NURSING STUDY ABROAD IN BELIZE
4-WEEK EXPERIENCE
Nursing Study Abroad in Belize
4-Week Experience
Spend four weeks living in English-speaking Belize learning about global health and shadowing medical professionals on clinical rotations
June 28 – July 26, 2025
In this four-week nursing study abroad program in tropical Belize, you will be introduced to the field of global health and then participate in clinical rotations where you will see the concepts you learned in your global health course in practice.
The first two weeks will be spent in a combination of lectures, observational clinical experiences, and field visits, where you will learn about global health through the lens of the Belizean healthcare system. During the second two weeks, you will participate in clinical rotations where you will shadow Belizean nurses and community health workers. This will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of Belize’s health system and what it means to be a health worker in a different social and cultural context.
During your four weeks, there will also be plenty of time to have some travel fun and get to know Belize, a multicultural, biodiverse Central American country that borders the Caribbean Sea. There will be organized excursions that will take you to ancient ruins and on a wilderness tour and free time, where you may choose to explore the area or just relax with fellow program participants.
Global Perspectives in Health (weeks 1 and 2):
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 a community clinic and local hospital
- Field visit with community health workers
- Meetings with national and international health care 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
Community Health Nursing Clinical Internship (weeks 3 and 4):
Examples of possible clinical placements include:
- Public hospital
- Private hospital
- Medical center
- Home visits with community health workers
- School health programs
Your clinical shadowing program will allow you to shadow in multiple settings throughout the program.
Highlights:
- Introduction to the history, culture, and society of Belize
- Overview of the Belizean health system and the Belizean Ministry of Health
- Interaction with a diverse array of medical professionals
- Full-time two-week internship
- Rotations in public, private, and community health sites
- An organized wilderness tour
- Free time to choose your own adventure in Belize
NURSING STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM DETAILS
The Center for Engaged Learning Abroad’s Nursing in Belize 4-Week Experience is a combined global health program and clinical nursing internship for nursing students from any college or university. For the first two weeks, you will be placed in a group with students from different schools. You will be introduced to key issues in the field of global health through a combination of lecture and field-based instruction. During the second two weeks, you will participate in a community health nursing clinical internship where you will shadow Belizean nurses and community health workers and develop insight into different methods of healthcare delivery and the provision of culturally competent care.
You will be comfortably housed in a guest house in shared rooms with other CELA students of the same gender. WiFi is available. Transportation to program and clinical sites and breakfast are included in the program tuition.
You will have plenty of opportunities to 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.
United States citizens 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. You may need to provide us with a simple resume for placement in some clinical sites.
For this program, you can receive up to 4 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
PROGRAM DATES
June 28 – July 26, 2025
PROGRAM TUITION
Tuition for your four week nursing study abroad program is $6,360, not including airfare, medical insurance (required), and 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 October 31, 2024 and save $100.
Interest-free payment plans are available.
Included in program tuition:
- Airport transfers in Belize
- Orientation and welcome dinner
- Lodging
- Breakfast each day
- All lectures, guest speakers, and learning activities
- Clinical supervision
- All in-country transportation for program activities
- 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, souvenirs, etc.
- Free day and evening-time activities
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT US
For over a decade, the Center for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA) has provided academically challenging and transformative pre-health 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 this four week program in Belize to nursing students from schools all over the country. Our program will provide nursing 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.
EXPLORE OUR OTHER NURSING STUDY ABROAD 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
