Belize is known not only for its abundant biodiversity, but also for bringing together a seamless mix of cultures: Belizean, Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna, and Maya. With one foot in the Central American jungles and the other in the Caribbean Sea, Belize may be small but it's packed with adventure—you’ll be snorkeling on the reef one day and hiking the tropical savanna the next. In contrast to its vast natural resources, the country’s economic and public resources are limited. As a volunteer, help design and run an educational summer camp for local children, creating an effective, nurturing environment for them to continue their education.

With its easygoing attitude, Belize is the perfect destination for true Caribbean adventure. Go cave tubing through a jungle river to observe green iguanas, keel-billed toucans and the occasional Central American river otter. Cool off after long days of service by dipping in the local river tributary. On a weekend excursion to the island of Caye Caulker, you'll have the chance to snorkel over coral reefs with tropical fish, and with luck - observe sea turtles, dolphins, manatees and other marine mammals in the open ocean.

Highlights

  • Lead an educational English camp for Belizean youth
  • Use experiential learning tools to improve children’s literacy
  • Live in a tropical savanna surrounded by biodiversity
  • Experience everything from lush rain-forests to the Caribbean coast
  • Enjoy world-class snorkeling over the world’s second-largest barrier reef

The YOLA Promise

YOLA will tie in with the best-in-class youth travel and education providers that follow rigorous safety and health standards.

YOLA will promote only those travel and education programs that are committed to the highest environmental, fair trade and human rights standards.

YOLA will create ethical experiences designed to have maximum, long-term impact on the communities we partner with.

YOLA and its partners are committed to travel to locations where tourists rarely go, buy goods from locally-owned businesses, and respect local cultures and customs. Our programs provide direct support for education, infrastructure development, conservation, and other community projects.

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Program Profile

Countries

  • Belize

Duration

14 Days

Ages

14 - 18 Years

Community service hours

35

Student/Staff Ratio

6:1

Are you a parent or teacher?

Browse through our comprehensive parents' guide to YOLA programs

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Destination Details

Home Base is located on a tropical savanna located in Belize's central lowland forest. The land consists of many beautiful hiking paths and a wide array of flora and fauna. Students stay in gender-segregated dormitory buildings with fans, and have access to shared bathrooms with hot- and cold-water showers. Meals will be hearty and healthy, consisting of meats, beans, rice, vegetables and fruit.

PLEASE REQUEST FOR THE TUITION FEE

Tuition includes all in-country expenses including: All educational materials Lodging 3 meals per day. All in-country transportation. Airport pick-up/drop-off. Professional full-time staff and experts from the USA/Europe/India. 24/7 Parent Support Hotline during the program. Secondary medical and travel insurance. All cultural activities, lectures and weekend excursions. Pre-departure materials and support.

VISA Charges, International Travel charges and out of pocket expenses are NOT INCLUDED in the Tariff


Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:

Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!

Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear.

Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.

Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on. Useful tip: Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after security.

CARRY-ON
  • A small backpack is ideal as it will be used for day trips.
  • Passport
  • 2 Photocopies of passport
  • Wallet/money
  • Book and/or journal and Pen
  • Phone
  • Chargers
  • Camera
  • Ear plugs
  • Change of clothes
  • Reusable water bottle (Nalgene sized)
  • Medication
  • Snacks
  • Additional community service forms
  • Outlet power converter
  • Consent to Travel form
  • Yola emergency contacts
CHECKED LUGGAGE
  • A 50-70 Liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.
  • Clothes
  •  Socks (8)
  •  Underwear (8)
  •  Lightweight hiking pants (2)
  •  Jeans (1)
  •  Long shorts (3-4)
  •  Long skirt/dress
  •  T-shirts (6-8)
  •  Long sleeved shirt (1)
  •  Fleece/hoodie
  •  Pajamas
  •  Swimsuit
  •  Quick dry towel
  •  Beach towel/sarong
  •  Rain jacket
  •  Strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)
  •  Sneakers
  •  Hiking boots (optional)
  •  Work gloves
  •  Sunglasses
  •  Hat (for sun)
TOILETRIES

Travel size bottles in Ziploc bags including  Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, Face wash, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Sunscreen, Lip balm with sunscreen, Bug spray, Feminine hygiene products, Contacts Contact solution, Foam earplugs, Personal med kit, Deodorant, Hand Sanitizer, Wet wipes, Small packs of tissues, Razor / shaving cream.

Miscellaneous
  • Flashlight/Headlamp w/ Extra Batteries Watch or Clock with an Alarm Bag for dirty clothes
  • Portable games (Bananagrams, cards, etc.)
  • Pictures of friends and family
  • Frisbee, football, etc.Carry-On

CUSTOMIZE MY PROGRAM

You can choose to add days and programs as well as destinations to derive greater exposure and value-for-money. We offer tailor-made programs for groups of 12 or more, with customizable dates and itineraries.

CUSTOMIZE

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Get in Touch

For any questions, clarifications, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Additionally, our Program Advisors can help you identify the perfect trip and answer all your questions!

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