Voluntary TEFL jobs may not be the first choice of every ESL teacher, they can however prove to be a fantastic stepping stone to paid positions. For recently qualified TEFL teachers who are finding it difficult to find work without prior experience, a voluntary role can strengthen a CV, test newly acquired skills in the classroom environment and boost confidence in the face of teaching large numbers.

And large numbers can certainly be expected when teaching in Jamaican. Voluntary roles may mean class sizes of thirty students or more. Such students may vary in age, from very young learners experiencing their very first immersion into English, to adults hoping to hone existing English abilities. Both of these situations could offer extremely beneficial experiences to first-time ESL teachers or those lacking such skills.

Those volunteering will not usually require a degree, and although TEFL qualifications are certainly preferred and doubtlessly invaluable, some may not even specify this as a requirement. Though unlikely to offer pay, voluntary schemes may instead provide accommodation and meals. They are also normally very positive environments in which to work, whose more experienced staff will be able to pass on reusable skills to less experienced ESL teachers. Having worked in such an environment, the much more modern environments of European or Asian academies will seem a much less daunting experience.

Peak hiring times for both paid and unpaid work tend to be in January and June. Using an intermediary site is the most likely way of finding paid work, though salaries even then will not be high. The inability to save, however, will undoubtedly be compensated for by the unchallenged natural beauty which this Caribbean island has to offer.

With much of the population already having a basic grasp of English, it is very possible that a resourceful ESL teacher will be able to find private lessons to supplement their salary. Though such private lessons may still not offer high wages, they could offer a unique way to truly experience the culture and hospitality which Jamaica has to offer.

Security can at times be an issue in Jamaica, but if you are careful should prove no more troublesome than large European cities. The spoken language can also prove difficult for some, yet for a keen linguist this can again be a satisfying obstacle to overcome.