GVN Be The Change Program - FAQ
Tell me more about Jamaica?
What is the climate like in Jamaica?
What will I be actually doing?
When do I need to arrive in Jamaica?
What kind of orientation will I receive when I arrive?
What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
Are we able to do any sightseeing on the training program?
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
Tell me more about the accommodation?
How much do things in Jamaica typically cost?
How many participants are there at the Be The Change program at the same time?
Can I bring my family, including children, to this program with me?
What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
Do I need travel insurance?
How do I pay my fees?
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Tell me more about Jamaica?
Jamaica is an island nation situated in the Caribbean Sea just south of Cuba and west of Haiti and the Dominican Republic and is roughly the same size as Connecticut. Kingston is both the capital, and largest city in Jamaica. With coastal lowlands, a limestone plateau and a group of volcanic hills called the Blue Mountains in the east of the country, Jamaica is a popular destination for tourists and travellers alike.
Runaway Bay, where the accommodation for the program will be, is located in the third largest parish in Jamaica, Saint Ann Parish. Saint Ann parish is also the birthplace of reggae legend Bob Marley.
As well as the idyllic beaches, main tourist attractions also include white water rafting, Ocho Rios Marine park, Bob Marley Mausoleum, Columbus Park, Seville Heritage Park, Dolphin Cove, Green Grotto Caves and Dunn's River Falls.
What is the climate like in Jamaica?
Jamaica has a tropical maritime climate with average coastal summer temperatures of 30� C with winter temperatures averaging 23� C although in the mountains it can be cooler with a drop of about 10� C in temperature. While Jamaica does fall within the hurricane belt, few hurricanes hit the island although nearby hurricanes can disrupt weather patterns and bring wind and rain. The moderate rainy season in Jamaica usually begins around May / June and can last through to December with September and October experiencing the heaviest rainfall.
What will I be actually doing?
The GVN 'Be The Change' Course is designed to be flexible and self-determined to allow participants to cater the program to their specific interests and goals. Each day we will have a workshop that will provide you with specific skills that you can then directly apply to your project/idea or goal. Additionally we will be going on day trips with the focus of getting to know each other better. By the end of the course you will have become friends with a diverse an interesting group of individuals from all over the world. Additionally, each day you will have time to discuss ideas and workshop your interests with Colin Salisbury, GVN's Founder and CEO. This program gives you one on one time with one of the top social entrepreneurs in the industry of international development.
When do I need to arrive in Jamaica?
The program starts on a Sunday and ends on a Sunday. The dates are:
Participants will be greeted at Montego Bay airport.
What kind of orientation will I receive when I arrive?
Orientation day- 16th of March
- Breakfast
- 1. Meeting with Colin Salisbury, founder of GVN - Greeting, Introduction to 'Be The Change' Course
- 2. Meet staff, introductions and explanation of what everyone does
- 3. Know exactly the Goals and Objectives of the 'Be The Change Course'
- 4. Skills/Passions Identification- How are you Wired? Workshop
- 5. In the afternoon you will have time for going into town / group activity.
What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
Although you are traveling in a developed country and there are no legally required vaccinations we do recommend Hepatitis A and B as well as tetanus and Yellow Fever if you are coming form an infected area.
Are we able to do any sightseeing on the training program?
The program will expose you to some of the most idyllic scenery in the Caribbean. During the week we will most likely visit some sites in and around the area but there will not be time for individual travel. Many of our participants choose to arrive to Jamaica early or leave late so they may do their own travelling before or after the course (often interns will travel together, therefore planning on staying late is usually the best option).
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
The in-country fee covers accommodation, meals and transport costs while working. If you arrive early or intend to stay beyond your volunteer time in Jamaica then you will need to have additional money for this time. Other expenses not covered by your fees include: your flights, entry visa (if applicable), travel insurance, departure tax, and any personal spending.
Tell me more about the accommodation?
You will be staying with other participants; the accommodation is modern and has most amenities people will be used to (TV, washing facilities, phone etc). The accommodation is run like a cooperative style house where you will share duties such as cooking and cleaning with the other interns. Bedding and 3 meals per day will be provided.
How much do things in Jamaica typically cost?
The currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar and is issued in bank notes of J$50, J$100, J$500 and J$1000 although it is advised that you carry some smaller bills as it can be difficult getting change for any note over J$100.
To give you an idea of what things cost, a bottle of water in Jamaica is typically between J$50 and J$75 (between 60 and 95 US cents) a meal in a restaurant, depending on location, can cost anywhere between J$700 and J$1500 (Between $10 and $20USD). A bottle of wine is roughly J$500 ($6US) and a case of beer J$1200 ($15US).
How many participants are there at the GVN Training program at the same time?
The GVN Be The Change Course is limited to no more than 7 participants at any time to allow for maximum individual attention and productivity.
Can I bring my family, including children, to this program with me?
Because of the nature of the accommodation, and the work that you will be involved with, it is not appropriate to bring children with you for this project. However, it is fine to volunteer as a couple.
What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. If further information is required applicants will be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements listed on the program page which outlines the minimum expectations of what is required for interning in this specific program. We look at volunteer and work experiences, travel experience and also your particular interest in the program before making our decision. Please try to be as specific as possible and provide as many details in your application as possible.
Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
You will, if you require one. Please see the above section "Entry Visa and Immigration" to determine if you require a visa. If you need to obtain a visa you will need to contact your nearest Jamaican Embassy.
Do I need travel insurance?
As with any overseas travelling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as a 'loss of deposits' cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc (up to US$8,000). If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance/.
How do I pay my fees?
Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully refundable if you decide not to take part in the program). Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer's expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Eighty percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable until one calendar month before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program.
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Question not covered here? Please check the generic FAQ, and if still unanswered, please ask us a question here (we aim to answer all email within 48 hours).
Click here to apply for the Be The Change program.
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