The wonderful experience of experiencing Jamaica with Projects Abroad!

Arriving in Jamaica I was apprehensive because of the somewhat dangerous reputation Jamaica has, especially as I was a female travelling by myself, but my fears quickly evaporated when I was greeted at the airport by a friendly Projects Abroad staff member (the natural beauty of the country didn't hurt either!).

Initially my placement was not working out 100% but the Projects Abroad staff were extremely relentless in making sure I was comfortable and felt I was contributing the best way that I could so I eventually ended up working for a government agency where I did more than I ever dreamed. I sat in on the children court proceedings, assisted the social worker with home visits and was even given my own task of individually counseling young girls that were living in a children's home. It was such a satisfying experience and I learnt so much about myself and the Jamaican culture.

While my weekends were filled with trips around the island (with fellow volunteers) where I was given the opportunity to take in what Jamaica had to offer, such as, the ability to swim with dolphins and climb Dunn's River Falls; my week days provided me with the opportunity to understand the Jamaican people and their way of life. Living with a Jamaican host family was definitely a highlight as it meant that I got to see what an ordinary day was like for a Jamaican family (plus I got to try all sorts of different Jamaican food).

Going to Jamaica with Projects Abroad also gave me the opportunity to try things I have never done before - such as painting a school and learning Jamaican dance moves. Volunteering with Projects Abroad provided me with a safety net so that I could experience the country in what I could trust to be a safe manner.