Hello everyone. I'm currently living in Thailand teaching english in a primary school, and by the end of this year, I would like to travel somewhere else at live for awhile. With my love for listening and playing music, especially Reggae, I thought that moving to Jamaica for a while might be particularly interesting.
my questions are:
Is there a way to find a volunteer organization that you don't need to pay for?
Or are there any type of long term job opportunities I may be able to find to prolong my stay there?
I'm from the U.S.A and was also wondering about what type of visa I would need and if I would need a work permit or something.
But I am really interested in trying to find a job or free volunteering opportunity that are not in the tourist areas. I want to get to know the locals and integrate myself into the Jamaican culture as much as possible. Also, are there any farm jobs I might be able to find.
anyways, if anyone has any suggestions, please reply! thanks so much!

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Nona Manis.. finding out where I belong

O.A. I was meant 2 luv u..

I really don't want to sound negative, BUT you are about the 50th person in the last few years that wants to move to Jamaica and hasn't even been there or researched it out. First of all I suggest you visit for a couple of weeks, ask questions there and see if it really is something you want to do. If it is I will be glad to help you over there. I am returning in September for 6 months, which is the limit you as an American can stay at one time.

I am not saying this is an impossible dream, but I also don't want you to wake up in Jamaica and find that it is a nightmare for you.

Also research back threads on this site and you will get a wealth of information that will probably answer most of your questions. Good luck.

I have to agree with JMiss.

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

I'll chime in and say I agree too.

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If you've never stared off in the distance, then your life is a shame...

and i have seen many people in jamaica wake up to exactly that scenario. unless youve got a lot of money and a lot of patience and a lot of courage dont even try it. keep Jamaica as a holiday destination.

right on. thanks to everyone for your replies. I'll try and research some more then. It seems as though living in Jamaica might be quite a challenge from what everyone has said so far. But actually that just makes me want to go even more... but how about you guys? What types of things are you doing in Jamaica, and how do you feel about living there?(assuming some of you have lived or are currently living there)

i like your spirit.

ive lived there for a total of a year. 8 months living with Ja bf. 4 months being single. from my experience life as a single white female is very different when you dont have a man and it can be tough. but your experience will depend on your situation. i needed a break from it and came back to the uk thinking i may not return to Ja at all. but ive had a little rest and now im raring to go again. like you, life being hard is never enough to put me off having adventures if your serious about this after youve done your research feel free to PM me if you need more detailed info.

I love it here, have lived here all my life and life is fun. I enjoy the not-so-everyday happenings and the people around me. The economy is not Grade - A but everyone stands a chance here, provided that he/she has the will to survive.

I look forward to a nice event to suit my taste every weekend. Some other islands only have one thing going on for the whole month... in Jamaica you always have some major event happening.

Hooray Festival is just around the corner!

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Nona Manis.. finding out where I belong

O.A. I was meant 2 luv u..

Hello everyone. I guess I sound like a novice, but I want to move to Jamaica too. I have been researching jobs online. I have been there several times before. My husband lives Kingston 20. We want to live together, but I'm not sure if its worth me selling my house and taking the equity out going to a place where I've never lived before. Being around Jamaican people would be natural. I am American but everyone in my life is Jamaican, friends, etc. I'm more worried about the economy especially since whats going on now in the States.

I wanted to know if there were any other women who made this transition and how they feel about it?

I think there are sum that do it "part time" U should contact LadySizzla or JamaicaMiss there are sum other's but I cant come on their names now.

Goodluck and welcome to ETJ

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Just a mellow likkle kitty today

I would not sell your home. Can you rent it out for 6 months? Try it first and if you don't like it you can always return to your home. I am lucky that I don't have to work to maintain myself over there. Things may get tough in Jamaica because of US problems. It seems to be doing that in other countries already. I'm not saying this is impossible but I want you to be cautious and not sever all ties to the US.

I'm new here but have read a lot of the posts over the last few months. I too would love to move to Ja in the future. I have been there twice this year alone and absolutely love it there.