Center for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA-Belize)

Animal Science in Belize

Welcome to your program

Join Dr. Alava and CELA Belize for two weeks of hands-on animal science, livestock health, wildlife conservation, and cultural experiences. Based in San Ignacio, you’ll work with horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and swine while learning about animal husbandry, livestock health, reproduction, and large-animal physical examination.

You’ll also explore One Health through community health visits, wildlife research, and conservation projects, with experiences such as bird banding, jaguar conservation, and primate research. Outside the classroom, discover Belizean culture, explore Maya archaeological sites, and enjoy adventures from the Rio on Pools to a beach trip on Caye Caulker.

Housing

Housing is similar to a hotel/hostel. Students are roomed by gender and share bathrooms. Rooms will have AC and Wifi is available. Staff is on site 24/7.

Food

Most meals are included in the program. Some meals are designated as “on your own,” including dinner on Caye Caulker and meals during the free day.

FLIGHTS

At the start of your program, our group shuttle from the airport on arrival Sunday will leave the airport at 4:30pm. Therefore, you should plan to arrive on a flight that arrives at BZE by 3pm on SUNDAY. Staff will arrive at the airport by 11am. If you arrive prior to 11am, please wait in the arrival hall. There is only one airport transfer per arrival day. If you miss the group transport, there is a fee for solo transport.

At the end of your program, our group shuttle to the airport on departure Saturday will arrive at the airport at 9:30am. Therefore, you should plan to depart on a flight that departs BZE after 11:30am on SATURDAY.

ALL FLIGHT INFO HERE

PACKING

The only items you are required to bring are those on the “required” lists. General required items (like your passport) are found on the ALL PROGRAMS packing list above. Program specific required items are found below under the REQUIRED section. For the rest of the items, you are welcome to use your discretion. There may be items missing from this list that you’d like to bring, and there may be items on this list that you don’t want to bring. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

ALL PROGRAM PACKING INFO HERE

REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM

Rugged clothes specifically for field work, including non-legging pants such as jeans / canvas work pants/hiking pants or similar (4-5 pairs)
Rubber boots or hiking boots and appropriate socks (try for a few days before bringing - be comfortable!) Sneakers and appropriate socks.
Scrubs- we recommend at least 2 pairs. You will be required to wear scrubs when working at the farms and in the animal clinic.
Stethoscope
Thermometer (for taking rectal temperatures of various animals)
Rain gear/Travel umbrella

SUGGESTED FOR THIS PROGRAM

Shirts or tops (short sleeve, sleeveless, cool & easy to dry)
Thin, long-sleeve shirt (protection from sun and insects)
Shorts (for after work days)
1-2 bathing suits, beachwear for weekend excursion
Hat for sun protection
1 pair sandals/flip flops (waterproof is good, but not necessary)
Laundry bag (or garbage bag or pillowcase for laundry)

FAQ

Belize is hot and humid with a chance of rain. Come prepared to deal with a variety of weather. It can be warm/hot and humid during the day, but it will cool down at night.

Epi Pens are not available in Belize. If you normally carry an Epi Pen, please bring one with you to Belize.

WIFI: Students will have WIFI at the housing location, but WIFI is not always reliable. If you are interested in a travel phone plan, please talk to your phone provider before your program starts.
Bedding: We will provide you with sheets, pillows, and blankets.
Towels: 1 towel is provided at each housing location and can be exchanged for a new one. Washcloths are not provided; we recommend bringing a luffa. Swimming towels are not provided.
Laundry: May be available for a $10 - $15 USD fee per load, at your accommodation.
Outlets: Outlets are the same as the US.
Dress Code: The dress code is "smart casual." This means: long pants, closed-toed shoes (boots), and tops. When you are on the farm, you will be required to wear scrubs. Most days, you will get dirty and sweaty and gross. A few extra socks and T-shirts can make you much more comfortable. You will be working in your boots, so be sure to bring socks that are comfortable with your boots. During other times, you can wear what you like, including shorts, tank-tops, and flip-flops.
Power & Electricity: Power outages (loadshedding) can sometimes occur in Belize, so we recommend being prepared for occasional interruptions to the electricity supply. Bring a portable fan to stay cool, a power bank to charge your devices and a flashlight or headlamp.
Money: USD is accepted in Belize at an exchange rate of 1USD:2BZD. There is no need to exchange your money at a bank or the airport. USD is accepted for all payments, and any change will be given in BZD. US coins are not accepted in Belize. Most places will not accept US bills larger than $20- so make sure to bring smaller bills with you. So, "cash is king" if looking to purchase souvenirs or personal items!

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