Teach English in Jamaica

An island floating in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is world-famous for many things: its ‘irie’ lifestyle, beaches, music and, of course, its rum. This island nation claimed independence from the British Commonwealth in 1962 and, since then, Jamaica has embraced its true identity as a chilled tropical island where no one is ever in a hurry.

Jamaica is one of the first places that will come to your mind first when you imagine a beach paradise. The tropical climate has resulted in huge forests and grasslands, which support a wide range of bird and animal species. Add in the hot and humid weather, and Jamaica can clearly be seen as an idyllic getaway.

Besides relaxing on the beach or exploring the mountains and forests, there are a number of activities to be done: horse riding, snorkeling, swimming, jet-skiing, kite surfing, visiting waterfalls, or even swimming with dolphins. One of the top things to do in Jamaica is to go to Nine Mile. Here you can visit the place where the legendary Bob Marley was born and is now buried.

If you enjoy spending your downtime in a hammock, eating jerk chicken, or jamming to some tunes, head to Jamaica, where you probably won’t strike it rich but you will live a good life.

Jamaica is also home to some of the most incredible sporting athletes of all time, including Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson. Considering the population of Jamaica is estimated to be around the 3 million mark, this makes the achievement even more impressive.

Track and field are among the national sports, but it’s cricket which takes the national crown. Another sport with which Jamaicans have had huge success in throughout the years, the island is one of the multiple countries that make up the West Indies. Some of the great Jamaican cricketers to play the game include Chris Gayle, Michael Holding, and George Headley.

If you are one of the million tourists visiting Jamaica every year, the Blue Mountains hike is a popular choice. The Blue Mountains is the longest mountain range with a peak of 7,402 feet or 2,256 meters. With the heat, it’s often climbed in the night. On your way, you might see some of the eight native snakes, but don’t worry: none of them are venomous.

Jamaicans speak Patois, which is a combination of English, French, and Spanish, but most of the population can speak English, albeit with a thick accent. It has been recognized that English teaching in schools is not as good as it should be, so there have been measures put in place to improve this.

There has actually been a movement of Jamaican teachers to leave Jamaica in order to teach in other countries, which means that there are openings in many schools for new teachers. There are various volunteer opportunities to work in the local schools, but there are also paid positions to be found in schools or colleges.

Teaching English in Jamaica offers a vibrant and culturally immersive experience for educators seeking to make a difference in the Caribbean.

A BA/BS degree is required as a standard qualification for English teaching positions, ensuring a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise. The typical contract length ranges from six to twelve months, providing a substantial commitment to both teachers and students.

Peak hiring seasons occur in January and June, creating favorable opportunities for teachers to secure positions. To work legally in Jamaica, teachers typically obtain a work visa, ensuring compliance with immigration regulations. English teachers in Jamaica can expect to work with a diverse range of students, including both children and adults, providing a rewarding and varied teaching experience.

The average monthly cost of living in Jamaica ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 JMD, offering a reasonable standard of living in this tropical paradise. Additionally, English teachers can anticipate an average monthly salary ranging from 75,000 to 120,000 JMD, providing financial stability and the ability to enjoy the rich culture, reggae music, and stunning natural beauty of the island.

Teaching English in Jamaica combines the opportunity to inspire and educate students of all ages with an immersive cultural experience in one of the most beautiful destinations in the Caribbean.

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