Literacy Teacher

All Volunteers live in a host family setting for the duration of their service. All assignments are in rural areas, predominantly in the interior and mountainous regions of the island. The standard of living varies widely within rural communities. The most common living situation is a self-contained unit in a family yard or attached to a family home, although some Volunteers may be in a room within the family home with a private bathroom and shared living area and kitchen. During Pre Service Training or occasionally at a 2-year site (i.e., when a host family has visitors) Volunteers may have a shared bathroom situation. Cellular phone coverage is available in most rural communities, but there may not be internet at the home. All Volunteers will have access to internet either by purchasing data for home use from their living stipend or by traveling to their worksite or nearby access point. Host families assist Volunteers with orientation in the community, Jamaican home life, and cross-cultural adjustment during Pre-Service Training and in the assigned 2-year community.

Electricity is present island-wide, except in very remote areas. The amenities that each Volunteer will have with their assigned host families will vary; however, all Volunteers will have access to basic amenities, including a stove and refrigerator. Due to scarcity and high prices, conservation of electricity and water is critical while living with Jamaican host families. Volunteers may also experience short or extended power and water outages on a semi-regular basis and especially in the wake of adverse weather events such as storms. In addition, Volunteers should expect to encounter high temperatures on a regular basis and be prepared to cope with extreme heat, as air conditioning is not widely available on the island. Some sites in wet climates have challenges with mold. In these situations, staff will provide support to PCVs to mitigate mold growth. Peace Corps staff support Volunteers with training and strategies to integrate and adapt effectively and appropriately to living in the new intercultural context of their host community.

The Jamaican diet consists of mostly chicken although beef, goat, and fish are readily available. Vegetarians and vegans can be well accommodated with a wide selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains available, especially in larger supermarkets.

Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Jamaica country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.