 18 and above for placements lasting one to four weeks, with commitments of up to five hours per day. Shared accommodation, meals, orientation, and in-country support are included. Volunteering offers a meaningful classroom experience and the chance to support children’s education in St Mary.

Program Highlights

Programs are available year round in Jamaica at an affordable price of US$535

The IVHQ Jamaica program begins on the first and third Monday of every month. You can choose to volunteer for durations ranging from 1 week to 8 weeks

The Jamaica program is located in the popular port town of Ocho Rios, which is a resort and cruise ship harbor and has plenty of restaurants and craft markets which volunteers can explore.

Jamaica program fees include 24/7 in-country support, airport pick-up, program orientation, volunteer placement, accommodation, meals.

Work helps reduce the pressure on overcrowded classrooms, giving students more attention and support to improve learning outcomes and confidence.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Childcare & Children
  • English Teaching
  • Teaching
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 20252025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad ProgramNotable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer AbroadTop Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022Zero CarbonNotable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

2

This Experience and trip to Jamaica was the ABSOLUTE BEST!

July 16, 2025by: Dana Mitchell - United States
5

The guidance and preparation resources I received from IVHQ before starting my trip were invaluable. I was provided all of the information up front and walked through every single step that I needed to take in successfully moving forward through execution of my trip. The resources are there to read and ingest and the program management staff is always available within 24-hours to answer all questions one may have. The impact from my volunteering stretched me out of my comfort zone by allowing me to understand the ways others move around on a daily basis and how accepting everyone is for individuality. I gained the experience of set expectations. Here in the US where I live, expectations "waver' in some cases, but in Jamaica, there is a consistent value of "expectation or consequence" which I honor. If somone is hesitant about joining this program I would say: "Leap into something you never experienced and be prepared to learn about other cultures and thier ways of living, working, and playing!

There’s nothing to be afraid or concerned about

September 20, 2022by: Cassie Rodriguez
5

My favorite moment from the volunteer experience was all the new sights to see and getting to be involved with all the children. I realized how much we take off granted in where I'm from and that it was great to see how things in another country worked. Don’t overthink it, the program is there for your safety and support. There’s nothing to be afraid or concerned about as long as you use your resources correctly because they easy to access.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Childcare & Children
  • English Teaching
  • Teaching

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

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

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Certificate of Completion

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Guest House

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does the Teaching and School Support program involve?

    The Teaching and School Support program in St Mary places you in schools where you assist local teachers with academic and non-academic lessons for children aged 5-12.

    * Help teachers manage classrooms of 20-30 students.
    * Support subjects like math, social studies and health.
    * Engage children in creative arts and home economics tasks.

    When can I start and how long is the Teaching Support program?

    Programs for Teaching and School Support in St Mary begin every first and third Monday of the month and volunteers can stay between 1 and 4 weeks.

    * Start dates: first and third Monday each month.
    * Duration options: 1-4 weeks.
    * Volunteer hours up to 5 per day.

    What are the eligibility requirements for the Teaching program?

    To join the Teaching and School Support project in St Mary you must be aged 18 or older and provide a criminal background check before departure.

    * Minimum age: 18+
    * Background check required for volunteers.
    * English proficiency and travel insurance also needed.

    Where are placements located for the Teaching Support program?

    The Teaching and School Support project in St Mary takes place in schools in the parish of St Mary, Jamaica, near Ocho Rios.

    * Located in St Mary parish, northeast Jamaica.
    * Volunteer accommodation near Ocho Rios cruise port.
    * Nearby regions may also be used for placements.

    What skills & experience will I gain from the School Support program?

    Participating in this program helps you gain classroom support experience, lesson-planning skills and cross-cultural teaching insights while helping children in Jamaica.

    * Gain practical teaching assistant experience.
    * Develop creative lesson-planning and mentoring skills.
    * Immerse in Jamaican culture and community life.

    International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

    International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

    5Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    Volunteers on the Teaching and School Support program in St Mary assist local teachers in primary schools where class sizes are often large, and students benefit from extra attention. You will help teach children aged five to twelve by supporting lessons in mathematics, reading, writing, social studies, and basic health. Volunteers also assist with non-academic activities, including arts and crafts, home economics, games, and creative projects that help students stay engaged and build confidence. Daily tasks may include tutoring individual students or small groups, helping prepare materials, supervising during lessons or break times, and supporting school routines. Your involvement helps reduce teacher workload, provides students with more one-on-one support, and contributes to a positive...

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