A Comprehensive Guide to Volunteer in Belize with Abroaderview.org

Are you looking for a meaningful way to travel and give back to the global community? Belize may be just the destination you’re searching for! This beautiful Central American country is home to a rich culture, stunning natural landscapes, and a welcoming community that is eager to share their way of life with volunteers from all over the world.

Abroaderview.org offers a range of volunteer programs in Belize, including opportunities to work with orphanages, teach English, participate in conservation efforts, and more. This comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need to know about volunteering in Belize with Abroaderview.org, including the meaning and description of Belize, programs available, how to apply and fundraise, tours and meals to try, safety considerations, living in an orphanage, and local customs and holidays.

What is Belize?

Belize is a small country located in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It is known for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush rainforests and rivers to pristine coral reefs and beaches. Belize is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Mayan, Spanish, and British colonial periods.

Why Volunteer in Belize with Abroaderview.org?

Volunteering with Abroaderview.org in Belize offers a unique opportunity to explore this fascinating country while making a positive impact on the local community. By volunteering with one of their programs, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture, learn new skills, and make lasting connections with people from all over the world. Abroaderview.org offers programs in a variety of areas, including orphanages, schools, conservation, and healthcare, so there is something for everyone.

Programs Available

Abroaderview.org offers a range of programs in Belize that allow volunteers to make a meaningful impact in the community. One of the most popular programs is volunteering in orphanages. Volunteers work with children of all ages, helping with daily activities such as feeding, bathing, and playing with them. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children who may have experienced hardship or trauma.

Another popular program is teaching English in local schools. Volunteers work with children of all ages, helping them improve their language skills through activities such as conversation practice, reading, and writing exercises. This is a great way to make a lasting impact on the education of Belizean children.

Other programs include conservation efforts, such as working with sea turtles, and healthcare initiatives, such as providing medical care and health education in rural communities. Abroaderview.org also offers customized programs for groups and families, allowing them to tailor their volunteer experience to their interests and goals.

How to Apply and Fundraise

Applying to volunteer with Abroaderview.org is easy and straightforward. Simply visit their website and choose the program you are interested in. You will then be guided through the application process, which includes submitting a personal statement and references. Once your application has been approved, you will work with Abroaderview.org to prepare for your trip, including arranging flights and visas, and obtaining any necessary vaccinations.

Fundraising for your volunteer trip is also simple with Abroaderview.org. They offer a fundraising platform that allows you to create a personal campaign page to share with friends and family. You can easily track donations and progress towards your fundraising goal.

Best 6 Tours for Belize

In addition to volunteering, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the beauty of Belize. Here are six of the best tours to try:

1. Snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
2. Exploring Mayan ruins at Xunantunich
3. Caving at Actun Tunichil Muknal
4. Canoeing on the Macal River
5. Hiking in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Swimming at the Great Blue Hole
11. Best 6 Meals in Belize
12. Belizean cuisine is a unique blend of Caribbean, Mexican, and Mayan flavors. Here are six of the best meals to try during your volunteer trip:
13. Fry jacks – a fried dough served with beans, cheese, and eggs
14. Rice and beans – a staple dish of Belizean cuisine, typically served with chicken, pork, or fish
15. Stewed chicken – chicken simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce
16. Tamales – steamed corn dough filled with chicken or pork and spices
17. Escabeche – a spicy pickled onion and vegetable salad
18. Conch fritters – deep-fried dough balls filled with conch meat
19. Safety Considerations
20. While Belize is generally considered a safe destination, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety while volunteering. Some tips to keep in mind include:
21. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night
22. Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables with you
23. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts
24. Follow the guidelines and rules provided by Abroaderview.org and your program supervisor
25. Stay up-to-date on any safety or security alerts issued by the local government or embassy
26. Living in an Orphanage
27. If you choose to volunteer in an orphanage with Abroaderview.org, you will have the opportunity to live with the children you are working with. This can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it is important to be prepared for the challenges that come with living in close quarters with others. Some things to keep in mind include:
28. Be respectful of the rules and routines established by the orphanage staff
29. Be patient and flexible – living in a communal setting can be challenging at times
30. Take time for self-care and personal space when needed
31. Communicate openly and honestly with your fellow volunteers and the orphanage staff
32. Local Customs and Holidays
33. Belize is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with customs and traditions that reflect its Mayan, Spanish, and British colonial influences. Here are 10 local customs and holidays to be aware of during your volunteer trip:
34. Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19th) – a celebration of the Garifuna people and their culture
35. Dia de los Muertos (November 1st and 2nd) – a Mexican holiday honoring the dead, celebrated in Belize by the large Mexican community
36. Christmas (December 25th) – celebrated with feasting and gift-giving
37. Easter – celebrated with religious ceremonies and traditional foods
38. Maya Day (July 24th) – a celebration of the Mayan culture and heritage
39. Independence Day (September 21st) – commemorating Belize’s independence from British colonial rule
40. Kriol Day (November 16th) – a celebration of the Kriol language and culture
41. Carnival (usually in September or October) – a festive celebration with parades, music, and dancing
42. Holy Week – a week-long celebration leading up to Easter, with religious ceremonies and processions
43. Lobster Fest (usually in June) – a celebration of the local lobster industry, with food, music, and entertainment
44. What to Pack
45. Packing for your volunteer trip to Belize with Abroaderview.org can be a daunting task. Here is a list of 10 essential

3. Caving at Actun Tunichil Muknal
4. Canoeing on the Macal River
5. Hiking in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Swimming at the Great Blue Hole

Best 6 Meals in Belize

Belizean cuisine is a unique blend of Caribbean, Mexican, and Mayan flavors. Here are six of the best meals to try during your volunteer trip:

1. Fry jacks – a fried dough served with beans, cheese, and eggs
2. Rice and beans – a staple dish of Belizean cuisine, typically served with chicken, pork, or fish
3. Stewed chicken – chicken simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce
4. Tamales – steamed corn dough filled with chicken or pork and spices
5. Escabeche – a spicy pickled onion and vegetable salad
6. Conch fritters – deep-fried dough balls filled with conch meat

Safety Considerations

While Belize is generally considered a safe destination, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety while volunteering. Some tips to keep in mind include:

1. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night
2. Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables with you
3. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts
4. Follow the guidelines and rules provided by Abroaderview.org and your program supervisor
5. Stay up-to-date on any safety or security alerts issued by the local government or embassy

Living in an Orphanage

If you choose to volunteer in an orphanage with Abroaderview.org, you will have the opportunity to live with the children you are working with. This can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it is important to be prepared for the challenges that come with living in close quarters with others. Some things to keep in mind include:

1. Be respectful of the rules and routines established by the orphanage staff
2. Be patient and flexible – living in a communal setting can be challenging at times
3. Take time for self-care and personal space when needed
4. Communicate openly and honestly with your fellow volunteers and the orphanage staff

Local Customs and Holidays

Belize is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with customs and traditions that reflect its Mayan, Spanish, and British colonial influences. Here are 10 local customs and holidays to be aware of during your volunteer trip:

1. Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19th) – a celebration of the Garifuna people and their culture
2. Dia de los Muertos (November 1st and 2nd) – a Mexican holiday honoring the dead, celebrated in Belize by the large Mexican community
3. Christmas (December 25th) – celebrated with feasting and gift-giving
4. Easter – celebrated with religious ceremonies and traditional foods
5. Maya Day (July 24th) – a celebration of the Mayan culture and heritage
6. Independence Day (September 21st) – commemorating Belize’s independence from British colonial rule
7. Kriol Day (November 16th) – a celebration of the Kriol language and culture
8. Carnival (usually in September or October) – a festive celebration with parades, music, and dancing
9. Holy Week – a week-long celebration leading up to Easter, with religious ceremonies and processions
10. Lobster Fest (usually in June) – a celebration of the local lobster industry, with food, music, and entertainment

What to Pack

Packing for your volunteer trip to Belize with Abroaderview.org can be a daunting task. Here is a list of 10 essential

items to consider bringing:

1. Comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for warm weather
2. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes for working in the orphanage or on conservation projects
3. Sunscreen and insect repellent
4. A refillable water bottle
5. Personal hygiene items, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap
6. Medications and first-aid supplies
7. A backpack or daypack for carrying your belongings
8. A camera or smartphone for capturing memories
9. A reusable shopping bag for carrying groceries and souvenirs
10. A travel adapter for charging your electronics

Weather in Belize

Belize has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a rainy season from June to November, and a dry season from December to May. Temperatures remain fairly consistent year-round, with highs in the mid to upper 80s Fahrenheit and lows in the mid to upper 70s Fahrenheit. It is important to be prepared for both the heat and humidity, as well as occasional rain showers.

2 Random Reviews Volunteering with Abroaderview.org

Here are two reviews from volunteers who have worked with Abroaderview.org in Belize:

1. “Volunteering with Abroaderview.org was a life-changing experience. I worked in an orphanage in Belize for three months and formed strong bonds with the children and other volunteers. Abroaderview.org provided excellent support and guidance throughout the entire process, from applying to fundraising to actually being in Belize. I would highly recommend this organization to anyone looking for a meaningful volunteer experience.” – Emily, USA
2. “I volunteered with Abroaderview.org on a conservation project in Belize and had an amazing time. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their work, and I learned so much about the local ecosystem and wildlife. The accommodations were comfortable and the food was delicious. I would definitely volunteer with Abroaderview.org again!” – Tom, UK

FAQs

1. How long can I volunteer for with Abroaderview.org in Belize?

• Abroaderview.org offers programs that range from one week to six months, depending on your availability and interests.

2. What is the cost of volunteering with Abroaderview.org in Belize?

• The cost of volunteering with Abroaderview.org in Belize varies depending on the program and duration. Check their website for current pricing.

3. Do I need any special skills or qualifications to volunteer with Abroaderview.org in Belize?

• No, you do not need any special skills or qualifications to volunteer with Abroaderview.org in Belize. However, certain programs may have specific requirements or preferences.

4. Will I have time to explore Belize during my volunteer trip?

• Yes, there will be free time during your volunteer trip to explore Belize and participate in local activities.

5. Is it safe to travel to Belize alone?

• Belize is generally considered a safe destination, but it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety, especially when traveling alone. Follow the guidelines provided by Abroaderview.org and be aware of your surroundings.

6. Will I have access to internet and phone service while in Belize?

• Yes, most urban areas in Belize have internet and phone service. However, it may be limited or unreliable in more rural areas.

Conclusion

Volunteering in Belize with Abroaderview.org is an incredible opportunity to make a difference while exploring a beautiful country and immersing yourself in a new culture. With a range of programs and opportunities available, there is something for everyone. Be sure to plan ahead, pack wisely, and be prepared for an unforgettable experience!