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Center for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA-Belize)
WELCOME TO YOUR PROGRAM
WELCOME TO YOUR PROGRAM
Experience global health firsthand in this four-week nursing study abroad program in tropical Belize. Through a mix of lectures, clinical observation, and hands-on rotations, you’ll explore healthcare delivery from a global perspective while learning directly from Belizean nurses and community health workers. The first two weeks focus on understanding the Belizean healthcare system through classroom learning and field visits, followed by two weeks of clinical rotations. Along the way, you’ll gain valuable cross-cultural insight into nursing practices and public health challenges. On the weekends you'll enjoy excursions to ancient ruins, jungles, and free time to explore Belize’s vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty.
Housing
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
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
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.
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 YOUR PROGRAM
REQUIRED FOR YOUR PROGRAM
Business casual clothes that are acceptable for trips to medical facilities and government agencies
4 or 5 complete sets of scrubs (tops and bottoms)
Comfortable close-toed shoes to wear at clinical sites and on field visits
Watch (either digital or with a second hand)
Hand sanitizer for personal use throughout
Disposable gloves
A box of face masks for personal use when in medical settings
Rain gear jacket
SUGGESTED FOR YOUR PROGRAM
SUGGESTED FOR YOUR PROGRAM
Shirts or tops ( short sleeve, sleeveless, cool & easy to dry)
Thin, long-sleeve shirt (protection from sun and insects)
1-2 bathing suits
Hat for sun protection
Pair sandals/flip flops
Rubber boots/hiking shoes for community health visits if it rains (it can get muddy!)
Beach towel
Small packable towel, handkerchiefs or bandanas
Hand sanitizer (enough for 2-week supply) (required)
Insect Repellent (3 bottles)
Reef-safe Sunscreen
Anti-itch cream (After Bite)
FAQ
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
Laundry: Laundry service may be available for a $10 - $15 USD fee per load, at your accommodation.
Outlets: Outlets are the same as the US.
Dress Code: During the first two weeks, when we visit places in the field (medical facilities and governmental agencies), you will need to dress in business casual. During your internship, while you are at clinical sites, you should wear scrubs. On your free time, 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 $700 USD to cover lunches and dinner for 4 weeks.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in optional excursions (Subject to availability). Please bring extra cash if you wish to book additional excursions.
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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