NURSING
Clinical internships and study abroad programs for nursing students
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Hands-on intensive field courses for pre-vet students
RESEARCH
Building a sustainable future
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
From the ridge to reef, Belize has it all
ANTHROPOLOGY
Belize - A rich texture of cultures
FACULTY-LED GROUPS
Courses tailored to your group needs
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ENROLL NOW FOR SUMMER 2023!

OUR PROGRAMS

We have amazing two-week winter and summer field courses.

Combine 2 two-week summer courses for discounted tuition on 4 weeks in Belize!

College credit and financial aid is available.

TRAVEL PROGRAMS

Two nursing students in blue scrubs
NURSING IN BELIZE 4-WEEK EXPERIENCE
Intern wearing their scrubs and caps
COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING CLINICAL INTERNSHIP
Two nursing students with a community health nurse in Belize
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES IN HEALTH
ONE HEALTH: PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE TROPICS
horse gets injection from the vet doctor
LARGE ANIMAL VETERINARY PRACTICE IN THE TROPICS
Jaguar resting on the trunk of the wood
WILDLIFE HEALTH AND CONSERVATION
Smiling vet intern giving a thumbs up sign
TROPICAL MARINE ECOLOGY
Group photo of Belizean healthcare workers and nursing students
FACULTY-LED GROUPS
Loop Abroad Study Abroad
GO BEYOND BELIZE with our partner LOOP ABROAD!
Internships C.E.L.A. Belize
INTERNSHIPS
Iowa Wesleyan University logo
University credit is available for our courses through our U.S. School of Record, Iowa Wesleyan University, and Sacred Heart Junior College (Belize).

TUITION AND DATES

Check out the tuition and program on each program page

CHOOSE YOUR COURSE

Choose from our amazing programs

APPLY

Apply online today!

COLLEGE CREDIT

Earn credits from Iowa Wesleyan University

WE ARE THE CENTER FOR ENGAGED LEARNING ABROAD

GoAbroad Top Rated Organizations

At CELA Belize, we provide a wide variety of experiential learning programs focused on animal science, wildlife conservation, nursing, and other facets of One Health!

We love sharing the wonders of Belize while providing educational services to students. We are thrilled to see the sense of awe when students experience new knowledge first hand through their field work and community services. Belize challenges students to move outside their comfort zones. Watching a student grow personally with a new view of the world makes us feel CELA Belize has accomplished something worthwhile.

Read More About Us

BELIZE IS OUR CLASSROOM

Belize, often called “Mother Nature’s best kept secret,” is a tropical paradise. It is Central America’s only English-speaking country, with a stable democracy and only 350,000 inhabitants. Its diverse environment, from coral reefs to mountains, makes it the perfect place for hands-on study.

aerial view of vast water

Geographical Features

Belize is 174 miles long and 68 miles wide with the mainland covering 8,867 sq miles. Belize has a subtropical climate with humidity averaging 85%. Annual rainfall ranges from 50 inches in the north to 170 inches in the south. Belize’s barrier reef is the second longest in the world at 180 miles. The highest point is the Victoria peak at 3,680 feet.

Old structural sample

History

The history of Belize dates back thousands of years. The Maya civilization spread into the area of Belize between 1500 BC to 1200 BC and flourished until about 1000 AD. The official name of the territory was changed from British Honduras to Belize in June 1973, and full independence was granted on September 21, 1981.

Children in Belize

Culture

English is the official language but Kriol (creole) and Spanish are also common, along with Garifuna, Maya, German and Chinese. This diverse mix has produced musical styles such as punta rock, brukdown, marimba and Maya harp.

Politics

As a former British colony, Belize has a parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster system of government. In Maya communities it is traditional to appoint an Alcalde in each village whose function is to ensure that the laws of the village are not broken. The Alcade can try cases and impose fines.

OUR PARTNERS

At CELA Belize, we are fortunate to work with great organizations across the country when bringing you the educational experience of a lifetime. These connections enrich each program and support our partner’s efforts as well. Our valued partners include:

Belize Bird Rescue
Belize Bird Rescue started “rescuing” birds in April 2004 and continues to offer care for sick and injured birds on their private reserve in Cayo District of Belize.
Belize Botanic Gardens
With 45 acres of native plants in their garden and arboretum, the Botanic Gardens sits between the Maya Mountain foothills and the Macal River.
With 45 acres of native plants in their garden and arboretum, the Botanic Gardens sits between the Maya Mountain foothills and the Macal River.
The Belize Zoo
The Zoo provides a home for a wild animals that were previously orphaned or rehabilitated. It was started in 1983.
The Zoo provides a home for a wild animals that were previously orphaned or rehabilitated. It was started in 1983.
Community Baboon Sanctuary
The Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS) is a pioneering project in grassroots conservation whose goal is to sustain the habitat of the Black Howler Monkey ("baboon" in the local Creole dialect) while promoting economic development in local communities.
The Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS) is a pioneering project in grassroots conservation whose goal is to sustain the habitat of the Black Howler Monkey ("baboon" in the local Creole dialect) while promoting economic development in local communities.
Forest Department - Gov of Belize
The Forest Department is a leading modern and committed government agency with a well trained, accountable and professional staff efficiently coordinating resources for the sustainable management of Belize Natural Resources.
The Forest Department is a leading modern and committed government agency with a well trained, accountable and professional staff efficiently coordinating resources for the sustainable management of Belize Natural Resources.
Friends of Conservation and Development
FCD is a respected organization whose role in the national conservation agenda is fully recognized by both the Government and the general public. It continues to build its networking capabilities both locally and internationally, while capitalizing on its strengths as a reputable community-based conservation organization.
FCD is a respected organization whose role in the national conservation agenda is fully recognized by both the Government and the general public. It continues to build its networking capabilities both locally and internationally, while capitalizing on its strengths as a reputable community-based conservation organization.
National Institue of Culture and Heritage (NICH)
NICH encourages Belizeans and persons interested in Belize to better understand Belizean's historical and ethnic roots and instill pride about the country's unique cultural heritage and shared national identity. The Institute of Archaeology focuses on the Protection, Preservation and Promotion of Belize's rich cultural heritage.
NICH encourages Belizeans and persons interested in Belize to better understand Belizean's historical and ethnic roots and instill pride about the country's unique cultural heritage and shared national identity. The Institute of Archaeology focuses on the Protection, Preservation and Promotion of Belize's rich cultural heritage.
Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT)
PACT is a strategic partner in the funding management and sustainable development of Belize’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit of Belizeans and the global community.
PACT is a strategic partner in the funding management and sustainable development of Belize’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit of Belizeans and the global community.
Tumul K'in Center of Learning
Tumul K'in Center of Learning is a registered non-governmental Maya Organization that responds to the challenges of poverty and marginalization in rural Toledo by promoting a sustainable development with identity through intercultural education, training and research fusing modern and Maya values, knowledge and philosophy.
Tumul K'in Center of Learning is a registered non-governmental Maya Organization that responds to the challenges of poverty and marginalization in rural Toledo by promoting a sustainable development with identity through intercultural education, training and research fusing modern and Maya values, knowledge and philosophy.
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