My daughter is going to Jamaica as a college class in May. Is it safe there??? What should she look out for???

Answer 1

I'm a Jamaican college student.....2nd yr University of The West Indies. I know that u might think that i will be biased....but i wont answer as though Jamaica is without crime and negativity, i mean of course, no country is crime free. So she will have to take normal precaution, as she would in her home country. The majority of us are very hospitable to foreigners ), and foreign exchange student in particular. ( u have a few aren't, like in every country),


The only thing that she has to worry about is the culture shock. Is she Caucasian.....well she has to get comfortable with the occasional stares she might get from people, don't consider it rude, call it curiosity.
We are not cultured to the same customs as The US and most of Europe, although we are getting a bit commercialized.

Our colleges are relatively smaller than American and European colleges, but the students are no less energetic enthusiastic and welcoming

Good Luck

Answer 2

There are many tourist areas that are somewhat safe. Once you go into the locals areas, the risk for robbery increase. Sometimes people like going into the mainland because food and merchandise is cheaper. Just remember that the locals can always tell who the tourists are. If this is a college, make sure she is always around the people who are running the college class. If she strays too far, then the risk for trouble goes up. Remember, she is in a foreign country!

Answer 3

From what I have heard, Jamaica is well policed in the areas where there are lot of tourists. Other places, however, are not as safe. As long as she stays with crowds in populated places, she should be okay.

Answer 4

It depends where in Jamaica she is staying......last time I was in Kingston with family, we were stopped by military carrying M-16's and asked for papers - it was a bit scary but precautionary in nature.

No worries though, its not like there are riots in the street.

Answer 5

Your daughter should look out for thieves. She should look behind her when she's on the road at alllllll times. Walk in a crowd, never carry a handbag they might just steal it from you. If taking a taxi never take a taxi with men alon or with women alone. Be careful who she talks to.