Volunteer in Belize
Bordering Mexico and Guatemala, Belize might be small, but it packs a punch. Home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, the country is a magnet for snorkelers and scuba divers. With hundreds of Caribbean islands, including Caye Caulker and Caulker Ambergris, there is plenty of opportunity to find your own personal slice of paradise.
Add lush jungles, ancient Mayan temples and the fascinating culture of the Garifuna people into the mix, and there are many reasons to choose Belize as a volunteer destination. Belize is known for its laidback attitude and friendly locals, characteristics which make living and volunteering in the country a unique and enjoyable experience.
There is a diverse range of volunteering opportunities available in Belize, from marine conservation to teaching. Whatever you choose, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the delights of the country as well as the chance to contribute to a worthy cause, gain a sense of self-satisfaction and make new friends.
There are an abundance of volunteering opportunities in Belize, and volunteers are greatly appreciated in schools, hospitals, and communities throughout the country.
Marine Conservation
Given the location, marine conservation is one of the most popular volunteer options in Belize. Volunteers are based on a tropical island and work requires gathering data from the Belize Barrier Reef. This can involve surveying the health of reef and seagrass beds, monitoring fish species, and the checking the location of turtle nests and number of turtles.
Some programs include whale shark monitoring. Beach clean-up and salvage dives are also undertaken. If you haven't already got a PADI certificate, there's an opportunity to become qualified and, if you have, you can always obtain your advanced certificate in Belize.
Medicine & Healthcare
If you're a medical student, volunteering in this area is a great way to gain practical experience -- and it also looks impressive on your resume. Volunteers are supported by medical professionals who offer training and guidance.
Much of the work is based in public polyclinics and hospitals, which offer medical care and advice to children and adults who would not otherwise have access to it. There are also programs that concentrate on community outreach and public health campaigning.
Teaching
Whether you have teaching experience or not, there are programs available to suit everyone in Belize. Additionally, many classrooms are overcrowded and teaching assistants are often required to help support teachers.
Volunteers can help improve literacy levels and provide children with the tools they need for a sustainable and successful future. Whether you are planning on a teaching career or simply seeking a more meaningful vacation than two weeks at a beach resort, volunteering with children is a hugely rewarding experience.
General Childcare
There are opportunities to help support children in daycare centers, after-school clubs, and summer camps. This might include anything from sports coaching to providing practical advice to adolescent girls on issues like bullying or raising self-esteem. Volunteering in this way is a great way to use and develop your own skills -- and have a positive aspect on the children themselves.
Belize City is the largest urban center in Belize and the major transport hub of the country. Close to the airport and harbor (from where the ferries arrive and depart to and from the islands), it is likely that you will at least pass through the city at some point in your travels. From slums to magnificent colonial houses, it's a city of contrasts and one that many avoid due to its reputation for being dangerous.
San Pedro, located on Ambergris Caye and San Ignacio, situated in the heart of the Cayon district, both have plenty of volunteer positions available and are safer options for long-term stays. San Ignacio and its twin town of Santa Elena, situated on either side of the Macal River, is a vibrant and colorful town with good restaurants and lots of nearby activities. San Pedro is a typically tropical town, full of vibrantly-painted buildings, tourist services, and conveniently located right next to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
You can enter Belize for up to 30 days without a visa or for three months with a visa that has been applied for in advance. Extensions can be applied for in-country. All travelers should have a passport valid for at least six months after their date of entry into Belize. Remember, there is a $35 departure tax to be paid when leaving the country.
The best time to visit Belize is the dry season between November and April.
Although the cost of living in Belize isn't as low as most of the other Central American countries, it is still substantially lower than that of the US. The Belizean dollar is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted.
