10 Days: Roots & Renewal Professional Familiarization Retreat
Kingston, Portland, Manchester, Trelawny & Negril, Jamaica
About This Trip
This 10-day Professional Development & Familiarization Retreat is an immersive journey designed exclusively for educators, specialists, and program leaders. It serves as a comprehensive practice ground to showcase the depth, authenticity, and educational integrity of Global Service Adventures' student programs.
Participants will move beyond the brochure to experience firsthand how GSA masterfully blends cultural immersion, community service, and academic themes including STEM, history, music, culture, and sports into transformative learning expeditions.
From the vibrant cultural heartbeat of Kingston to the resilient farming communities of Manchester and the stunning natural beauty of the west coast, this retreat is curated for professional development, integration, and building GSA's credibility. Upon completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Participation recognizing their commitment to advancing global education.
Trip Highlights
- Professional Development Workshops: Engage in three dedicated workshops on Experiential Learning Design, Fieldwork Risk Management, and Integrating Service-Learning into your curriculum.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Participate in a dynamic panel discussion with local tourism, business, and community leaders, and hold dedicated meetings with GSA's vetted local partners.
- Cultural & Historical Immersion: Journey through reggae's history at the Bob Marley Museum, explore Kingston's rich heritage, and experience the living legacy of the Charles Town Maroons.
- Community & Service: Connect with a Rastafarian Indigenous Village to learn about sustainable living and Ital cuisine, and engage in a meaningful service project demonstrating GSA's community-first approach.
- STEM & Nature: Discover Jamaica's world-renowned coffee in the Blue Mountains and witness the bioluminescent magic of the Luminous Lagoon.
- Coastal Adventure: Explore iconic Boston Beach and Blue Lagoon, snorkel the crystal-clear waters of Negril's 7-mile beach, and witness a legendary sunset at Rick's Cafe.
What's Included & Not Included
Included
- Welcome orientation & health & safety overview
- Airport pick-up (KIN) and drop-off (MBJ)
- 9 nights accommodation (Smokey Manor, Tan-y-Bryn, West-End Boutique Hotel)
- 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners as specified
- Ground transportation in private AC vehicles
- Entrance fees to all listed tours & attractions
- Bob Marley Museum guided tour & One Love Café lunch
- Institute of Jamaica & National Gallery art tour
- Kingston Art Walk with local artists
- Charles Town Maroon immersive cultural experience
- Guest Speaker session on genealogy research in Jamaica
- Facilitation for 3 professional development workshops
- Service-learning project coordination
- Professional speakers, panelists & local guides
- 24/7 in-country support from GSA staff
- Certificate of Participation upon completion
Not Included
- Round trip airfare to/from Jamaica
- Airline baggage fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Passport & visa documentation fees
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Optional add-on excursions & activities
- Personal spending money
- Optional tips & gratuities for guides and drivers
Optional Add-On Excursions
Luminous Lagoon Night Tour
$150Witness the magic of Jamaica's bioluminescent waters on a private evening boat tour. Includes a fire dance performance on shore and round-trip transport.
Blue Mountains Coffee Tour
$150Walk through lush coffee farms, meet local growers, and learn about sustainable farming practices with authentic coffee tastings.
Negril Snorkeling Adventure
$200Guided snorkeling tour of Negril's coral reefs with marine gear and professional instruction.
Horseback Riding Experience
$250Ride through Jamaica's stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, rivers, and countryside trails with expert guides.
Boston Beach Surf Lessons
$100Learn to catch waves at the birthplace of Jamaican surfing in Portland.
Framed Certificate of Participation
$100Receive your Certificate of Participation in a professionally framed format ready for display.
Accommodation & Community Home Base
Community Home Base – Immersive Experience
Stay in locally curated, community-based accommodations across Kingston, rural Jamaica, and the South Coast. Participants share comfortable rooms (double occupancy) in guesthouses and farm-stays, creating a supportive, collaborative environment perfect for reflection, dialogue, and immersive cultural learning.
- Shared rooms (2 per room)
- Home-style Jamaican meals
- Evening reflection circles
- Direct community proximity
1. Smokey Manor, St. Andrew (Kingston)
Nestled in the cool hills of St. Andrew, offering a warm, community-rooted setting for the Kingston portion of the retreat. Hearty home-cooked meals and communal spaces support group bonding and reflection.
2. Tan-y-Bryn Estate, Manchester
A historic sister property in the highlands of Manchester, providing a tranquil rural farm-stay setting for service-learning, agricultural panels, and educator wellness.
3. West-End Boutique Hotel, Negril
A charming boutique property in Negril's West End, offering a restorative coastal setting for the final days of the retreat with snorkeling, sunsets at Rick's Cafe, and oceanfront reflection.
Program Details
2028: Jun 17–26 / Jul 9–18