Volunteer in Belize

Explore:

Though lying in the heart of Central America, Belize is quite distinct from any of its mainland neighbors. It is the only Central American country that was colonized by the British, and maintains English as its official language. You will hear a variety of languages spoken however, as it is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities brought together throughout history.  While staying in the small coastal town of Punta Gorda, you will be in a perfect place to experience the beauty and diversity of the country.
 
As an Ayusa volunteer, you will be far more than just a tourist in this dynamic country. By collaborating with locals on development projects, you will have the opportunity to truly engage with these communities and aid in their efforts to promote the sustainable growth of their country. This meaningful service work will allow you gain a greater understanding of your global responsibility while simultaneously immersing yourself in Belize’s intriguing culture. 

Learn:

During Ayusa’s Service Learning Program, you will collaborate with our community hosts and established NGOs on a development project designed to serve the specific needs of the local people. Depending on your skills and interests, you might be involved in sustainable organic farming, education and literacy, care for the elderly, or light construction for schools or health centers. As you work to increase the overall quality of life for the community, you will also be gaining valuable practical skills, building self confidence, and learning first-hand about life in Belize.  

This hands-on learning will be supplemented by relevant curriculum, ensuring that you get the most out of your experience.  Volunteers will attend cultural lectures by local educators and nonprofit workers, and take part in our customized Global Initiative Curriculum. This curriculum is designed to link your service work experience to greater global concepts, allowing you to fully understand and appreciate the spirit of international volunteerism and the impact of your work.  

Experience:

The Ayusa program is designed to fully immerse volunteers in Belizean life and culture so that they may develop meaningful relationships with families and community members.  Your volunteer service will allow you to further engage with the local people and your fellow volunteers as you collaborate on projects designed specifically for the needs of the community. You might work at a school that your host family’s children attend, or build a sustainable garden that will feed community members. 
Once a week, Ayusa volunteers will take part in cultural excursions and other group activities. Day trips to cultural and historical sites, hikes through nature reserves, or guided tours will enrich your experience of the country.  These excursions will culminate in an unforgettable two day snorkeling trip on Caye Caulker.
Through this multifaceted approach involving experiential and academic learning, hands-on development work, and cultural immersion, volunteers will grow as individuals and members of the global community. Your adventure in Belize will enable you to see yourself and the world from a new perspective, and give you invaluable experience to carry with you on your future endeavors.

Travel and Activities:

During their stay abroad, students will be embarking on weekly cultural outings. Possible weekly excursions may include:

• The Lubaantun Mayan Ruins – the largest Mayan site in southern Belize where ancient limestone plazas and temples rest in a serene jungle setting.
• Barranco Garifuna Village – a Garifuna community that maintains many of their traditions and offers informative tours to educate visitors on their history and culture.  Student will visit the local temple, sample traditional foods, and maybe even see a Garifuna drum and dance performance.
• Program Finale: In a two day snorkeling trip onbeautiful Caye Caulker, students will snorkel among colorful reef fish, lobsters, turtles, and other stunning sea life, and relax under palm trees on sunny white-sand beaches.

Housing:

Students will stay with carefully selected host families for the duration of the program. A home stay provides full immersion into Belizean culture and invaluable personal contact with locals. Experienced onsite coordinators will be available to assist with adjusting to host family life. While traveling with the group, students will stay in hotels or hostels.

Requirements:

• 15–18 years old
• 2.5 GPA or higher (4.0 scale)
• Sound and stable mental and physical health appropriate for international travel and rural accommodations
• Flexible and mature personality, desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences

Program fees help support ongoing development projects and include:

• Roundtrip international airfare from an Ayusa hub city
• Full time dedicated onsite coordinator
• Full room and board
• All domestic transportation upon arrival
• Global Citizen Initiative curriculum delivery
• Round table discussion with community members
• Community project planning, set-up, execution and follow-up
• Project donation and purchase of project materials
• Cultural and adventure activities throughout the program
• Pre-trip organizational discussions, orientations, and program materials
• Extensive staff support throughout all phases of the program

Next Step: Start Your Application