Center for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA-Belize)

Wildlife Health and Conservation

WELCOME TO YOUR PROGRAM

This course offers hands-on experience with species like jaguars, tapirs, monkeys, crocodiles, and raptors. Learn essential field techniques including camera trapping, GPS/VHF tracking, chemical immobilization, mist netting, and bird banding. Based at the Tropical Education Center near the Belize Zoo, students will work alongside expert zookeepers and observe both captive and wild animals. Field excursions to Runaway Creek Nature Reserve provide real-world research experience and insight into conservation challenges.

Housing

Your housing will be at TEC, a remote location less than 1 mile from the Belize Zoo. There is no AC or WIFI at the housing, but there is WIFI in the common area (dining hall/classrooms). There is a screened-in outdoor pool for students to cool off in the afternoon. Rooms are dorm-styled, shared with CELA Belize students of the same gender

Food

Breakfast and dinner will be provided by TEC in the dinning hall. Lunch is not included and will be at a near by restaurant. A student favorite is Cheers. They have an extensive menu for you to choose from along with fresh baked goods from the local staff.

Flights

For 2025 winter travel: Arrive Dec 28 by 3pm and depart Jan 11 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.

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 LIST

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), t-shirts (4-5), and light-weight long sleeve shirts (2-3).
Hiking boots or sneakers and appropriate socks (try for a few days before bringing - be comfortable!)
Rain gear/jacket

SUGGESTED FOR THIS PROGRAM

Shirts or tops (short sleeve, sleeveless, cool & easy to dry)
Thin, long-sleeve shirt (protection from sun and insects)
Shorts
Long pants (jeans, khakis or nylon -you will wear most days. Not leggings/capris)
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

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 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: Students are required to bring their own towels. We recommend bringing a bathing towel and a swim towel.
Laundry: Laundry service may be available for a $10 - $15 USD fee per load, at your accommodation.
Outlets: Are the same as the US
Dress Code: You are required to wear "smart casual". You will be working in the field a lot, where you are required to wear work pants. Most days, you will get dirty and sweaty and gross. A few extra socks and 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.
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 and dinner. Students are responsible for daily lunch

Meals - (Lunches) - $350 USD

Snacks, drinks and souvenirs - $250 USD

Cave Tubing/Zip Lining - $55 USD

Beach Day Activities - Optional Snorkeling $150 USD

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