Jamaica
Travel Dates: March 13-20, 2027
MUSTARD SEED COMMUNITIES
APPLY AUGUST 19!
This hands-on program takes place in Jamaica at Mustard Seed Communities, where students support children and adults with a wide range of developmental and physical conditions. Working with a large and diverse resident population, participants gain meaningful, real-world experience beyond what is typically available in U.S.-based fieldwork or externships.
Students actively engage in daily care and therapeutic activities, assisting with mealtimes, leading games or crafts, supporting group activities, and participating in community outings. This immersive setting helps build essential skills in communication (including with nonverbal individuals), interprofessional collaboration, and culturally responsive care.
The program includes six days of hands-on experience, along with a final day to relax and explore the local culture. By working closely with Jamaican staff and residents, students deepen their cultural awareness while completing valuable fieldwork (OT) or externship (SLP) hours.
Program Eligibility: Must be enrolled in the Occupational Therapy or Speech-Language Pathology program. Not open to undergraduate students.
International Travel & Health Information
Important Dates
Study Abroad Fair
- 9/9/2026, 10AM-1PM
- JSAC Breezeway
Flight & Airport Navigation Workshops
- 11/6/2026; 11/13/2026
$200 Initial Program Fee, Application & 2nd Payment Deadline
- 12/3/2026
Flight Purchase Window
- 12/4/2026 - 1/14/2027
Final Payment Deadline
- 1/5/2027
SAO Orientation (OT)
- 2/11/2027, 1PM-3PM
SAO Orientation (SLP)
- 2/12/2027, 3PM-5PM
Sweet Send Off
- 3/9/2027, 5PM-6PM
Contact Us
Study Abroad Office
Summerville Campus
Suite 251
Program Cost
Program Fee
- Transportation in country
- Lodging & All Meals
- Mandatory Excursions
- Health Insurance
Airfare
- Purchased Individually
- Students must attend a mandatory workshop before purchasing flights
Tuition & Fees
- Tuition and fees are billed at the same rate per credit hour as on-campus classes
Not included: CFAR insurance and spending money.
Courses Offered
OTHP 6002 - Fieldwork IC (2 credits) | OTHP 7010 - Level II Fieldwork Experience (12 credits)
OTHP 6910 - International Fieldwork Experience Seminar (2 credits) | SLPP 6502: Pediatric Externship Seminar (1 credit)
Program Leaders: Dr. Pam Kearney, Dr. Tiffany Prescott
This is a spring semester program. Classes meet pre- and post-travel.
Itinerary may be subject to change
13
MarchDay One
Students will arrive in Kingston in the evening and travel to their home base at Jacob’s Ladder (JL), a residential facility in Moneague. After a late dinner and a brief orientation, the group will settle in for rest ahead of the week’s impactful service learning and cultural immersion.14
MarchDay Two
The day begins with a community breakfast prepared by the students, followed by Mass in the JL chapel, where students are invited to celebrate alongside residents and staff. After an in-depth orientation and a tour of JL’s expansive campus, the group will travel to Jerusalem (Jer) in Spanish Town to tour its network of care facilities and engage in initial activities with residents. In the evening, students return to JL for a game of bingo with residents, a shared dinner, and an evening debrief to reflect on the day’s experiences.15
MarchDay Three
After breakfast at JL, students head to Jer for a team meeting with the site’s therapy coordinator. The day includes a mix of therapeutic engagement and activities with residents, including an off-site grocery store outing and meal support during lunch. Upon return to JL, students lead a baking activity with residents in the Care Plus area before concluding the evening with dinner and a group reflection.16
MarchDay Four
Students divide into small groups to engage in direct care, therapeutic interaction, and cooking activities with residents. After assisting with lunch and afternoon care, students return briefly to JL before heading out to enjoy a group dinner at the popular local restaurant, Scotchies, in Ocho Rios. The evening concludes with optional group discussion time back at JL.17
MarchDay Five
A highlight of the trip, students accompany Jer residents and staff to Fort Clarence Beach for a full day of sun, community, and care. Meals are provided on-site as the group enjoys a relaxed and joyful atmosphere by the sea. That evening, students participate in an art and craft session (with optional games) back at JL, followed by dinner and group reflection.18
MarchDay Six
The morning begins with a special Mass and fellowship at JL in honor of “Thank You Thursday.” Students then return to Jer to assist with personal care and beauty activities for residents, serve lunch, and sponsor an exciting afternoon dance party complete with cake and party favors. The day concludes back at JL with a group dinner and an evening concert with residents, celebrating the relationships built throughout the week.19
MarchDay Seven
On their last full day, students have the option to spend the morning assisting caregivers and visiting with residents at JL. Later, the group travels to Ocho Rios for a final beach visit and local market experience. That evening, after dinner, students will debrief, complete evaluations, pack, and prepare for departure.20
March