Where exactly is Belize?
Belize is a part of Central America and is located south of the Mexican Yucatan, west and north of the Guatemala border. Its population is roughly 250,000 with a square mile size of a little less than 9000 miles. Belize has been an independent country since 1981 and has just recently celebrated its 30th birthday! Before this, it was under the leadership of the British Commonwealth and known as British Honduras. Tourism has exploded in this country within the last 10 years, despite the fact that much of the country remains pure and untapped of its resources. Forestry, fishing, citrus production and textiles are the main exports of the country. Click here to learn more about Belize.
How safe is this trip?
There are basic safety issues as would be expected for any foreigner traveling in a new country. Rules such as not walking alone at night, women should always walk in groups or with male escorts, and all valuables should be left at home in the states are good rules to follow. The political situation is very stable and no safety concerns are present.
How much does the trip cost?
Your $1,600 will cover most food, group transportation, housing and airfare. Any additional money needed would be used for personal spending and souvenirs. Students have brought with them $125 and had no problem in budgeting. On the way down and back, you are responsible for any costs for your meals. Money in Belize is the Belizean Dollar (BZ). It is $1 American for every $2 BZ's. Credit cards and ATM's are not found in our region.
Do I need to have a passport?
You must have a passport to travel to Belize. Applications for passports can be found online. You must have two passport photos (which can be done at the Walgreens on 16th and Wisconsin) and your birth certificate when you go to the Post Office to apply for a passport. It takes roughly 6 weeks to get your passport returned.
Do I need to get immunized?
Yes. Consult with your physician and/or Student Health Services. You should begin immunication appointments in May before your trip.
How safe is the water?
Most water is safe to drink in Belize. Caution should be taken when drinking any liquids from any source, but most food and water will be acceptable. Digestive issues are a common ailment of the Belizeans and we experience them as well!
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day will begin with breakfast at 7:00 a.m. We are packed and ready to go to the job site by 7:30-7:45 a.m. Our workday ends at 4:00 p.m. and we return to Cuxlin Ha to shower/clean up and then hang out with the local village children until dinner at 6:00 p.m. The evenings will include prayer, group processing, discussions with locals, and some educational opportunities in Punta Gorda.
What language do I need to know?
English is the official language of the country and taught in the schools. In the villages, the Mayan languages dominate the adult population with English understood by the children. Throughout the country, Spanish, Creole, Garifuna and Menonite German are also spoken.
What will the weather be like?
In this sub-tropical temperate zone it will be hot and humid most days with the temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 degrees. January is considered their "winter" with frequent rains and temperatures ranging from 70's - upper 80's.. We had one trip where we hit a record low of 58 degrees! Bring sturdy work shoes, cotton pants, a rain jacket or poncho, and head protection (brimmed hats). Cotton in layers is the key.
What are travel conditions like in Belize?
We will rent a vehicle for travel. Some roads are paved and others are dirt roads with conditions dependent upon the rain of the season. The system of roads has improved, yet it still is not like getting around Milwaukee! We land in Belize City and it will take roughly 5 hours to drive south to Punta Gorda. The work site can be one hour travel each way.
Do I need to bring an electrical adaptor?
The electricity in Belize is 110 Volts, just like the U.S.
What time zone is Belize in?
Belize is on the US Central Time Zone all year round.
How can I communicate with family when on the trip?
Phone calls are direct and can be done with a phone card purchased in Belize.
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