JAMAICA INFORMATION
HLSC490: Healthcare Access Jamaica
WINTER SESSION 2026 (Dates are December 13-20, 2026, the first week of winter session)
The Jamaica program is an offering to both undergraduate and graduate students during winter session 2026 (see dates above) by Dr. Amy Way and Professor Jennifer Bell. Students will spend a week in the small community of Harmons, Jamaica located in south, central Jamaica.
PURPOSE:
This is a service-learning program. The purpose of the course is to gain a better understanding of the healthcare system and healthcare access in Jamaica. The purpose of our travel to Jamaica is to learn by serving the small, rural community of Harmons, Jamaica. We partner with a mission that provides us with accommodations, transportation and contacts needed to offer the program. Students will participate in the standard components of the mission trip which include house construction, outreach in the schools and community, and visits to a local infirmary. Serving opportunities that the CU team may expect to experience include:
Although Dr. Way and Professor Bell are professors in the health sciences, this class and this program is open to all majors.
ABOUT HARMONS, JAMAICA:
Harmons is an under-resourced community with about 2 of every 3 people under-employed. Because of expense and its remote location, consistent education past the 6th grade is often difficult. Quality medical treatment is lacking and money for basic needs (food, clothes, shoes, toiletries, and home improvements) is limited. Dr. Way and Professor Bell have been serving in Harmons for ten years.
CREDITS:
Open to all students, HLSC490 (Special Topics) can be taken for either 1 or 3 credits (undergraduates). While preparation for travel will take place during the fall semester for all students, those who opt for the 1 credit version of the course will complete the course requirements during the week we are in Jamaica. Students who choose the 3 credit version will begin coursework at the start of the winter session in Jamaica and complete the remainder online upon return from Jamaica.
COST:
Aside from the tuition/fees for 1 or 3 credits, a program fee of $1970 covers the travel portion of the course. Students are welcome, and encouraged to apply for Professional Experience Grants (PEG). The deadline for winter session PEG applications is October 1 (https://www.commonwealthu.edu/cost-and-aid/loans-and-grants/professional-experience-grants) . To secure a seat for the Jamaica program, submit an application through the CU Global Engagement Office ($50 fee). Upon acceptance into the program, students then pay a $500 deposit towards the $1970 program fee (this deposit is refundable until August 31). The balance for the trip will be due in two installments ($800 by August 31 and $670 by November 2). The program fee covers airfare, transportation, lodging, and activities within Jamaica and most meals. Students should expect to bring about $100-$200 for spending money.
Students are responsible for either 1 or 3 credits of tuition/fees for Winter 2026. Students are billed separately for this cost (in-state tuition/fees is ~$1305 for 3 credits). Students are also responsible for passport fees (if necessary), baggage fees (unless included), short term mission insurance (~$30), meals during travel days, and incidentals/gifts in Jamaica.
Students are responsible for travel to and from the airport, which will likely be Newark or Philadelphia depending on ticket costs and availability.
PASSPORTS:
You MUST have a passport (if you do not have one already). You cannot leave the US, re-enter the US, or enter Jamaica WITHOUT a valid passport. If you do not have a passport, you need apply for one over the summer at the very latest. We will need a copy of your passport (which has your passport number) for airline tickets in early in the fall semester.
IMPORTANT DATES:
March 2026: Begin accepting applications until filled (first come, first serve) - $500 deposit
August 31, 2026: Last day to withdraw from the program and receive a refund, pay
next installment of your balance ($800) and passports due
September 2026: First “logistics and basic information” meeting (time/day to be announced)
November 2, 2026: Pay final installment of your balance ($670)
November 2026: Second “more essentials” meeting (time/day to be announced)
December 2026: Packing “Party” (time/day/location to be announced)
December 13, 2026: Meet at airport for departure flight to Jamaica
December 20, 2026: Return to US; students make their own arrangements to be picked up at airport.
December 21-January 15. 2026: Students in the 3 credit course complete the winter session.
Please Note: This is an alcohol-free and drug-free trip. Due to cultural sensitivities and the impression this makes on the community, the mission requires that all participants refrain from taking part in these things. If you cannot do without alcohol or marijuana for one week, this program is not for you.
Additionally, Commonwealth University (CU) is partnering with a Christian mission to provide this service-learning opportunity. We may be in Jamaica with other groups who are there to participate in a mission trip. You are welcome to participate in any component of their typical program (morning devotions, etc), but all religious components of the program are completely optional for CU participants.
