Business & Micro-Enterprise Internship Abroad

Are you looking for a business & micro-enterprise internship abroad where you can impact microenterprises through training? Maybe you are a student or young entrepreneur and know business development is the career path you want to take. And, perhaps you just need a chance to prove it. 

If this sounds like you, then a business & micro-enterprise internship is an excellent opportunity. This means you can offer business management training to start-ups and entrepreneurs who need help in taking their business to the next level.

Gain hands-on experience and build skills solving real-life problems and complex issues entrepreneurs are experiencing in one of two locations.

You can work with a small start-up in the city of Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. In this bustling city, there are many eager business owners of microenterprises with great ideas. Still, they lack business development training and need mentorship.

Even more, gain the very best “real life” education and intercultural understanding as you conduct workshops and training in business development to empower marginalized entrepreneurs. As a result, you’ll shorten your learning curve as you work hand-in-hand with local entrepreneurs to develop a business plan, source resources, and funds to get their project off the ground.

As you work with NGOs and other professionals on these projects, grow and develop through their mentorship, feedback, and evaluations. These new and long-lasting friendships will give you the résumé-boosting experience you’ll need to jump-start your career.

As you immerse in the local Jamaican culture, contribute to a sustainable cause and use your internship to make a difference. 

On any of your international business internships, your duties and responsibilities will depend on your placement and skills. Some of the activities you will be required to perform are:

  • Conduct market research
  • Administrative tasks
  • Social media content creation 
  • Manage finances and maintain book-keeping
  • Develop business plans and organize fund sourcing

Our internship programs are based on the outskirts of Kingston. Intern placements are within 15 to 30 minutes from Volunteer Home / Youth Hostel. The programs are also within close proximity to village shops, schools, and churches.

  • Travel to Jamaica with Restrictions
  • Complete mandatory travel authorization forms
  • Proof of Covid Testing results 72 hours prior to arrival
  • Mandatory Mask wearing in public
  • Health screening & assessment on arrival

Learn more here

Interns will arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport and our representative will meet you on arrival

A Jamaica Volunteer Programs coordinator will conduct orientation on the morning of the day the project starts. During this first meeting, you will be introduced to local staff who will take care of you and go over the details of your project placement. Your orientation will include popular Jamaican customs & culture, safety, weekend and free time travel options, and guidelines and expectations.

During your orientation, you will also be briefed on information about all the Covid-19 protocols, options for local transportation, currency, and other support services you will require during your stay.

Our accommodations are dormitory-style volunteer houses/youth hostels. Rooms are equipped with fans, but there is the option to pay US$5 per day for air conditioning.

All accommodations have electricity, running water, western-style bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. You are required to bring your reusable water bottle to refill each day, which will help to reduce your cost for clean drinking water. You are also required to bring toiletries.

For the safety of interns and consideration of other roommates, we provide curfews hours on weekdays starting at 11:00 pm and on weekends at 1:00 am.

At JVP, we offer a basic daily breakfast in your package. The menu includes toast, eggs, fruits, tea/coffee, and juice. Two days per week, you’ll have a full Jamaica breakfast. There is a communal kitchen at the volunteer house, which consists of a gas stove, microwave, and refrigerator.

Your package also includes daily dinner.

At JVP, we cater to all diets, including vegetarians and vegans. To request meals for your special diet, discuss with your project coordinator.

Your daily work schedule will depend on your location and the duties; however, all interns will work with a basic structure. Our projects run from Monday – Friday, and on the first day of your placement, you’ll be accompanied by a local staff who will introduce you and help you settle in. During this time, you will get to familiarize yourself with the facilities, the team, and the duties and activities you will be doing.

A typical weekday will look something like this: 

6:30 – 7:30: Breakfast

8:00: Depart for internship work

 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Start working at your project placement. Work closely with business professionals and assist microenterprises with administrative and business development tasks.

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

At noon, there will be a break for lunch. 

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Return to work at your placement.

 

For the best experience, our interns are required to be 18 and older, are encouraged to be flexible and open-minded. Creativity, initiative, and a sense of humor are also invaluable assets. Interns also need to submit important documentation such as travel health insurance, trip cancellation, a resume/CV, a copy of your passport front page, and a criminal background check not older than six months.

Your resume need not be more than one page long with a summary of your skills or gifts so we can best know how to use your service.

You can spend your afternoons and weekends however you’d like, whether it be hanging out with other volunteers, working online, or exploring Jamaica through adventure. At JVP, our representatives are always looking out for eye-opening cultural activities we know you’ll enjoy. Some afternoons you’ll even have the option to attend a local event. It’s your choice!

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