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Center for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA-Belize)
Welcome to your program
Welcome to your program
Experience hands-on veterinary training and large animal agriculture in Belize through fieldwork at local farms and ranches. This program covers animal care, nutrition, reproduction, anatomy, and disease prevention, focusing on horses, cattle, goats, swine, and sheep. You’ll gain skills in labs, assist in a small animal clinic, and learn techniques like artificial insemination, ration formulation, and genetic selection. You'll even take a field trip that provides real-world insight into farm animal medicine and global agricultural systems. And on the weekend you'll enjoy a beach trip!
Housing
Housing
Students will be staying at Hill Garden Resort. Where rooms are dorm style with single beds. All rooms will be shared with CELA Belize students of the same gender. There is a pool on site for students to enjoy, along with a snack bar that serves smoothies!
Food
Food
Daily plated breakfast is included at the hotel along with coffee and tea. Breakfast can be dishes like omlets, pancakes, etc. Lunch and dinner are on your own budget. You'll be transported as a group to each restaurant and sit together to enjoy your meals.
FLIGHTS
FLIGHTS
For 2026 winter travel: Arrive Jan 3 by 3pm and depart Jan 17 after 11:30am.
For summer travel:
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.
PACKING
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!
REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM
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 4 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
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
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.
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!
Everything we do in Belize is NOT included in your tuition. Your tuition covers daily breakfast. Students are responsible for daily lunch and dinner (estimates below). Students will have several optional excursions. Please bring extra cash if you wish to book additional excursions.
Meals - (Lunches and Dinners) - $540 USD
Snacks, drinks and souvenirs - $250 USD
Xunantunich Tour - $30 USD
Barton Creek Tours/Canoeing (Optional) - $75 USD
Beach Day Activities - Optional Snorkeling $150 USD
Green Iguana Project- $12 USD
Ajaw Chocolate Making Tour- $14 USD
Cave Tubing- $55
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