Jamaica Volunteer Programs | Most Affordable & Trusted

This July from the 3rd-16th, I volunteered with IVHQ in Jamaica at a Veterinary Clinic and it was the best two weeks of my life. I am home now and I don't feel the same, I'm not quite sure what the word for the opposite of homesick is but it would perfectly describe how I am feeling right now. I am in school right now studying to become a vet, it's the one thing in this stage of my life that I am 100% certain about. I chose this trip very randomly, I knew I wanted to travel but I wanted purpose in my travels, so I did some google searches and found IVHQ and the veterinary project. The first couple of days it took me time to get used to everything, I came alone, it was the hottest weather I have ever experienced and to be completely honest I was just scared. Within 2 days this all changed. The V2 staff in Jamaica are some the kindest people I have had the pleasure of knowing, shout out to Sam for being so supportive and helpful! My project was at North Coast Animal Clinic and I am so grateful that my fate brought me there. Dr. Denise Cole, and two vet techs Sean and Jessica are people you meet and will never forget. They are funny and smart, and everyday at the clinic was something new. I was terrified I would realize on this trip that Veterinary isn't something I want to pursue and I just wasn't cut out for it, but I experienced quite the opposite. I know more than anything now that it's this or nothing, there is no Plan B. I am eternally grateful for those three at the clinic for teaching me so much, making me laugh and even shed some tears at the end there ( I did not want to leave on the last day!). Outside of the clinic and back at the accommodation, I made life long friends. It took us all some time to adjust, it was hot and we weren't quite sure how to go about integrating into the culture, but that helped us bond. Late nights and lots of laughing over the same struggles. I'm 19 and I'm only growing and learning still, I make lot's of mistakes but every now and then I do something super awesome that older me will look back on and think "holy I was so cool for that", and the decision to go on this trip was the best thing I have ever decided on. To whoever is nervous or second guessing themselves, do it. Don't think too hard, don't second guess yourself, you will be okay and you'll get a story and a beautiful experience out of it.

IVHQ is an amazing organization providing incredible opportunities to connect with the local culture and feel more connected to the beautiful humans that inhabit our planet. Often it can feel like we live in different worlds completely when we travel to different parts of the world, but being able to connect with fellow like-minded travelers and form relationships with the local communities and experience different mindsets, mentalities, and world views is one of the most fulfilling things we can experience. Trying to experience this on your own can be daunting and there are often lots of barriers, but IVHQ seems to understand this very well, so they've done most of the breaking down of barriers for you and made it super accessible! The local team had a very informative and much-needed orientation on the first day and even allowed us to experience how to use the Jamaican taxi's, which was so crazy and would have been SUPER daunting and sketchy without their guidance. They really helped normalize everything through the lens of "you're just experiencing a different culture"! Everyone on the local volunteer team was super knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire experience, and their connections with the local businesses we got to volunteer with was amazing! The farm I got to volunteer on was owned by a superwoman who was super passionate about her farm, sustainable agriculture, and providing great experiences for her clients and it really showed with through in her hospitality and her guidance on giving us tasks to do throughout the trip! We got to plant a garden, make a cucumber trellis, and hang out with the bees and collect some honey, couldn't have asked for a better experience! The other volunteers I was with only had great things to say about their experiences as well, so IVHQ is definitely doing something right with their connections in the local communities. We even got to go on quite a few excursions as well (exploring caves, diving into beautiful waterfall pools, and swimming in bioluminescent waters at sunset), so we got to explore the whole island. If I had to suggest anything to differently than what I did, I would HIGHLY recommend you book more than one week!!! One week was perfect for me this go around because I couldn't get the time off work, but next time I will for sure be booking a longer trip.

I would take a volunteer trip with IVHQ over an all-inclusive stay hands down!

I had the most wonderful experience in Jamaica through IVHQ! It was very well organized and I felt right at home since the moment I arrived! The whole staff on ground in Jamaica was so welcoming and I felt very safe the entire program!
I worked in the cutest kindergarten class! It was so wonderful to be greeted with group hugs every day and be able to assist with their learning! I miss them so much!!
I made so many wonderful friends with the other volunteers! I can’t wait to do another program!

IVHQ has very a structured volunteer program, where participants can just show up without worrying about what to do or where to go. The local staff members are very welcoming and responsive, they explain everything clearly and provide thorough instructions. For the Jamaica program, we did gardening, harvesting fruits, cooking, feeding the elderly, etc. Volunteering with IVHQ is the best way to travel solo while giving back to the world. Highly recommend for people who want an immersive local Jamaican experience!

I had always wanted to volunteer abroad but had never found a company that made me feel comfortable and safe. When I found IVHQ and started reading about them, the awards they had won and the social media, reading about others experiences I finally felt safe enough to jump into something that was new for me, not only just volunteering but also solo traveling. Gladly, from the first moment they were always super nice and ready to answer all of my questions, allowing me to have an amazing time while feeling safe. My experience there was better each day, getting to explore a new country while meeting wonderful people full of joy and trying to give them back as much as they were giving me only brought me more enthusiasm to keep doing it. Traveling which is my big passion and knowing that I’m leaving even just a small impact on others makes my heart smile. I hope that more people get to travel but also help local businesses and local people who are the ones that needs the most.

I went to Jamaica with IVHQ’s Child Education program that gave me the opportunity to teach K1-K2 children at local school in Oracabessa. This trip was definitely life changing and made me want to do something like this again when given the opportunity. It was a great balance of adventure and exploration but also a chance to give back to the country and help out where it was needed. IVHQ has a great team of people who are passionate and caring to give people any age this awesome experience. Great

It was my first volunteer trip, so I decided to only go for one week, but I wish I could have stayed longer!
Merran from IVHQ helped answer any questions before the trip.
The IVHQ profile also has helpful tools that prepared me for the trip.
The description of the accommodation was accurate, so I was prepared to be in a volunteer house with other people. I was able to meet people from all over the world in different projects.
I went in August, since it is the peak of summer in Jamaica it was very hot.
Once I arrived, the V2 team in Jamaica was very welcoming, and friendly and helped me with any questions I had.
They also helped planned out any excursions, I was able to go to Blue Hole and it was great! V2 team is also very helpful with questions about the culture and the best transportation options to get around.

I was not sure what to expect from my project before arriving, but I enjoyed it! I was able to help around the farm with different tasks, and I also bonded with the locals. I came back home feeling refreshed and happy that I was able to bond with locals and experience a different culture and a different pace of life. The farm is also in a very scenic place and I enjoyed being there. The owner of the farm was very friendly and answered any questions we had about the tasks she gave us. There is also the option to purchase lunch at the farm, which I did because I got to experience local, fresh, and delicious meals, with some ingredients from her farm or local vendors.

I chose the dinner plan for the week, and all the meals were delicious and had variety.

In my free time, I was able to check out the nearby beaches or go to town. It is easy to navigate the town with the route taxis, once you get used to them.

I am glad I volunteered in Jamaica, and I am looking forward to volunteering more in the future.

I have just completed my two weeks of doing volunteering in Jamaica. This was my second time volunteering and I loved it just as much as my first time.
I have spent two weeks helping out at a local kindergarten and I don’t think I could have spent my time in Jamaica any better. The IVHQ Team is super welcoming and friendly and is really doing their best for the volunteers to feel like home. I was also super happy with my project as I felt like I really was part of a family there. I loved getting to know the culture in such a unique way whilst giving back to the community. I spent every morning at my project and then came back in the evening for a game of Volleyball that I was invited to. On Sunday I was invited to church which was also such a unique experience.
I am so grateful for the time I have had and the people I met. The children have such a positive energy and they made me look forward to every day at my project. Seeing their happy faces at the Gate upon my arrival is something I will definitely forever keep in my memories and that I will really miss.
Spending time volunteering in a country really is extremely different to just traveling to those places. I would definitely recommend everyone to try it.