Belize
Overview
With a vast network of environmentally protected areas and a diverse blend of Maya, Garifuna, Creole, Mestizo, and Mennonite cultures, Belize offers unforgettable learning opportunities in a wide range of academic areas. In addition, as an English-speaking country situated close to the United States, Belize is a very accessible destination for new and advanced travelers alike.
Belize is on the Caribbean coast nestled between Mexico and Guatemala. This ideal location offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests, majestic mountains, mysterious Mayan temples, and excellent opportunities for diving and fishing. In a single day you can go from deep jungle to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Come discover beautiful Belize, from the mystery of its Mayan ruins, the infamy of the "Blue Hole," and the unmistakable warmth of its people.
San Ignacio
San Ignacio is a market town situated in the tropical hills in the western region of Belize. The town is only half an hour away from the border to Guatemala, and serves as the capital to the Cayo District. The Macal river separates San Ignacio from its sister city, Santa Elena. Together, these two cities have a population of roughly 17,000 making it the third largest urban area in Belize.
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is a small port town along the southern coast of Belize, approximately five hours south of Belize City. The town is the largest in the Toledo District, and serves as the market and school center for southern Belize. The influence of the Garifuna culture is evident in the community, and the town has a welcoming and relaxed vibe.
Social and Development Issues
In stark contrast to Belize's lush landscape, close to one third of the country's population lives below the poverty line. Limited education, inadequate health services, and a lack of productive job opportunities hinder Belizeans from escaping the challenges of a developing nation. Additionally, Belize struggles to develop its natural resources in a sustainable way, given the complicated dynamic of vast natural resources, widespread poverty, and intense international pressure to exploit their resources.
Projects
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Volunteer Abroad
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The Best Part of Farming – FOOD!Description and Impact Eating fresh, organic, local food is both healthy and beneficial for the community and environment. Consumption of local food ensures that fruits and...
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Be the Teacher You Always Wish You Had - Assist a Primary School Classroom in Punta GordaDescription and Impact Crowded classrooms and slim resources make it easy for some kids to fall through the cracks. Our teacher’s assistant program in Punta Gorda...
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It’s hard to beat soaking up Belize’s natural beauty while you help sustain it, but if you join us at this ProWorld project, you’ll do both. Come get your...
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Work on a Rural Organic Chocolate Farm Manufacturing FacilityDescription and Impact Due to globalization, cocoa production is becoming increasingly outsourced throughout the world. In Belize particularly, a handful of farms and factories...
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Monitor & Maintain Habitats and Protected LandsDescription and Impact Nearly half of Belize’s land is protected, but to preserve and sustain it, we need to study it, and ensure that the habitats remain viable. This...
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Description and Impact This organization works within the community to provide rehabilitation and education for persons with disabilities. Currently the organization sees around...
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Help Keep Nature’s Pharmacy IntactDescription and Impact Many Belizeans and foreigners look to a traditional Medicine Man for his advice on curing illnesses and maintaining health. He is able to help people in the...
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Experience Community-Guided HealthcareMeet local health care professionals. Experience clinics and see how a holistic healthcare system works in the rural areas of a developing country. ProWorld’s...
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Help run a summer camp in BelizeIt takes a village to raise a community, and in this rural area, the population is growing so quickly, that raising that community is a lot of work. Everyone needs a helping...
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Uncover the mysteries of medicine trails and plant-based healingTraditional methods of herbal healing were essential to the indigenous peoples. Without access to regular medical care, today’s indigenous people have continued these...
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Promote sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurshipLike most emerging economies, Belize’s rich natural resources are at risk for exploitation. This unusual non-profit was launched to boost local employment and promote...
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Live with and learn about the Mayan women in BelizeMayan women have handed down their craftwork for generations, but globalization in encroaching on their culture and diminishing the sustainability art. Without deliberate...
Intern Abroad
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The Best Part of Farming – FOOD!Description and Impact Eating fresh, organic, local food is both healthy and beneficial for the community and environment. Consumption of local food ensures that fruits and...
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Reach out and Read with the Punta Gorda Community LibraryDescription and Impact Despite the improvement of literacy over the last 20 years, illiteracy has continued to been a serious issue that has hindered the education and number of...
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Work on a Rural Organic Chocolate Farm Manufacturing FacilityDescription and Impact Due to globalization, cocoa production is becoming increasingly outsourced throughout the world. In Belize particularly, a handful of farms and factories...
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Monitor & Maintain Habitats and Protected LandsDescription and Impact Nearly half of Belize’s land is protected, but to preserve and sustain it, we need to study it, and ensure that the habitats remain viable. This...
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Description and Impact The availability of high quality medical care is vital to any community’s needs. Developing countries such as Belize often have problems finding both...
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Teach Environmental Responsibility Through FilmDescription and Impact Often times the public responds to issues only after they’ve seen them with their own eyes. Making an issue more tangible and understandable allows...
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Be the Teacher You Always Wish You HadDescription and Impact Crowded classrooms and slim resources make it easy for some kids to fall through the cracks. Our teacher’s assistant program in Punta Gorda...
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Description and Impact San Ignacio has several fairly busy pharmacies within the city and surrounding communities Participants working at the pharmacy get the opportunity to...
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Promote restoration and sustainable farming in Central AmericaIn Central America, the devastating cycle of slash and burn farming does not allow families to meet their basic nutritional needs. Garden based agriculture offers a...
Study Abroad
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ProWorld Semester Abroad students will study at Galen University with both local and international students. Along with their traditional coursework, all ProWorld Semester Abroad...
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ProWorld Semester Abroad students will study at Galen University with both local and international students. Along with their traditional coursework, all ProWorld Semester...
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ProWorld Semester Abroad students will study at Galen University with both local and international students. Along with their traditional coursework, all ProWorld Semester...
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Explore and study in the Caribbean nation of Belize and a UNESCO World Heritage site in Peru this summer! Summer abroad students will choose from courses ranging from...
Available Programs
Country Snapshot
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Kristen D Belize - San IgnacioThings I’m going to miss here: Never ending fresh fruits, how cheap everything is (6 oranges for 50 cents, ice cream for $1, dinner for 13 people from under $10 a person, rum & punch for $1.50), some actual hands-on medicine, and great new friends!