GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES
IN HEALTH
Healthcare Study Abroad in Belize
This program is suitable for anyone interested in learning about global health issues, including those majoring in nursing, public health, global health, community health, and One Health.
Global Perspectives in Health
Summer 2025 Date
June 28 – July 12, 2025
This two-week healthcare study abroad program will introduce you to concepts in global health through the lens of the Belizean healthcare system. You will explore a range of contemporary global health topics and learn to situate health in its broader social and economic context. Days will include a combination of field visits, lectures, observational clinical experiences…and some travel fun too!
Belize is a multicultural, biodiverse Central American country that borders the Caribbean Sea. Because English is the country’s official language, Belize is an ideal place for you to interact with and learn from healthcare workers and community members.
You will have plenty of opportunities during the program to immerse yourself in the culture and natural beauty of your surroundings. There will be an organized excursion to the Xunantunich Maya site that will introduce you to the rich history of Belize and lots of scheduled free time for you to explore the surrounding area have some fun!
Featured topics explored in the field:
- Social determinants of health
- Infectious disease
- Maternal health
- Nutrition and global health
- Public health policy
- Environmental health
- Non-communicable diseases and injuries
Highlights:
- Observational clinical experiences at community health facilities
- Field visit with community health workers
- Meetings with national and international healthcare organizations
- Lectures by experts in indigenous health
- Visit to a medicinal garden with a local healer
- Tour of San Ignacio and its town market
- A guided tour of the Xunantunich Maya site
- Free time to independently explore Belize
Your study abroad experience will expand your horizons and prepare you for your career!
PROGRAM DETAILS
The Center for Engaged Learning Abroad’s Global Perspectives in Health program is a two-week healthcare study abroad program for students from any college or university. It is suitable for anyone interested in learning about global health issues, including those majoring in nursing, public health, global health, community health, and One Health. During the program, you will be placed in a group with students from different schools. Through a combination of lecture and field-based instruction, your teaching instructor will introduce you to key issues in the field of global health.
You will be comfortably housed in in shared rooms with other CELA students of the same gender. WiFi is available. Transportation to program sites and breakfast are included in the program tuition.
You will get to know the people and culture of Belize, an English-speaking Central American nation that borders the Caribbean Sea. Referred to as “the Jewel ” by those who visit it, culturally diverse Belize is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and ancient ruins.
You do not need a visa to travel to Belize and, in most cases, can use U.S. dollars. English is the country’s official language, so language is not a barrier.
For this program, you can receive 3 credits from our partner University, Culver Stockton College.
Exact program itinerary is subject to change.
Belize is a top destination to travel!
The travel experts at Lonely Planet named Belize a top destination for travel. In doing so, Lonely Planet wrote, “Belize is where chilled out vibes and adventure combine…With one foot in the Central American jungles and the other in the Caribbean Sea, pint-sized Belize is packed with islands, adventure and culture.”
Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2022: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/belize
Interested?
PROGRAM TUITION
Tuition is $3,380, not including airfare, medical insurance (required), and most lunches and dinners. All program activities are included in your tuition. For those who wish to take the course for credit, there is an additional $499 fee transcript fee.
The first $500 of your tuition (your program deposit) holds your space in the course. The deposit is non-refundable. All prices are in U.S. dollars. Deposit before September 30, 2024 and save $100.
Interest-free payment plans are available.
SUMMER PROGRAM DATES
June 28 - July 12, 2025
Included in program tuition:
- Airport transfers in Belize
- Orientation and welcome dinners
- Lodging
- Breakfast each day
- All lectures, guest speakers, and learning activities
- All in-country transportation
- All fees for included tourist activities
- Final program dinner
- Program tee shirt
- 24/7 staff support
Not included in program tuition:
- $30 application fee
- Airfare
- Medical insurance (required)
- Transcript fee
- Personal budget for meals (lunch and dinner), laundry, free day and evening activities, food, souvenirs, etc.
Interested?
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT US
For over a decade, the Center for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA) has provided academically challenging and transformative healthcare study abroad experiences. With a full Belizean staff in our Belize office, you have the benefit of local expertise on every CELA program, with a U.S. contact for ease of communication pre-travel.
CELA is excited to offer the Global Perspectives in Health study abroad program. This program provides students a unique chance to see healthcare from a variety of perspectives while giving them the opportunity to explore Belize, meet new people, and have some fun!
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
CELA prides itself on its valued partnerships with the local community. In addition to its relationships with local experts and community health workers, CELA has a memorandum of understanding with the Belizean Ministry of Health, which is the largest provider of public health services in Belize and is responsible for the oversight of the entire Belizean health sector.
CELA is committed to social responsibility and ensuring that our business activities benefit the culture and biodiversity of Belize. We actively pursue and value cooperative relationships with organizations across the country in pursuit of this goal.SAFETY
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CELA is committed to student health and safety. We support students in managing their safety by providing them with up-to-date health and safety information and guidance. Our staff in Belize is available 24/7 should students need emergency assistance. CELA follows strict safety protocols in clinical settings based on CDC guidelines, local healthcare facility directives, and other pertinent sources.
We strongly recommend that participants be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
CELA encourages students to enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to learn more about the best practices for safe travel.
CUSTOMER CARE
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CELA is an American-owned organization with Belizean and American staff in Belize and support staff in the United States.
EDUCATION
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CELA is a recognized center of excellence for study abroad, engaged scholarship, and experiential learning.
Interested?
EXPLORE OUR OTHER PROGRAMS IN BELIZE
SCHOLARSHIP AND FUNDING IDEAS
Want to study abroad but not sure if you can afford it? You are not alone! While studying abroad gives you an appreciation for the world outside of your home country, grows your character and confidence, and gives you great opportunities, many still worry about paying off student debt in the future. Thankfully, you can pursue a couple of options that may make that trip of a lifetime a little bit more affordable.
Crowdfunding
