IN THE NEWS
What is C.E.L.A. Belize like? Glad you asked!
Take a look at the published news articles and stories below to learn more about us and the amazing participants we’ve had in our programs. Our students are big news when they come home from the trip of a lifetime and we are thrilled to share when they’re featured in the media.
Plus, take a little time to get to know more about our programs and student experiences by reading CELA reviews on GoAbroad!
OTC Vet Tech Students Gain Hands-On Experience in Belize Study Abroad Program
February 2026
Ogeechee Technical College Veterinary Technology students recently completed a transformative study abroad program in Belize, gaining hands-on experience in animal care while immersing themselves in the country’s rich culture and biodiversity. The program offered unique opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, strengthening both clinical skills and global perspectives on veterinary medicine.
“This study abroad experience in Belize gave our students the chance to expand their veterinary skills while learning the importance of cultural awareness and conservation in animal health,” Dr. Mary Ellen Hicks, Program Director of Veterinary Technology at OTC.
Study Abroad in Belize: Cultural Studies Reflections on Land-Based Learning and Identity
November 2025
Read about the transformative reflections from New College’s Indigeneity, Food, and Sustainability international experience program in Belize, where students explored identity, culture, and community through land-based learning.
“In Belize, agriculture is treated less like an institution, and more like a communal practice, where neighbours grow each other’s fruit, elders pass on techniques and stories, and younger generations learn the patience of growth, and the importance of sustainability.”
Through shared meals, traditional practices, and community connections, students discovered that land-based learning is not only about cultivation but about sustaining relationships, heritage, and identity. This immersive experience revealed how cultural studies and everyday gestures of care shape resilience and belonging across borders.
How land-based learning in Belize is uplifting education and changing lives
April 2025
Read about the profound impact of the University of Toronto’s Indigeneity, Food, and Sustainability International Trip organized by CELA Belize and moderated by CELA’s founding advisor, Dr. Filiberto Penados.
“Over the last decade, this program has become more than just a trip, but a catalyst for personal growth, a new way of seeing the world, and a call to action that shapes values and futures paths. By connecting deeply with land, culture and communty, the students are carrying forward lessons that resonate long after they return home, inspiring meaningful change in their lives and beyond.”
CELA recognized as the top-rated study abroad program in Belize
April 2025
CELA was recognized as the top-rated study abroad program in Belize, a testament to our exceptional academic programming and life-changing student experiences. This recognition highlights the outstanding reviews we consistently receive from both students and faculty who participate in our hands-on, field-based courses.
Pre-Health Medical Shadowing Group Gets Unique Medical Experience
April 2025
In coordination with its parent company, CELA organized a medical shadowing trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand for a faculty-led group from SUNY Cortland. During the program, students got a sense of the breadth of Thai medical care at seven public and private medical facilities, completing clinical hours in fields including dental care, chiropractic care, medical services, physical therapy, and traditional Thai medicine. “In the morning you’re watching ultrasounds with the OBGYN, and in the afternoon you’re in a PT (physical therapy) clinic and then you’re in the OR (operating room),” Curtis said. “It’s really diverse, you’re seeing everything.” Read more about their experience in the article linked below.
Culver-Stockton College named School of Record for CELA in new partnership
November 2024
SUNY Farmingdale nursing student travels to Belize
September 2023
Clara Sarkissian Travels To Belize To Work With Farm Animals Featured in Summit Times, NJ
August 2023
Of her trip, Clara says, “I have spent a month in Belize learning and working in wildlife conservation and large animal medicine. My experience has further secured my passion to become a veterinarian and helping the animals we all know and love..”
Columbus student's Belize Trip provides unique veterinary insight and impacts local community
July 2023
“Isabel Sanchez, 21, a senior majoring in biology, was selected as part of a small team that volunteered at working ranches and local farms caring for horses, sheep, cattle, and pigs as part of study-abroad organization CELA Belize. “
“The amount of information I learned in two weeks was great!”, Sanchez said. “I had great opportunity to work with Dr. Tesecum and watch how he helped and interacted with the community. Doing all of my learning in a new culture, Belize, made everything even better. Belize is beautiful, and this program taught me so much!”
Rutgers Student Participates in CELA's Pre-Veterinary Study Abroad Program
February 22, 2023
“Ryland Hagan, 20, spend two weeks in Belize as part of a college-level veterinary study abroad program, which focused on helping animals, discovering Belizean culture and learning hands-on what it’s like to be a veterinarian. Hagan, a senior majoring in animal science at Rutgers New Brunswick, was selected to join a small team that volunteered to care for horses, sheep, cattle, and pigs on working ranches and local farms in the Central American country.”
Student's Clinical Nursing Study Abroad Experience in Belize Featured in Hometown Newspaper
January 4, 2023
“In November, Viterbo University senior nursing student Emily Wiemer, 23, of Arcadia [Wisconsin], spent three weeks participating in clinical nursing rotations in Belize. Wiemer was part of a group of Viterbo nursing students who traveled to the Caribbean nation with two Viterbo nursing professors as part of their capstone course. The nursing faculty and study abroad office of Viterbo University worked with the Center for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA) to organize the trip. Of her experience, Wiemer noted, “Doing my nursing capstone in Belize was one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences. This trip helped me grow as a nurse and ultimately changed my life.”
University of Illinois Chicago Student Gains Experience on CELA's Marine Conservation Study Abroad Program
February 21, 2020
“Saul Gonzalez, 22, of Chicago, Illinois, spent ten days in Ambergris Caye, Belize learning about island biogeography, marine research and biology, and conservation. Traveling with study-abroad organization CELA Belize, Saul was selected as part of a small team the volunteered along the Belize Barrier Reef helping to perform research surveys of the reef and local marine life”
CELA's Dr. Filiberto Penados Meets with Michigan High School Students
February 9, 2020
“Montague High School played host to a special guest from the country of Belize. Filiberto Penados is the engaged scholarship director and the professor of education and indigenous studies for the Center of Engaged Learning Abroad.” Dr. Penados met with students interested in agriculture, environmental science, and ecology.
Experiential Learning in Belize
November 25, 2019
“Essentially, the idea is that we can make use of the learning opportunities that Belize has to offer,” says Penados, “This could be the wildlife in our rainforests or our coral reefs, which is rooted in biology, or Maya history, culture and economic development, which is more political science and international development. We want to use the contexts that we have.”
CELA Named As One of the Best Veterinary Programs for Study Abroad
March 7, 2019
GoAbroad.com named CELA as one of the best veterinary programs for study abroad. In discussing CELA’s pre-veterinary study abroad programs, the article says, “For pre-vet students nothing looks better on your vet school application than hands on experience. CELA Belize offers intensive, hands-on veterinary study programs in Belize. You will work on farms with large animals and professional veterinarians (get ready to get your hands dirty!). You will learn examination skills, animal agriculture and husbandry, and preventative medical practices.”
