Center for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA-Belize)

Global Perspectives in Health

WELCOME TO YOUR PROGRAM

You’ll shadow local nurses and medical professionals in both hospital and community settings. Spend one week in San Ignacio’s hospitals and another in surrounding villages, gaining hands-on insight into Belize’s healthcare system and the role of nurses in a different cultural context. Beyond clinical experience, immerse yourself in Belize’s rich culture and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy a guided wilderness excursion, explore local markets, and connect with fellow interns—all while making a real-world impact in global health.

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

Breakfast is included and on-site. Students will have several different options for breakfast. Lunch and dinner are on your own. There are local restaurants nearby!

Flights

At the start of your program, our group shuttle from the airport on arrival Saturday will leave the airport at 4:30pm. Therefore, you should plan to arrive on a flight that arrives at BZE by 3pm on SATURDAY. 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

REQUIRED FOR YOUR PROGRAM

Backpack
Small notebook and pen for class and field notes
Face masks for personal use when in medical settings.
Clothes that are acceptable for trips to medical facilities and government agencies, including close-toed shoes
Rain gear
Close-toed shoes

SUGGESTED FOR YOUR PROGRAM

Shirts or tops (short sleeve, sleeveless, cool & easy to dry)
Thin, long-sleeve shirt (protection from sun and insects)
Shorts
1-2 bathing suits
1 hat for sun protection
1 pair sandals/flip flops (waterproof is good, but not necessary)
1 pair sneakers or tennis shoes
Beach towel
Small packable towel, handkerchiefs or bandanas
Laundry bag (or garbage bag or pillowcase for laundry)
Insect Repellent (3 bottles)
Reef-safe Sunscreen
Anti-itch cream (After Bite, Benadryl - something to address bug bites)
Small First Aid kit (designed for personal use)

FAQ

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

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.

WIFI: Students will have WiFi at the housing location, but the WiFi at all locations is not 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, pillow and blankets.
Towels: Towels and washcloths are provided
Outlets: Same as the US
Dress Code: For days that we visit places in the field (medical facilities and governmental agencies), you will need to dress in business casual. During other times, you can wear what you like, including shorts, tank-tops, and flip-flops.
Money: USD are 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 are 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. Everything we do in Belize is NOT included in your tuition. Your tuition covers daily breakfast. Students are responsible for daily lunch and dinner. We suggest students bring $350 USD to cover lunches and dinner for 2 weeks.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in optional excursions. Please bring extra cash if you wish to book additional excursions.

Weekend options (estimate): Subject to availability, the Xunantunich Maya Site Tour is included in your tuition.

Optional Excursions:

$55 USD Cave Tubing and Zip-lining

$70 USD Canoeing

$100-$125 USD snorkeling

$12 USD Green Iguana Project

$14 USD Ajaw Chocolate Making Tour

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