About Jamaica SST

To begin your SST experience, you will arrive in Jamaica on the tropical north coast in Montego Bay City, affectionately known as the "Second City" of Jamaica. After several days of orientation, you will head out to one of the 10 deaf schools scattered around Jamaica. You may find yourself in the town of Knockpatrick, at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf with over 200 deaf students assisting in the school’s health clinic, or aiding a teacher in the remote area of Top Hill at Maranatha School for the Deaf with 20 students. No matter the geographic location, you will live and work at a school for deaf children. This is a time to become intimately acquainted with Jamaican Deaf Culture and serve the school. The school will become your host “family” just as it is family for many deaf students.

After six weeks, you will return to a central location for the final six weeks study portion of your experience abroad. During this time Jamaican host families will be an essential element of your experience. From them you will learn about work and home life, savor simple home cooked meals and enjoy the bonds of a new family.

During these weeks, morning and afternoons will provide opportunity for formal study including: Jamaican Sign Language classes taught by members of the Jamaican Association for the Deaf and seminars on Jamaican history and politics. The classroom expands as you explore sugarcane plantations, coffee growing on Blue Mountain and The Institute of Jamaica.