Belize

Program Details

DATES

July 17-24, 2027

8DAYS

SERVICE HOURS

64

TUITION

$4500 (Plus Airfare)

*SEE DETAILS

AVAILABILITY

Available

Alongside our partner, Somos Impact Travel, students will assist researchers at the Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (T.R.E.E.S.) field station in studying birds, bats, and freshwater turtles before exploring the caves and Maya heritage of Belize’s Cayo District.

Program Overview

In this program, students will learn about tropical ecology and wildlife conservation while gaining hands-on field research experience in Belize.

After arriving in Belize City, students will travel to the Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (T.R.E.E.S.), a private biological field station and nature reserve in the Cayo District dedicated to tropical ecology research, conservation, and environmental education. Over four nights at the station, students will work alongside field biologists who monitor bird, bat, and turtle populations over the long term. They will begin with pre-dawn bird research and a mist netting demonstration (seasonal), then learn species identification, habitat mapping, and data recording. They will study bat ecology and take part in bat monitoring, join guided night walks to observe nocturnal wildlife, and spend a morning along the river learning turtle tracking techniques and freshwater habitat assessment. A forest botany session on medicinal plants and forest carbon storage, along with a data lab, helps students turn what they collect into a bigger picture of how the ecosystem fits together.

From the field station, students will travel to San Ignacio, stopping to hike through karst terrain and swim at St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. The next day, they will take part in a full-day guided expedition into Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, where they will learn about cave formation and hydrology, Maya ceremonial history, and the challenge of protecting archaeological sites. Evening reflection sessions explore how Maya civilization adapted to its environment and what it can teach us about modern conservation.

Throughout the program, students will practice careful observation, data collection, and systems thinking, and they will leave with a deeper understanding of what makes conservation effective and how they can apply those lessons at home.

Please note that programs are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

Program Highlights

Assist with real wildlife research at the T.R.E.E.S. field station, a working jungle research center in the Maya Mountains.

Take part in bat monitoring and guided night walks to observe nocturnal wildlife.

Study turtle tracking and freshwater ecology along the river.

Explore medicinal plants and forest carbon storage with traditional ecological knowledge.

Take on a full-day expedition into Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave and learn about Maya ceremonial history.

Turn field data into ecosystem models and reflect on what makes conservation effective.

Course Elements

1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous

5

LEARNING SERVICE

You will support a community development project, work alongside local researchers, and participate in wildlife monitoring expeditions while learning about balancing economic development and conservation.

5

CURRICULUM

Prior to your travels, you will complete an online curriculum to gain background knowledge for your experience. While traveling, you will learn through engaging articles, cultural experiences, and group reflections.

3

TREKKING

You will participate in daily hikes and will range about 3-5 miles in length.

3

LIVING CONDITIONS

While at the project site, you will be staying in rustic cabins. You will be sharing a room with other members of your group. Each student will have their own bed.

3

ON THE MOVE

Your stay begins with one night in Belize City, followed by four nights at the T.R.E.E.S. field station in dormitory-style rooms and two nights at a boutique hotel in San Ignacio.

3

REMOTENESS

You will spend most of your time at the T.R.E.E.S. field station, a private nature reserve in the Maya Mountains with rustic, dormitory-style accommodations. At the end of the program, you will spend two nights in San Ignacio, a historic border town in the Cayo District.

Itinerary

1

Arrive in Belize City, orientation and welcome dinner.

2

Travel to the T.R.E.E.S. field station, habitat walk and equipment training.

3

Pre-dawn bird research, ecosystem services walk, and habitat mapping.

4

Bat ecology workshop, hands-on bat monitoring, and a guided night walk.

5

River study with turtle tracking, forest botany, and a data lab.

6

Hike and swim at St. Herman’s Blue Hole, then travel to San Ignacio.

7

Full-day expedition into Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave.

8

Final reflection and departure from Belize City.

NOTE

Itineraries are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

Belize : In Three Phases

1

PRE-TRAVEL CURRICULUM

Prior to your departure, you will be guided by your course instructors through a series of interactive, online lessons designed to help you engage with other members of your group while gaining important context for your experience.

2

FIELD STUDY

The majority of the days at each site are spent learning from our local partners and serving alongside them shoulder-to-shoulder. You will learn through service and experiences designed to help you understand the local context, culture, and history.

3

LIFELONG NETWORK

Ethical leadership is a lifelong journey. After your experience, you will become a part of the Shoulder-to-Shoulder network. This network of past alumni and partners is designed to inspire and support your journey in ethical leadership.

Travel Journal

During the travel phase of each SStS course, you will spend time reflecting and processing your experience. There is no example travel journal as 2027 is the first time this course will be run.

Important Details

TUITION*

Tuition (students from partner schools): $4500
Tuition (students from non-partner schools): $4700

*Students attending a partner school receive a tuition discount. Click HERE to see partner schools. Please note that tuition does not include airfare.

AIRFARE*

Estimated Flight Cost: $1100

*All students travel to their program destination on a group flight booked by Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder. Participants are responsible for any increase in airfares imposed by the airlines. All participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the departure city. SStS will confirm airfare and connecting travel information approximately 60 days before travel.

FINANCIAL AID

SStS is in search of curious, compassionate, and globally minded students from all backgrounds. We will do everything possible to provide financial support to students who require assistance. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, please indicate this on the application. Resources are limited and tend to be less than 50% of tuition.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For a full description of our Terms and Conditions, please CLICK HERE.