Jamaica has always been considered a paradise for tourists, and it is a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons, but did you know that you can also study abroad in Jamaica?
Of course you can, and besides taking in all of the beautiful surrounds, you can also have a great time learning the culture of this Caribbean island nation.
- Study in Jamaica for a summer study abroad program and take a tour of Dunn’s River’s Falls, a beautiful island region which features waterfalls that reach up to 600 feet in height.
- If you get to study abroad in Jamaica for a semester abroad you should definitely check out the Nine Miles Jamaican Tour, especially if you’re a fan of the legendary Bob Marley. You’ll get to see where the musician was both born and laid to rest, tour his home and end the day with a tasty meal at a local restaurant.
Even though Jamaica is located in the center of the Caribbean Sea, there’s nothing isolating about the place. Its beauty always draws in visitors!
Study Abroad Jamaica Programs
Studying abroad in Jamaica is becoming quite popular in the U.S., so many colleges and universities are offering students the opportunity to visit this sunny destination.
Here are a few U.S. institutions that offer study abroad programs in Jamaica:
- UMass Boston: Jamaica Today People, Culture and Environment
- SUNY Brockport: Jamaica Performing Arts Program
- SEA Semester: Documenting Change on the Caribbean
- Temple University in Jamaica: International Service Learning
- University of Maryland: Jamaica: Ethnographic Fieldwork: Connections, Celebration and Identity
- St. John’s University: Jamaica Exchange Program
Also, if you’re interested in teaching English abroad then you can join the Projects Abroad Jamaica program in the small Jamaican town of Mandeville. You can start as a classroom assistant and eventually have the opportunity to take over your own class. You’ll discover the joys of teaching to an entirely new community of students.
For ideas to help pay for your Jamaica trip you can visit the Financial Aid for Study Abroad, Study Abroad Student Loans and Study Abroad Grants, Scholarships and Fellowships pages in our website.
Transportation in Jamaica
Transportation in Jamaica includes travel by road, water and air.
- Riding by minibus is one of the most popular ways to travel in Jamaica. Despite being very crowded, minibuses are everywhere in Jamaica and can take you to just about any location. Prices are affordable at about $1 to $2 for an all day pass.
- Since Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, one of the best ways to see the island on your own time is to rent a car. You can usually rent a Jeep or other type of car at the airport for about $65 a day, but you can also use traditional car rental companies like Avis and Budget.
- There are many ferries and boats that travel to and from the island 24 hours a day, so if you’re interested in traveling by water this is a great way to see the surrounding island.
- One of the most enjoyable ways to see Jamaica is to rent a moped or scooter. You can rent one of these for about $30-$40 a day from a resort. Just make sure that you wear a helmet and stay cautious about other drivers on the roads.
Don’t forget to follow Study Abroad Health and Safety guidelines whenever you’re in another country, and make sure you know about Student Travel Insurance.
Study Abroad Jamaica Currency
Jamaican currency is known as the Jamaican dollar, whose symbol is written as J$ or JA$. Here’s how the currency works:
- Coins = 1 cent, 10 cent, 25 cent, $1, $5, $10, $20
- Bills = $50, $100, $500, $1000
You can use a Jamaican currency converter like the one here to compare other amounts of U.S. dollars against the Jamaican dollar.
Other “Must See” Places in Jamaica
Jamaica truly has some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world to see, so when you have free time in between going to class you should check out some of these amazing locations:
- If you’re familiar with Blue Mountain Coffee then you should also know about where it comes from: Blue Mountain Peak. Reaching over 7400 feet tall, Blue Mountain Peak is the highest mountain in Jamaica and is a great place to go hiking.
- If you’re a history enthusiast and like stories of castles and pirates then you’ll want to stop by Blue Cave Caste. The castle is built 50 feet an old pirate’s cave, and it’s surrounded by crystal clear water that you can swim in.
- Port Antonio is considered one of the most eye-catching ports in the world, so this is the perfect place to see where Jamaica’s bananas and coconuts are shipped. The port is also famous for its Blue Lagoon, a 200 feet stretch of clear blue water.
- Are you interested in dancing, listening to jazz and reggae music, watching performing arts and shopping? Montego Bay, which is the second largest city in Jamaica, is full of these things, as well as a variety of unique seafood restaurants.
Jamaica is an exciting destination for everyone, including study abroad students. The great weather and dynamic sightseeing will leave you with a smile on your face and unforgettable memories.
Important Study in Jamaica Information
When you study abroad in Jamaica you should always have important numbers handy in case of an emergency. These numbers will provide you valuable information for getting around the country:
