CELA Belize

The only thing I can imagine that would make this better is if it was longer! In two weeks you just get comfortable and then you want to stay! Our guide was the best staff member ever - always checking up on us while our instructor was an inspiration of a selfless life dedicated to conservation. My favorite activity was the spay & neuter clinic and the enrichment projects!

This was just a great opportunity - especially the spay and neuter clinics - those I would never have been able to experience like that in the US. We had such a great driver and guide and our instructor was such a good teacher and very passionate about conservation in Belize. There's nothing I would change!

I have so many highlights from this program - snorkeling, the zoo, enrichment projects, the necropsy, body scans, volunteering at the vet clinic. I liked this program so much and wouldn't change a thing. And we had such great staff with us from beginning to end.

Swimming in the river was my favorite - such a great way to bond with the group and relax. Our leader made the trip really interesting and even our driver was a lot of fun and put up with our shenanigans. I wouldn't change anything!

This experience has been a wonderful introduction to Belize. The individuals we met and the presentations we heard were passionate about Belize and patient with us to share their experiences and culture with us. And our guides were wonderful and kind.

Our experience with Loop Abroad/CELA was so impactful. The staff made our experience an easy one, being flexible and creative in providing the best possible experience for what was (for many of our students) their first time in a new country.

Our Belize trip provided our university students an incredible cultural experience. The hospitality, culture, conversations, and community visits were hands down one of a kind. We loved our time and I am excited to return.

The trip was wonderful. The staff are incredibly informative and made the experience local and informative. They were always so helpful and really brought the energy everytime we worked with them. I'm so grateful to have had them on the trip.

Before this trip I didn't know about education abroad. Everything from the places to the people was amazing! I feel so prepared for my graduate school and possible work abroad. This experience will stay with me forever.

I had no idea how much Belize had to offer. I've learned so much and I never had to worry about my safety. They were so good at being flexible when the unexpected came. If you get the chance, sign up with CELA Belize

This was my first time studying abroad and I felt so safe and cared for. I could tell that everyone cared about my education and my love for this country. Belize is beautiful and changed my perspective of the world.

CELA provided me with the opportunity of a lifetime. As a second generation Carribean myself, this trip gave me the chance to explore, compare, and contrast my own experience with those of the indigenous peoples. Through cultural exploration, I was able to leave with a greater understanding of our relation to the land, and food and community as pedagogy. This trip changed my life.

This trip was honestly so eye-opening. I got to see and experience things I never imagined. I made an amazing group of friends and memories that will last a lifetime. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to explore different cultures.

This study abroad program was truly amazing. The staff was great which made the experience so much better and welcoming. I love the connections I made with the people who were with me on this trip and how we all were able to learn and see things from first hand. I loved how we were able to see and talk to people who were from here and gave us great information and were very welcoming toward us.

I am so happy I did a study abroad program. I've never been out of the country before, but this program did a fantastic job injuring I was safe and enjoying myself. I 100% would do this again and recommend it to anyone who is thinking about studying abroad.

This has been an amazing experience. I truly enjoyed Belize and the culture. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone looking to learn and forge strong bonds. It was a great opportunity that I'll always appreciate.

This program was extremely educational. I was enlighted on the diverse cultures and history of Belize. It has also encouraged me to start practicing Spanish again. It's left a huge impression on me. Thank you, Belize!

This is an awesome opportunity for me to embrace more cultural facets of life. I learned so much about the people and cultures. Belize was great. I loved it so much! Can't wait to come back. Thank you, CELA Belize!

It was an experience a wide variety of majors can benefit from. I learned so much about different cultues and their histories. Definitely an eye opener. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything ever.

This was life changing, even as a chaperone. I never pictured myself enjoying a tropical location, but I fell in love with the people, the culture, and the atmosphere. I didn't want it to end. I found myself saying "I can't believe I'm experiencing this." The staff also made the trip unforgettable. Thank you for making my trip magical!

The trip was a well rounded mix of curriculum, activites, and fun. All staff made us feel safe, comfortable, and satisfied. I would recommend this trip to anyone wanting to study abroad for a short period of time. I feel I learned more about economy, politics, and Central American culture.

I had a fantastic time on this trip. I felt like it offered everything from cultural experiences to relaxation. The staff was super helpful and kind and were able to always provide help if we needed it. I would definitely recomment the trip to anyone thinking about doing study abroad.

I love that we are exploring Belize with locals to the area. I have traveled with other tour companies and the guides are never local to the area. We were able to explore two local swimmiong spots thanks to having them with us.

I learned a lot about the cultural aspect of Belize and how many different backgrounds and blends of people are here. They have amazing cuisine and I would love to recreate the dishes. The staff on this trip made such an amazing impact on me, as well as the people on the island. Best place ever!

It was very fun, I would recommend it to all of my classmates and promote it. Super cool experience and I'm glad I got to live it through and carry the memory with me for life. Thank you, CELA Belize!!!

Once in a lifetime experience. I've learned so much from being in this program and I highly recommend everyone does it once. I'm leaving with a new perspective on life and the people you meet are so inspirational and empowering. I am sad it's come to an end, but I hope to stay connected and hope life gives me the opportunity to come back.

This program provided the opportunity for me to grow and gain perspective. So much knowledge was shared and so many connections were built. If anyone has an opportunity to partake, I highly recommend. I know I'd do it again.

The itinerary is well rounded and the guides are very knowledgeable. While it is very fast-paced there is some downtime placed here and there. Every place we stayed was different than the last which made the trip more exciting.

I joined this course expecting to learn about just vet and conservation, but I ended up learning a whole lot more. I got to learn and experience a new, vibrant culture with an amazing group and wonderful guides.

This experience was a life changing and eye opening time. I loved gaining skills for my future career while also learning a new culture. All of the CELA Belize staff were so helpful and made my trip amazing!

I loved all of the activities planned and I thought it was a good balance of animals, science, and Belize culture. I had a lot of fun and learned and saw so many things. I wish I could do it all over again.

This was an amazing experience that broadened my horizons towards things I could never have imagined. I learned so much about Belize and its many amazing cultures. I am thankful for this opportunity to learn and do things I could have never done in the US. What a life changing two weeks in Belize! Thank you so much for showing me what I didn't even know I was missing.

I loved the idea of being able to travel to a foreign contry to study my passion. It provides you with a unique opportunity to gain an appreciation of the experiences you receive and gives you a new perspective on how people of different cultures and ways of life live, while all sharing the same passion and morals.

This program helped me to feel more confident in my skills and knowledge of veterinary medicine. It really made me feel like I belong in this field and could make a difference. I can't wait to come back to make more of a difference. Go on this trip if you have the opportunity to. It's amazing.

The program was such a great learning experience for me. I made amazing friendships and got to have hands-on opportunities that I've never had before and that will last a lifetime. I would highly recommend this trip to anybody who wants to learn about other cultures! Thank you, Loop Abroad!

The program was amazing. It had the perfect balance of hands on experience and fun. It gave me insight on the veterinary practice in the country of Belize compared to the US. This program helped me gain experience I've never had before and solidified what I want to do in my career.

The wonderful people and interesting culture I got to personally experience on the trip was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. The staff and teachers made me feels safe and welcome. I learned so much and wish I could do even more. I would recommend to anyone!

This trip not only gave me first-hand experience I'd never had, but it also gave me friendships with many different people from multiple backgrounds. It also gave me confidence to try new things involving vet med because the only way to get better is to practice.

I really enjoyed this program - I got experiences that I normally wouldn't get back home! I plan to try and visit again, whether it's as a TA or as a tourist to see the country and people that I met here. I couldn't have asked for a better experience!

At first I was nervous to come since I have never been around large animals. However, Loop Abroad and the high school faculty made me feel comfortable. Now I get to go back home with great memories and a bigger knowledge about livestock animals.

This program is the most hands on experience I have been able to find. The staff ensures that everyone gets a chance to learn each topic. I came out of this wiser and much more knowledgeable because of the variety in our experiences.

This experience is one of the most hands on things I have ever done. From day one you are suturing actual animals and learning incredible things. You also make amazing friends with people who have the same interests as you.

I cannot recommend this program enough. As someone who has done many Loop Abroad trips, this is the best for hands on learning and cultural experience. I feel more prepared for vet school thanks to the doctor and his team.

The staff in Belize make you feel at home. Everything is hands on and you learn by doing. I have never been so grateful for an experience before. It's worth everything and you definitely shouldn't miss it for anything!

I loved all the activities that we did. Practicing my suturing skills was a good experience and I learned a lot of other things such as vaccinating livestock and doing physical exams and body condition scores.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Loop Abroad program. It submerges you in the culture of Belize, encourages you to dive head first into everything the program has to offer. #onascaleofonetoten:brokemyscale

This trip has been on of my most memorable experiences in my entire nursing career. I look forward to sharing how wonderful this opportunity is. I've learned things and made friends that will stay with me the rest of my life. I can't wait to come back. Until next time, Belize!

This experience immersed me into the culture. It was welcoming and informative. From the people to the food to the excursions, I learned something everyday about the people and land of Belize. Thank you so much, CELA Belize

This trip opened my eyes in the best way. I appreciated the mix between being in the clinical setting, listening to speakers, and participating in fun excursions. I won't forget this for as long as I'll live!

An immersive educational experience that broadened my horizons. To be able to learn about another culture and be welcome with open arms is truly a special thing! I would love to return to volunteer again.

Belize was the first time I left my home in New Jersey and I am so grateful that it was with my CELA group. This program taught me so much about conservation and I was able to grow a deeper passion for wildlife. The people that I have met here and the lessons I learned will stay with me forever! Thank you CELA!

My program was amazing from seeing first hand how the staff work with wildlife to seeing their daily life on the job. It was really something not everyone gets to see! It's great to see how much people care for their animals. Our instructor was the bomb.com and without her it wouldn't have been the same!

I learned so many important and new things about healthcare in Belize. This program provided many unique experiences I could not have gotten anywhere else. I also got to meet many amazing people and form new friendships.

Overall I loved my experience here. I got to meet with people from the communities and learn their perspective of what it means to heal people. This prgram also allowed me to solidify my career choice of wanting to become a nurse, which I am extremely grateful for.

This program opens up opportunities dive deeper into animal health. The cultural experience mixed with the veterinary experience is in all amazing impact. To anyone hoping or even thinking of doing this program, be open-minded and go for it!

I loved this program. Not only did it widen my professional knowledge, but also expanded my cultural awareness. This trip has been far and away one of the experience I enjoyed the most and am most proud of.

This trip without a doubt opened my eyes to my future career as a vet. It also showed me that there are cultural differences in medicine and animal care. This is the best class I've taken while in college.

The large animal program was amazing, I was able to connect with the doctor and learn a lot more issues concerning animals in this country. I recommend this program to vet students. Amazing hands on experience.

I loved everything that Belize had to offer. The community, island, and connections that you make all resonate with you. It's a once in a lifetime experience you will surely never forget. I'd do it over and over again.

This trip exposed me to more than I ever could have learned in a classroom. I inevitably met friends I'll have for the rest of my life, and learned so much about myself in the time I was here. I realized how important conservation is for not only animals/marine life, but also human civilization.

CELA provided great logistical support for our 28 day program. We experienced just a few hiccups which our CELA liaison Deneva quickly solved and the students greatly benefitted by her caring attitude. We visited nearly all parts of Belize and made a lifetime of memories.

The CELA organization put together a life changing trip for me and my peers. Over the course of a lmonth I learned so much about the diversity and beauty of Belize. My perspective on life is truly changed for the better.

I had such a good time on this trip and overall, it was a very educational and overall positive experience. Our guide and our driver were both fantastic people and ensured we all had a wonderful experience.

I loved the Wildlife Belize program and how it expended my knowledge of wildlife and made me want to pursue my career in wildlife. This course was so much fun and you meet amazing people. Our guide made the experience so much better and brought so much knowledge.

I had so much fun on this trip! I've always had a passion for wildlife and this trip helped me learn a lot of new things about conversation and the different animals that call Belize home. Ialso really enjoyed the spay/neuter clinic because it gave me more experience within the veterinary field and helped me confirm the path of wildlife vet is for me.

This program is an opportunity for the books! Staff, locals, experiences, and all are incredible. It exceeded my expectations and allowed me to face my fears doing certain activities like cliff jumping whilst cave tubing. It also included an incredibly influential opportunity to volunteer at the spay and neuter clinic for locals to be able to afford prioritizing their pets' health. I loved everything and would gladly do it again.

My trip to Belize was out of this world! I loved being able to be fully immerse myself into a new culture in a fun, educational, and safe way. The CELA staff went above and beyond to make this trip one to remember.

I came here on a trip through a program called GOALS. Through this program we have learned a lot about global ag and have gotten the opportunity to travel to various locations. Belize finished the program up with a great ending.

This wonderful study abroad program allowed my group and I to have a pleasurable experience in Belize. Our guides allowed our group to have fun exploring Belize. We got to learn lots of new things too.

This program was absolutely life-changing. I have learned so much and had so much fun and met so many amazing people! I am very grateful for my time here in Belize and everyone who made it amazing! Thank you!

The people and places were amazing. Coming to a new country can be frightening, but I felt welcomed and enjoyed the experience. The staff and CELA Belize made this a fun and educational ride. I'll never forget it.

There is nothing negative about the experience. The knowledge was second to none and the location was incredible. Everyone was warm, welcoming this is a new soft launch experience I'd suggest to anyone.

The experience was very eye opening. I never thought I'd learn so much. I had an amazing time and the activities were very well-planned. Everyone involved are incredible people and have servants' hearts.

I thought this program was very insightful. I have learnt so many things that I would not have if I was on vacation. With that being said, I learnt so many cultures and traditions and for that I'm grateful. Thank you very much, CELA.

This experience really gave me the opportunity to challenge my mind and create new ideas of the lifestyles that are possible to adhere to sustainable futures. Loop Abroad put together an incredible program.

I loved getting to experience every aspect of Belize, from the jungle to a touristic hot spot. I think I gained a great perspective of the country, people, cultures, and everything else that makes Belize as amazing and diverse as it is. Such an emotional trip with friends that I made along the way. A trip I will remember forever.

The CELA trip to southern Belize was life changing! The CELA facility and staff were kind, patient, and approachable with their humorous ways. I feel like they are family and highly recommend! Thank you, CELA for this amazing experience.

The most amazing blend of education and culture. A jam-packed schedule with amazing activities and experiences that really open your eyes to a different culture. I loved Belize and Loop Abroad and would do it again!

I think that the integration of students in real life scenarios was the most beneficial part of learning to me! Our guides made a really huge impact on my life and my future interests. Also the BFLA was the best policy talk.

This out of this world trip inspired me in so many ways. From the staff and local people to the opportunities to the cultural immersion. I feel so motivated and better prepared for my future than ever before.

The CELA program helped me broaden my experience of veterinary medicine. I met so many people just like me and learned a lot more than I could've imagined. Special thank you to all of the TAs and doctors.

On this program, I met people and underwent experiences that truly lit up my life. Never did I think I would feel this way about this experience, quite to this extent. I feel like what we've done here has made a small difference in this world, and that's all I want to be a part of. That's all we want to be a part of. Just a little piece of the world changed for the better as we learn and grow to truly flourish as veterinarians.

CELA Belize was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will be forever thankful for. I learned more in those two weeks than I ever could have imagined. It truly exceeded my expectations and I feel so prepared for vet school and my future career.

These were without a doubt the most amazing weeks of my life! I'm so thankful for the hands on experience with so many species. I have made lifelong friends. I learned so much more than I ever expected.

This experience was unbelievably eye-opening. I had the most amazing time and the activities were very well-planned and structured. Everyone involved are incredible people and truly have servants' hearts.

I traveled with other companies before, but I enjoyed the CELA Belize experience tenfold! I look forward to working with them again in the future. They really hit the target with our learning objectives for this trip.

I had a lot of fun on this trip. This was my first time out of the country and you guys made it special. I wish we had more time here, but we had to leave and that makes me sad. Whoever comes next I hope they have as much fun as I did. Thank you.

This was an amazing opportunity provided by WUU through CELA and Loop Abroad. I loved learning about the rich history of Belize. It is important for students to learn about global diversity in our world.

The staff at CELA Belize have been absolutely wonderful at all levels. Maureen listened to our needs and together with other staff helped us design the ideal trip for our students. The staff on the ground really made our trip so special. We will never forget them and are grateful. We loved our week in Belize and everything we did.

The trip was more magical than I could have ever imagined. The staff, the food, the people, and the country were simply amazing. We were welcomed with such a warm embrace both metaphorically and physically.

Life in Belize was such a fruitful experience that taught me so much about the Maya people and our own lives in the Western world as a contrast. I had as much fun with all our group members and our guides and teachers. Everyone made it a really fun and safe and caring and thoughtful experience. Staff was instrumental in this all throughout.

This experience helped me to explore my own cultural identity as someone who has never been able to travel to my home country. There are lots of overlap with Belizean and Filipino culture and it was really impactful for me. Thank you.

Visiting Belize has been nothing but amazing and beautiful. This trip is so valuable to my own life as learning about the connection of land is so important to me. The Maya are resilient people that I am taking many lessons from them.

This trip has given me so much to think about and take home. It's completely expanded my worldview to make me realize there is so much more to life than the "Western" view of living. I can't wait to return to the community and give back to them. What they gave me I will carry forward the rest of my life.

This trip changed my view on how vet medicine can be applied. It also showed me and taught me about how people in other countries take care of their animals. I really enjoyed the Placencia clinic as well as pig castrations because of the hands-on aspect and truly getting to experience how other countries work with animals.

This is the best experience I have ever had in my career. I enjoyed how hands-on it was and how they treated us like adults. All of the staff is so kind and knowledgeable. I am sad it is over! Dr Tesecum was like a big grother to all of us mentoring us and making our trip fun.

This trip was one of the best times of my life. I had a lot of fun, learned a lot, and made amazing friends and memories. I will look back on these couple weeks down the line and be proud of myself and really happy I went on this trip. My favorite was working with the horses and pigs. Ruther, Dr Tesecum, and Nandita all did their best and made out rip as special as could be!

Dr Ken and Maureen were the best. They made me feel so comfortable and were very helpful. My favorite part was the buddy snorkels during the day and also the night snorkel! I'm not sure if I wanted to be snorkeling every single day but still loved it.

I loved the Tropical Ecology and Conservation program. My favorite activity was night snorkeling. All my staff did a great job checking in on us and the staff who greeted us at the airport even texted me a few times during the program to see how I was doing!

I had a great time! My favorite part was snorkeling at the channel because it was a unique environment with the shallow coral and the deep channel. I loved swimming through the arch and seeing a turtle!

I had a great experience! Our hosts were wonderful and so welcoming. My favorite part was snorkeling the reefs and getting to know Dr Ken and our leaders. They were incredible in all aspects. 10/10 on everything

I had the most amazing time on this program and learned so much. Our leaders were amazing, accommodating, and sweet. I learned so much from them! The pig farm was particularly awesome because we got to castrate them.

My favorite activity was the horse farm! I felt like we got to experience a lot of vaccinations and physicals. Additionally, we got to see one of Joe's dogs get sutured! All of the staff were helpful in making our experiences special by packing everyday with so many activities and laughs.

I loved this program and learned so much. The resort was nice, the people were amazing and cared so deeply for us, I wouldn't make any changes at all! I loved working with the vets and going to the farms and working with the animal and learning the medicine behind treating them.

This program was better than I expected! Thanks for making this possible. Dr Tesecum, Ruben, and Nandita all made my experience the best it could be by sharing their knowledge and taking care of us. My favorite was the horse farm and the spay/neuter clinic. I felt like I was really applying what we learned in lecture and lab.

The leaders of this program are legitimately so incredible. They made everything so fun, safe, and educational. My favorite was attending the community health clinic in Arenal. This was a great chance for us to practice the skills we developed over the past week and connect with the people whose country we were visiting.

So many great experiences on this program - the suture lab, the spay/neuter clinic, the vaccinations, and the castrations! All our staff helped us so much and the accomodation was so lovely. The only thing I'd change is to bring a small personal fan because it was pretty hot!

I had such a great time. Our teachers were so great and very welcoming! My favorite parts were the cow palpating, the days at the clinic, and especially the horseback ride. 10/10 on everything - I wouldn't change anything

Our leaders were both amazing, fun, engaging, and made every activity a great learning experience. The best parts were suturing and necropsies and also enrichment because I made connections with my animals. Oh and cave tubing and snorkeling because that's really when I made lifelong friends!

I found our trip to Runaway Creek really amazing. Not only was it absolutely beautiful but the staff created amazing bonds with all the students and being able to walk through an area without anything manmade is truly amazing. Every single one of the staff was amazing and all the tours were absolutely phenomenal.

The wildlife hikes and exploring the land all these people work so hard to conserve and protect was one of the best parts. It really made the connection between us humans and the wildlife. Everyone at the Tropical Education Center, the Belize Zoo, and our leaders really made everyone feel involved and kept us really engaged. This place is magical and more people need to experience it! :)

The best part was going to Placencia and bonding with everyone in the group. I also really enjoyed the suture activity - so fun! Every staff I encountered made me feel special. This program is amazing and I do not even have any changes I'd suggest. CELA Belize is a great program and even the food is soo good!

Jane our leader made the experience great and took care of us. Everyone else was friendly and accommodating and all the guest lectures were amazing. The best part was the monkey sanctuary, going behind the scenes at the Belize Zoo, snorkeling on the beach trip, and the spay-neuter trip. I really got to experience Belize and the wildlife there.

After being pushed back a summer due to COVID I can 100% tell you it was worth the wait. From day one we were getting our hands dirty being real veterinarians. Each day we were taught something new and used those skills in the field. Everyday we were immersed in the Belizean culture. This program will change not only how you view veterinary medicine but also provide you with a broader view on life. If you are thinking that veterinary medicine might be your future path this trip will confirm those beliefs. I would 10/10 recommend this program to any student or anyone who wants to learn more about veterinary practices in a new country. The CELA staff are very helpful and friendly throughout the entire process.

I was in Belize for one month during the Summer of 2018 which was in between my junior and senior year of college. I completed the wildlife course first (which was awesome as well) and then continued to the large animal one. I have never traveled outside the US so I was bit nervous, but the program directors and staff (Lauren Margesson and Cynthia Reece) were very helpful and eliminated all my worries. I never once felt uncomfortable or like I was in danger, but I also stayed cautious and was smart about how I carried money and other valuables. I absolutely loved my time in Belize and I still talk about it every chance I get. Each day was packed with amazing hands-on veterinary experiences that I could not get in the small town I am from in Pennsylvania. We usually had the weekends free to explore the country and participate in recreational activities such as chocolate making, island visits, or even just lounging by the pool (by the way the little resort you stay at is BEAUTIFUL). During the Summer of 2018 I was also applying for veterinary school. I hoped that studying abroad would make me stand out to interviewers and it truly did. They loved asking me about the experience and it was easy for me to talk about because I was so passionate about what I learned in Belize. Even if you are not applying for vet school, this program is very valuable in the sense that you immerse yourself in a new culture and you get to explore a new country. I am in vet school now at Ohio State, just finished my first semester actually, and my experiences in Belize helped me get a head start in a lot of the things we did this semester such as equine and bovine physical exams and suturing techniques. Dr. Tesecum and his brother Ruben were great teachers in that they would show you something and then guide you through the process yourself. I sutured up spay incisions on dogs, castrated goats and piglets, administered vaccines on a variety of species (cows, horses, sheep, goat, pigs, cats and dogs), performed rectal exams on cows to check for pregnancy, and drew blood from horses to test for viruses. These were all things I never did before and probably wouldn’t have done until vet school. The course says large animal, but I did get a lot of exposure to cats and dogs especially when we set up a free local spay and neuter clinic. I can’t remember the exact numbers, but that day we saw over one hundred animals for physical exams and vaccines and I believe around 70 animals were neutered. The people of that village were extremely grateful and I felt like I was making a difference. Some of my tuition money went towards the vaccines and services provided which I thought made it worth the cost. I was fortunate in that I had my expenses covered for by scholarships. The one scholarship was through the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and it cut my tuition in half, so I’d recommend becoming a member if you aren’t already. Usually a college’s pre-vet club includes this membership in their dues so it’s low cost. The other scholarship was the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship which covered the rest of my expenses including my flight. Both of these scholarships had specific criteria I needed to meet and they required a good amount of work in regards to essays and letters of recommendation, but my hard work paid off. I was able to study abroad and not have to worry about money, which is what every college student wants right? I could talk about this experience for hours and show tons of pictures, but you won’t get the full effect until you go to Belize yourself and take advantage of this opportunity. I guarantee you won’t regret it. I can’t wait to go back one day and now I have a desire to explore more of the world and learn about other species of animals.

I loved the entire program. We were completely hands on beginning on the FIRST day. Everyday we did something new. I would recommend to anyone interested in this program. The living conditions were excellent and we were located right on the edge of town. Perfect distance for walking. The instructors for the course were super friendly and willing to help always. They were very patient and explained everything.

This opportunity not only gave me not only gave me an amazing educational experience, providing me with knowledge and skills regarding the animals I worked with, different methods of practice, and hands-on training I would never otherwise have learned, but it also gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture, giving a completely rounded sense of education. It was amazing and I loved every second. I enjoyed it so much and made so many friends along the way that I definitely intend to return!

The CELA Belize was really an extraordinary experience, from the way they teach, to the people their culture and the wonders of Belize itself. The Wildlife Health, Ecology and Conservation course, was my first class abroad and as much as I was nervous about it, the program totally exceeded my expectations. Their teaching strategies are totally effective, the curriculum is composed of short lectures, lot of field work, and field trips . It's honestly the best way to use what you learned in class out in the field. But also the instructors and the people that work with CELA are just amazing, nothing is more exciting to watch how people love and are passionate for what they do. The love they have for Belize and what they are willing to do, is just mesmerizing! The program not only helped me understand the importance of nature and its conservation, but it opened my eyes to whole new options career wise. I think we need more people to study, fight and teach for our biodeversity and its conservation.

Going into my study abroad experience, I knew it would be an amazing opportunity for me to gain hands-on veterinary experience, but I never could have expected the range and depth of opportunity I was provided. The beauty of Belize added to my educational experience, making it feel like I was on vacation while enrolled in a course. I made lifelong friends and memories that I can genuinely say I will never forget and I recommend this program to anyone and everyone that can attend.

I had never traveled out of the country before my CELA Belize course, and I was incredibly nervous. The team at CELA made sure I was comfortable and had all the knowledge I needed to travel to another country by myself! The course was SO much fun, I learned so much and got hands-on experience that simply isn't available in the US. If I could do this program again I would in a heart beat! The people, experiences and living conditions were amazing.

I never would have guessed going into college that my first summer would be spent going abroad by myself and for the first time, but the CELA program went above and beyond to ensure that this program was everything I could have hoped for. Any and all questions I had prior to the program were answered promptly and kindly, and this pattern just continued when we arrived. From the administration like Cynthia to the Tesecum family literally welcoming us with open arms into their own business to teach us the practice of veterinary medicine in Belize this was an amazing experience that will continue to be one of my defining steps toward veterinary medicine.

Having applied to go to Belize for my first study abroad trip was probably one of the best decisions of my life. Being immersed in so much culture and getting the hands-on experience, that I wouldn’t have been able to get at this point in my life, is so much appreciated. I would like to thank all of the teachers I had during this trip and would like to say I would do it all over again if I could. The things I learned during my trip will be remembered and applied when I go to vet school next year. What an amazing summer experience I still can’t stop talking about!

I went to Belize with CELA this past summer. Having never really traveled much alone I was pretty nervous, but CELA took awesome care of us. As soon as travel information was in, they told us if there were other people on our flights from our group and how to contact them; so we got to travel together and go through customs (by far the scariest moments of the trip) together. Our accommodations are beautiful- we were put up in essentially one of the nicest resorts in town. Our instructors were INCREDIBLE. Dr. T, Dr. Stephanie and Reuben were all passionate about what they taught and would take us to dinner most nights to sit with us and get to know us. Our class time was hands on, and our non-class time they took it upon themselves to show us all the local culture and local spots. From swimming in waterfalls to horseback riding in the jungle to cave canoeing, to snorkeling on the second largest reef in the world, they really made sure we got to see all Belize has to offer. They made sure we never felt unsafe and are like war heroes. I got paid with an awesome roommate and her and I, along with 2 other girls became friends fast and nearly inseparable.

Very friendly people. It was so much fun to visit that country! Jane was so sweet and patient with us. I didn’t know what to expect! It was eye opening seeing how the animals live in BELIZE and how the people are so nice to them.

I had a great time in Belize working with both large and small animals in this course. You are paired with one other individual for sleeping arrangements, you share a hotel room. It was nice, clean linens always, and always great food. The activities with the group were amazing: spay and neuter clinics and going to perform vet work at goat, pig, horse, and cattle ranches. The extra curricular activities on the weekends were amazing!! We snorkeled, went into lost Mayan caves, zip-lined, went diving at water falls, and had plenty of time for night life in the surrounding city. This experience, by far, helped me get into vet school. In my interviews, I was able to talk about the diversity that I experienced and had now gained from the experience, as well as the skills, both medically and culturally that I now had.

I loved the course it helped me to acquire a clear image of the veterinary field work. Learned some tricks and the different ways to do the same procedure. Gain practical knowledge such as vaccination.

This was a really good time and really wonderful opportunity for me. I gained a lot of knowledge, friends and experience with this course. I was very pleased with how comfortable I felt and how loving everyone that taught us was.

Transitioning from a rugged, rustic living in La Democracia to San Ignacio was quite the next step. I'd even dare to call it a living space upgrade for those who crave luxury. The culture was rich, the morning birds songs played in different tunes, and of course the course material was vastly different. Getting to practice veterinary medicine in different settings on a daily basis was intense and exciting. I wouldn't have imagined the course always had something new to wrap our minds on. Our TAs and instructors were a pleasure to learn and mentor from, as they taught with enthusiasm and good-will. It was these experiences that'll leave me with my memories under the Belize sun.

I took Wildlife Health, Ecology and Conservation course in Belize in the summer. I liked the course curriculum. Every day we had different activities. I gained a lot of valuable experience and knowledge.

It was absolutely amazing!! I learned so very much! I am so incredibly grateful for this opportunity to immerse myself in such a culturally rich environment and learn how veterinary medicine is practiced and incorporated in the daily lives of the citizens of Belize.

CELA Belize was the first experience I had with veterinary medicine and it was a blast! While I learned a lot in lecture, Dr. T really emphasized hands- on experience. We were able to administer vaccines, castrate a pig, do physical exams on horses, assist in spay/neuter surgeries, suturing dogs and cats, and much more! This course really challenged me to adapt to the situation and gain some confidence in the things they taught us very quickly! The group of students I had were amazing and we made memories that I will hold close to my heart and never forget!

Honestly, I can't say enough about how exciting, interactive, and courteous the course and all instructors were for the duration of the program. They were really encouraging in all class and field activities and were patient and understanding as we were learning proper veterinary techniques, namely suturing and vaccine injections. They also ensured that after all important academic work was completed, we had our fair share of exciting excursions, notably cave canoeing, beach going, and Mayan ruin exploration. I have gained more experience with veterinary practices within two weeks in Belize than I ever would have shadowing veterinarians and vet techs in the States for years. I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in pursuing large animal medicine or for those who are still unsure of what they want to specialize in and are still testing the different fields. I also want to thank everyone at Paw's Clinic once again for all their support and for making my experience so memorable!!

Overall, my experience in the wildlife course was fair, but I have to admit that I wish more about housing and amenities were disclosed to me prior to registering for the course. The cabins were fairly spacious, but the lack of air conditioning (i.e. just having fans), amount of insects, and cost of laundry services should have been mentioned just so that students are aware of the adjustments they need to make for the next few weeks and plan accordingly. I really enjoyed the field work and getting to tour the zoo multiple times in order to study the animals and construct an enrichment project for them, and learning all about the various organizations in Belize devoted to conservation was a truly rewarding experience. I have had the opportunity to get more up close and personal with the animals during those two weeks than I ever would have been able to in the States, and it has truly shown me what it means to work with wildlife and it is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. All in all, I would still highly recommend taking this course for anyone interested in wildlife ecology or veterinary medicine as you get a chance to experience both in so many fun ways.

This was a great course, and I enjoyed all aspects of the hands on activities and sessions. Reuben, Dr. T, and Dr. Novelo we're all very helpful and made sure that everyone in the group felt involved. I have gained a greater respect and understanding of working with large animals as well.

The bio-diverse location and bird sung mornings were among my favorite experiences at the T.E.C. The simple living brings out the best of my stories there. I really loved the staff, environment, and the small luxuries offered. Unfortunately, this sort of setting was not the best for everyone. Specifically those without comfort in an outside living experience. As it can be rigid, outdoorsy, and definitely itchy for those not prepared.

CELA gives their students a genuine experience that includes activities that most people never get to do. The beind the scenes look at Belizian culture, conservation, and the Natonal Zoo was priceless.

The communication at the beginning of the course was quite off between CELA and TREC. The error in communication had the trip off to a rough start, but upon arriving at Trec, Dr. Ken and his wife, Maurine, were very accommodating. Dr. Ken was a wonderful teacher and is very passionate about what he does. The worst part was that the rooms did not have air conditioning.

I really had so much fun with this program. You get A LOT of hands on experience. You also get to experience the Belizean culture. I recommend trying to fit as many activities in each day as you can! You can sleep when you get back home, this is a once in a life time opportunity. I just wish we had more preparation for the clinic day.

CELA Belize and my Global Health course was the highlight of my college career. I was able to take my own knowledge from my Public Health major at Rutgers University and advance it in a way I never thought I could. Everything from the course lecture, field visits to local hospitals and clinics, and guest lectures from some of the most prestigious organizations in the world were each a component of this trip that has expanded my network and left a mark on my education that I will always cherish. This program is excellent; staff and professors always make sure you feel at home, safe, and influence you to explore the city. I always felt safe, cared for, and inspired. I wish I could do it all over again. If you are a prospective student looking into taking a course with CELA Belize do it! It will be the adventure of a lifetime.

This course was amazing! I learned so much valuable information inside and outside of the classroom that I will take with me all the way to vet school. The faculty and TA genuinely cared that we learned what was being taught and could master it on our own. We got so much hands on experience with large and small animals that boosted my confidence for the future of hopefully vet school! Besides the course, Belize is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen with the kindest people. I hope to one day go back; I wish this course was even longer! I highly recommend studying with CELA!

I loved this program! It was such a unique opportunity, I loved that it challenged me academically and personally, pushing me out of my comfort zone and allowing me to see the beautiful country of Belize and all that it has to offer.

This experience was everything I could have asked for. Very hands on and allowed me to learn more about conservation and the jobs related to it. It also opened my eyes to other cultures. I also made friends for life in this course.

This experience was absolutely phenomenal! I learned so very much and am so incredibly grateful to have had this amazing opportunity! The Belize Zoo, Dr. Runey, CELA and Jane were amazing to learn from as well as the other organizations we were able to learn from such as the Belize Raptor Center, Runaway Creek, and the Crocodile Research Coalition.

Everything about the course was better than I imagined. I loved all of the hands on activities, especially on the first day. All of the people involved in the study abroad course were amazing and eager to help.

Dr. T is the best there is and you will never get a hands-on experience like this anywhere else! The things I learned in two weeks surpass entire year course learnings. Looking forward to coming back to Belize already!

HBE was an amazing course that helped me develop a better understanding of indigenous people's culture in Belize. I came to find that thinking from a westernized perspective was my biggest problem. This course helped me break the preconceived notions I had about my culture. I know that I would never have an experience like this anywhere else.

This course gives amazing hands-on learning experiences! It was amazing all of the way around, and you get to experience Belize, which is so friendly! The local spots that are available to visit are beyond pretty!

The Large Animal Study Abroad course was an incredible experience. I was given the opportunity to do so much hands on experience that is never allowed as an undergraduate in the United States. The teachers were incredible and genuinely cared that we learned not only about the veterinary aspect, but also the cultural side of Belize.

This course allowed me to get hands-on experience that I would otherwise, as an undergrad, never have an opportunity to receive. Not only were we able to help vaccinate, deworm, give physical exams, we were also able to assist in spays and neuters. The Vet clinic staff truly made it an experience assisting with meals and helping us experience the true culture in Belize.

I was worried I would just be watching the veterinarians and listening to lectures like my friends had on other study abroad trips. CELA gave me hands-on experience that reaffirmed my desire to go to veterinary school and also allowed me to explore different fields of veterinary medicine. In addition, I was given ample time to see and explore the beautiful country of Belize. Thank you CELA for providing me a trip that will always stay in my heart!

The Global Health course was excellent. I truly learned more than I ever thought I could in 2 weeks. We had the opportunity to speak with wonderful Healthcare and Public Health speakers. However, more culture immersion and hands on experience needs to be added.

I was hesitant about going on this trip earlier in the year, mostly for the financial aspects and I wasn't sure how much I would get out of the program. I am so glad that I decided to take the plunge and go for it because I had the time of my life while learning things I may have not learned until vet school or even beyond. I also got to meet incredible so many people from across the United States that I will keep in touch with!

This course was the best two weeks of my entire life. I learned so much, and yet I feel like we barely sat down and had lectures. Jane was amazing and I aspire to be like her one day. Dr Sarah was very informative and was a great teacher.

I never thought I would fit in the time or have the financials to study abroad but finding C.E.L.A. was a miracle! It was the cheapest of the study abroad programs I was looking into and had the most hands-on experience involving veterinary medicine. I am so grateful for the information learned from my teachers and TA's and the memories created with my class mates. I'm even thinking of returning as a TA! Best experience ever.

The Wildlife course was an amazing experience! The instructors Jane and Dr. Sarah were incredibly informative and they were so supportive of our learning and progress throughout the course. I would recommend for anyone—wildlife background or not!

I loved everything that we learned in this program! At first, I was nervous about going. When I met everyone involved, I instantly knew I made the right decision. I definitely recommend for anyone who is planning on being a veterinarian. There was a lot of hands on learning experiences on the farms, which made learning fun. The instructors were amazing! This study abroad was probably one of the best things I've ever done.

This program was worth every penny. The instructors were knowledgeable and personable and the students were all engaged and willing to learn. The course offered even more field experience than expected and a broad overlook of the many different wildlife species of Belize. I am so glad I took this course!

The CELA program gave me opportunities that I would not be able to experience anywhere else, I learn a lot better with hands on experience so this course increased my knowledge on Large Animal Veterinary practice by a lot. I would definitely recommend this program to any student looking to apply to veterinary school because this class will prepare you for several things you will have to deal with as a vet. It's a great thing to put on your resume and talk about during interviews! The teachers and TA's in this program were extremely helpful and understanding of our needs. I also met some amazing people along this journey and I am so grateful for it.

I was initially nervous about traveling to a new country by myself, but the people and instructors were so welcoming. Thank you to Dr. Paige and Dr. T for teaching me so much in a two week period, I will be forever grateful to the time I spent here!

I was nervous and afraid when I first signed up and I am so glad I went through with this. This trip was one of the most amazing experiences in my life and I will treasure it always in my heart. I felt myself grow as a person, I got to learn many new things, and on top of it all I made some amazing friends thanks to this program.

I liked how we met different people from different fields with different knowledge. They were all very passionate about their work which was very inspiring. It was nice that most things were hands on learning.

The Wildlife program through C.E.L.A. Belize is full with super educational and fun activities! You do things like bird banding, zoo observations and enrichments, necropsies, camera trapping and much more.

This program was an incredible opportunity! I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in animal husbandry or planning to attend veterinary school. There was so much hands-on experience and training that would not be available to a student in the US. It was also great to serve the local community and volunteer my time, as some of the locals wouldn't be able to pay for surgery or medication for their pets.

I loved this experience! My teachers were incredibly dedicated to exposing us to the wildlife of Belize, teaching along the way, and building relationships with all of their students. Our activities were varied, allowing for persons with all kinds of interests to be exposed to their preferred type of animal, and further ensuring that everyone was able to learn things outside of their typical exposure or work experience

Any student in a pre-veterinary or production animal major should definitely apply for this course! You get loads of hands on experience that is unavailable at home. The course is low-stress, with an emphasis on gaining experience in the field instead of just a classroom. There is a good balance of work and time to explore the country. Definitely would recommend!

I loved every moment of being in Belize. I learned more than I could ever imagine about large animal veterinary medicine and the culture.

Overall this course was amazing and hands down my favorite trip. The experiences are so valuable and the people of Belize are great. I made many new friends and learned a lot about the country itself. I miss it so much already.

This course is a once in a life time opportunity, TAKE IT! The amount of hands on experience you get is amazing, also SUPER nice staff that guide and work with you. The amount of information I learned was substantial!

This was an amazing course! I got a ton of hands-on experience with many different large animals, including injections, physical exams, wrangling, and even surgeries. This course also provides a lot of experience with small animals through the free clinic we participated in (we did a lot of physical exams and participated in quite a few spays/neuters). In the process, we visited several different local farms and had free time to explore nearby sites such as Xunantunich. It was a great experience not only getting to work with so many animals but also getting to learn more about farming practices in Belize. Would highly recommend to any student who likes working with animals/is considering a career in veterinary medicine (this course is a good way to decide if you would like to go into large animal medicine).

Although the wildlife course was not what I initially expected, I still loved it and do not regret taking it. Prior to taking this course I thought it would focus more on the veterinary side of wildlife, but it was actually a mix between the vet side of things and wildlife conservation. We got to work with the Tapir's at the zoo and whichever animal we picked for our enrichment project. You also get to learn things that aren't necessarily in the schedule because you never know what could happen at the zoo or what animal could be brought in. You also get to set up camera's at Runaway Creek! Our cameras spotted coatimundis, some birds, and even a jaguar! Both Jane and Dr. Kneeland were great teachers and I definitely learned a lot from both of them. If you're like me and tend to be a mosquito magnet, definitely bring bug spray with a high DEET percentage. Mine didn't have that much so I got eaten alive, but my experience was not ruined by the bugs. If you don't like bugs, it can be a little scary at first, but you quickly get used to them. Just wear pants and bug spray all of the time. I highly recommend taking this course!

My study abroad experience was very enriching. I was able to get more large animal experience and learn by doing. The amount of hands-on experience this course offers is incredible! It helps you get out of your comfort zone and learn skills that will be needed as a veterinarian. In addition, Belize is a beautiful country with a very diverse culture. It is the perfect place to gain new perspectives and become more open minded.

Before leaving for the program, I was a little skepticle. This was my first time traveling alone out of the country and I wasn't really sure what to expect. The first day I got there I was already having a great time. I loved my group, the resort was beautiful and I was excited to strart the course. The lecture material and field activities were so interesting. I liked the field activities more than the lecture because we could actually get engaged and learn how to handle animals. Everything about the course was interesting, and I feel more prepared for vet school than ever. I wish I could do the program twice!

This trip is not for the faint of heart. Students stay in rustic cabins with outside bathroom and shower facilities. Days are long and packed with intense activities. There are mosquitoes galore and other bugs/creatures. But, if you want to go into the vet field this is exactly the kind of experience one needs to have. The class takes a sampling from all aspects of being a wildlife vet and also talks extensively about the importance of ecology and conservation while showing real life examples in the field. Students definitely get experience and advice about their careers while they're at it. This program is definitely worth the money I spent and I will always treasure my time here and how it furthered both my career and education.

This CELA study abroad trip really helped me to break out of my comfort zone! I would go back in a heart beat, as Belize now feels like a second home. I would not have received near as much hands on in the US.

I really enjoyed the course. At times I wish the instructor was more engaging with the students but overall it was a very good learning experience. At times I felt like the instructor was less of a teacher and more of a babysitter.

My goals for this field school in Traditional Healing and Medical Anthropology were to learn more about my mind, body, spirituality, and emotionality. I definitely achieved those goals! I was able to remember plants through repetition and practical involvement. The course provided so much activity from canoeing to swimming to walking through the forest. I spiritually connected to healers and my group during ceremonies and just immersing in the environment. I learned a lot emotionally from one of the teachers on the trip that taught about ideating close to center. This is great advice not only for traveling but in everyday life. St. Herman's cave, seeing howler monkeys and staying at Aurora Garcia Saqui's was one of my favorite parts. Healthy food and open-minded people abound!

I enjoyed the different aspects of this course. As a student I was able to get a feel for what wildlife studies include whether they are research related or veterinarian related. I loved being at the zoo!

I've never really left the United States, so hearing about this program was a really exciting prospect. Though both my family and I had our worries and reservations about it, I'm very glad I went through with it. Even on just the first day, the large animal course is super hands on; I helped spay a dog that afternoon. Dr. T and Ruben are very down to earth and eager to help everyone learn to the best of their abilities. CELA allowed me to meet people from across my own country, and I know I have friends for life now. Overall, I cannot recommend this program enough, and the best way to believe me is to try it for yourself.

I could not have asked for a more transformative and life-changing experience than with participating in CELA's Large Animal in the Tropics course! The types of hands-on experiences this program offers is nothing like you can find in the States and it was wonderful knowing that I could give back to the different communities in Belize at the same time while learning more about animal care. One of the lesser known parts about this program is that almost all of the tuition fees go to pay for all of the veterinary care that you perform as a student while visiting a number of different farms. Every injection, castration, or assisted spay/neuter surgery that you get to do is in actuality a veterinary service that you helped to pay for through your participation. It was pretty cool knowing that I could make a difference so early on in my career even still being three years away from applying to veterinary school. Most of the hands-on experiences you are given through this program you do not get the opportunity to do until possibly your third year of vet school so it provided me with a lot of foresight. This is possibly what made the free spay/neuter clinic that we ran my favorite part as you truly get immersed into what a day in the life of being a veterinarian both looks and feels like while running physical examinations and giving routine dewormer/vitamin injections to cats and dogs and get to connect with the owners at the same time. Never once did I ever feel unsupported or unsafe while working with the animals in Belize no matter how small or large they were (You get the opportunity to work with small animals such as cats/dogs as well as livestock including horses, beef/dairy cattle, goats, sheep, and swine). The staff (Dr. T and his brother the vet tech Ruben) were amazing in answering any questions we had and it literally felt like in my group that I had a second family abroad even though it was only for two weeks. Belize was also a wonderful place to get to be immersed into a new culture as their primary language is English so it made it much easier to learn more about the country. The region is diverse with it taking only 2-3 hours to traverse and depending on where you want to go for the day you could be exploring the jungle, mountains, or one of the world's largest barrier reefs. Often outside of classes, we had time to go on excursions to explore the country a bit more and climbing Mayan ruins and snorkeling were definitely highlights of my experience while studying abroad. What I say is don't doubt yourself in choosing this program because it truly has given me memories and friendships that will last for a lifetime! Go Belize in yourself and choose CELA!

After reading through the syllabus, I was really looking forward to taking the Wildlife course. I encourage anyone who is interested in this course to look over the course material to see if what is done day to day is something that would interest them. There were a lot of components that were a lot more research based than I was expecting, such as the radio collar demo or the necropsy lab. That being said, the necropsy lab may have been one of the coolest things that we did. It was really awesome having such an up close and personal interaction with the staff at the Belize Zoo. The one downside was there was a lot of times where we were waiting around, as we were waiting for zookeeper to become free so we could do our activity. This is understandable as their obligation to the animals takes priority, it just made time pass slower when you weren’t doing anything. If you have a huge problem with bugs, you may want to take into consideration that this course does take place in the tropics. You are either in the Belize jungle or savanna. Some of the hikes we went on would have us with 20 mosquitos on our jacket trying to get through. You also have to take into consideration that where you are housed for this course, at the Tropical Education Center, does not have any air conditioning. They do provide you with plenty of fans, however it does get very hot and you will sweat a lot. We slept with mosquito nets around the beds and bugspray to bed and still got bit. That’s just part of living in the jungle though and the experiences you get at the zoo justify the bug bites. The other good part about this course is that both breakfast and dinner is provided through the Tropical Education Center. The TEC was GREAT at accomodating any food allergies or dietary restrictions. However if you are a picky eater, you just have to understand that they are giving you a plate of food every night for dinner, it is not like you are ordering off of a menu. Dr. Kneeland was an amazing instructor and really makes you feel safe. I felt as though I could go to her with any issues that I had, and she was also a great source of knowledge. Jane was also a great instructor and her knowledge on primates was immense. All of the staff of the zoo and TEC that we met were all very generous and did everything in their power to make sure we not only learned the most, but that we got the most out of the lessons.

I really enjoyed my study abroad experience in Belize, the country and culture are very beautiful. This program was so fun and had many hands-on experiences, we got to see a lot of animals and have opportunities that I never thought I would have. The people we worked with were extremely kind and knowledge and I am grateful for what they have taught me. Some flaws included: the focus wasn't so much focused on wildlife ecology and conservation as I had hoped, but was still interesting. As someone not interested in veterinary medicine, that was large portion that I wish there was less of, and would have preferred more population ecology and conservation. The lectures were also a bit dry and there was a lot of time wasted waiting around at the zoo. The living situation made it very easy to get close to your classmates, as we had to suffer together through the bug bites, lack of AC and WiFi, and separate facilities for the bathroom, sinks and showers. The homemade breakfast and dinner were delicious. Despite some inconveniences, as long as you embrace your time in Belize and have a positive outlook, you will enjoy it. Overall, the two week experience was worth it and I would recommend it.

I absolutely loved this program and sit patiently waiting to put my TA application in!!! I can’t wait to be back already. I got very close with all of the other students but more so the staff! Thank you to everyone involved with this entire process and I’ll see you soon!

Studying abroad with CELA was more than I could have ever asked for. I learned so much and the entire course had so much hands on experience! I never thought I would learn as much as I did, nor did I think I would make so many new lifelong friends. My group of 13 got along extremely well and we all plan to keep in touch. I was also able to connect with the people that live in Belize through the free spay and neuter clinic that was held. The vet, Dr. T, and his brother Ruben (the vet tech), were honestly the best. Not only did they teach us so much, but they took us to so many cool places that makes Belize so special.

Not only did I get a lot of hands on experience with large animal medicine, which I've never had before, but I also got to see a lot of Belize. This program is a great mix of learning both veterinary medicine and exploring Belize!

CELA was an amazing experience that provides cultural immersion as well as lots of actual field experience. I learned a lot about veterinary medicine through this program really enjoyed the full 2 weeks that the course ran. I wish I had the time to do the wildlife course and stay in Belize for another 2 weeks.

I was nervous going into this trip because I didn't find CELA through my school, but this has been incredible. Dr. T and Ruben are wonderful, the administrative workers are very helpful, and I made lifelong friends. Two weeks might not seem like a long time, but it will feel like you've been here for months (in a good way). The experiences you'll have on this trip are incomparable - snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea and horseback riding through a Belizean rainforest to name a few. The veterinary work is completely hands-on as well, as they allow students to give injections to animals, perform physical exams, and even suture after surgery. If you have the ability to take this class, do it. It will change your life.

The Health Belief and Ethnomedicine course provided me with a new experience with people from unique backgrounds and knowledge. In the short time that our group was together, we formed a strong bond that cultivated great conversation helped us break out of our comfort zone and try new things. The intense syllabus definitely kept us moving, but it was all worth it to see all the different sites we visited.

I took the Large Animal Veterinary Practice course from CELA in May 2018. I came into this program with no large animal experience, and I came out of it with lots of veterinary experience feeling comfortable working with large animals. In this class, we went to a lot of farms- sheep, cattle, pig, and horse- we gave vaccines and learned how restrain and give physical exams. The veterinarian, Dr. Tesecum, was a great teacher and so was his tech, Ruben. Everyone got to do several castrations on cattle, pigs, and sheep. We also did a free animal health clinic and free spay/neuter clinic at the Placencia Humane Society in Placencia, Belize, which was an amazing experience. We assisted the veterinarian with the surgeries and we sutured the dogs and cats after the surgery. Through working with the humane society we also got experience with small animals, which I really enjoyed. The housing for this course was also great, Midas Resort in San Ignacio, which was very nice and had a great pool and very good breakfast. Throughout the two weeks I was in Belize we also did lots of excursions, such as Xunantanich Myan Ruins, snorkeling in Placencia, cave canoeing, and zip lining. Overall, this trip gave me valuable hands-on learning with all sorts of animals and was a fun experience! Highly recommended for any pre-vet students wether you have experience with large animals or not!

I had an amazing time while studying large animal veterinary practices in Belize. It was an eye-opener to study animal healthcare in a developing country since their standards are very different from the ones in the United States. I liked that the students had plenty of free time to explore Belize and have a good time. This program included so much more than what I expected. I performed spays and neuters which is something that you cannot do in the States without a DVM. I also vaccinated all different types of livestock animals including pigs and cattle. This was an unforgettable experience.

I absolutely loved this program! Not only did I learn so so much about large animals and animal medicine itself, but I learned so much about medicine itself. I got an enormous amount of hands on experience and made some really great friends. I never felt overwhelmed by the workload, and found most of my learning took place out in the field. I also felt like I was fully immersed into the Belizean culture, and had some amazing experiences outside of the classroom.

When I first got to Belize, the course coordinator, Cynthia, told us all that we would leave Belize as changed people. I knew Belize would definitely give me new insight into the veterinary world, but thinking that I would leave a changed person seemed a bit extreme. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Cynthia was right. This course was one of the most life-changing events in my life, not only because of the amazing curriculum but the culture you are immersed in. Belize is such an incredible place with so many different people, each with their own unique stories. The veterinarians that you work with do their best to ensure that you not only get a wide variety of experience with the various animals of the country but with the people who work with those animals as well. The work you get to do with the animals/farmers gives you the chance to appreciate the way the agriculture business used to be run before big corporations take over. You get to see and participate in real agriculture practices where the farmers actually care about their animals. This is how all agriculture businesses should be and this is the reason why I want to be a vet.

I really enjoyed my time in Belize. The course content was interesting and the out-of-classroom experiences were especially enjoyable. I learned a lot about wildlife in Belize through both discussions and observations in the field.

I had such a wonderful time studying abroad in Belize with C.E.L.A. I gained so much valuable hands on experience with large and small animals and learned so much about the veterinary field, particularly in Belize. I met so many wonderful people, from the students to the doctors and their families. This experience has certainly changed how I view the world and my surrounding and has made me more excited than ever to go to veterinary school. The course was a nice balance between learning, field work, fun, and cultural immersion. I would recommend this course, and studying abroad with C.E.L.A., to any student interested in vet med. I would highly recommend going in the winter, if possible, because the weather was perfect and beautiful and I imagine the summer would be unbearably hot.

The hands on experience I received through this experience was second to none. The program is designed to allow the student to jump right in and the knowledge staff assists you every step of the way to provide an exceptional education.

I absolutely loved this program. So much hands on experience and a great way to learn and also explore all of Belize. Loved every second of it. Not only was the course amazing, but the people are unforgettable. I wanna go back haha.

I absolutely loved this wildlife course! Having the numerous hands on experiences made it so much easier to learn. Everyone involved was very nice and helpful and all of the activities we did were fun. I would highly recommend to anyone who was interested in learning more about wildlife. It was an amazing experience!

I am forever grateful to have been granted the opportunity to embark in such an incredible program. I was able to live, learn, and make the best memories with phenomenal individuals and have fun!!

I took the Wildlife course and the instructors (Michelle and Jane) were not only knowledgeable but fun to be around. Also, the guides were extremely helpful and skilled. Don’t expect to be staying in a resort, but the TEC has everything you need including hot showers and wifi at the dining hall. Also, the food was actually pretty good. I had a ton of fun and had an experience that I know I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. I would definitely recommend if you’re prevet or just want to try something new!

It was an amazing experience. Overall, it was an amazing, I was able to get out of my comfort zone. I learned so much in two weeks and I am so happy I did this program. No matter your major this will help you grow in your future.

Had the time of my life-- I made the most amazing memories and learned so much. Could not have been a better trip. Everyone here is so amazing and made the experience even better. This is truly something I will never forget!

This program was amazing. It challenged me to overcome most of my fears. I have a fear for cabins and insects such as spiders, and the amount of time I encountered these animas were none. But I was not afraid to walk to different locations alone anymore. Also, I had a fear for big cat but learned plenty of things about their behaviors that helped me understand them.

I have very much enjoyed my time here in Belize, this course gave me access to wildlife that I would never be able to get close to in the United States. I most enjoyed the veterinary aspects of the trip, but there were plenty of opportunities to learn about conservation and the forest around us. Our instructors were very accommodating to those that were unfamiliar with subjects we were talking about and did everything they could to help us thrive individually. I would totally recommend CELA to other pre-veterinary students!

This program taught me more about veterinary medicine than I have learned in any class. Everything is so hands on that you leave learning how to do so many things. I had never given injections, sutured, or castrated an animal before and I left knowing how to do all those things. And you meet so many people who are just as passionate as you are about veterinary medicine. This is literally the most wonderful experience I have ever had. You learn so much and meet so many people, this course made me fall in love with Belize. And if that is not enough, you leave with a huge network of people from Belize and all over the United States that are always willing to help and answer questions. But, just some advice, make sure to ask questions about credit transfer because Cynthia never gave anyone information on forms to fill out and the steps to take. So a few girls took the course and spent the money only to find out they could not get any credits.

This program was an absolutely incredible experience. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in wildlife veterinary medicine or wildlife conservation. The course teaches you so much about the wildlife of Belize and gives you the opportunity to meet with some very inspiring people. I have never been able to interact with animals in such a close proximity before and probably never will again, so this course was one I will never forget. The course works closely with the Belize Zoo which is an amazing facility and gives you an inside view into all of their conservation and education efforts as well.

By far the best experience of my entire life! I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone in the animal medicine field! So much hands on experience that you could never get anywhere else! Along with experience you meet a ton of amazing people.

Overall this is a wonderful program and the experiences and opportunities I was able to get down here I know I couldn't get back at home. The instructors and TA were amazing and good at teaching us the skills we needed to know.

This course provides the opportunity to meet some truly incredible people. Working in and around the Belize Zoo exposes you to some of the most driven and passionate people working towards conservation of Belizean wildlife. Huge focus on empowerment through education and community outreach. This course puts you in the field, practicing tasks that a wildlife research or veterinarian would perform on a day-to-day basis.

I loved this course. We had lots of hands on experience and we also got to explore and have fun in this country. We were given opportunities here that we would've never had in the states. I feel very fortunate to have gotten this opportunity.

This course was so much more than I expected! We spent a lot more time out in the field doing hands on work than we did in the classroom which made the experience so much more valuable because learning something and doing it yourself are two very different things. Everyone was friendly and the instructors explained the procedures in a way that made it easy to understand. I learned that the best way to grow as a student and as a person is to get out into the field and experience as much as possible, and I had a great time here in Belize!

I absolutely loved my time in Belize with CELA. The course was incredibly hands-on, the instructor Dr. Tesecum and his assistant Ruben were knowledgeable and awesome as was everyone with PAWS veterinary clinic in San Ignacio. Incredible opportunity to experience the culture, landscapes and people of Cayo, Belize as well as do real veterinary work on large farm animals! I loved every minute of the trip.

Overall, my time in Belize was amazing to say the least. Dr. T and his whole family welcomed us with open arms, and everyone we met along the way was amazing to work with. I would've liked more organization with the pre-departure details.

I found CELA Belize by Googling "Pre Med Program with hands on experience". CELA offered a course combining ethnomedicine and global health and set up an internship in a local clinic for me. The experience was beyond anything I would've even known to search for.

This was an amazing hands on experience. It beats anything you can do as an undergraduate in the United States. It addition to being a really informative animal experience, CELA encourages it's students to really experience all Belize has to offer, to get to know the people and to build relationships during their session. The technical skills and networks I built while abroad made this trip more amazing than I anticipated.

Taking this class was such a life changing experience for me. Our professor, Ed Boles, was such a great addition to the class. He was extremely knowledgeable and well-versed in the subject matter. The location could not be beat. Tobacco Caye was a dream to stay at, and the reefs of Belize are breathtaking!

This course was beyond what I expected it to be. We got so much hands on experience with different animals, sutures, vaccinations, and surgeries. Great for students wishing to see more into the vet world and get experience for school, or to help them decide if they want to be a vet.

Going to Belize was one of the most amazing trips of my life. I 100% recommend this trip! You will experience new and exciting things that really change the way you think about veterinary medicine and about the world in general. I made so many great friends and it was such a blast exploring Belize as the little family that we became.

Every aspect of the trip was incredible except for the administrative aspects. How much money we would really need was not clear; the packing list was not accurate; and I was unable to take this course for credit because I was not made aware of the fact that I would have to pay $150 and send my school transcript to the other university. We should also be able to experience the local culture of San Ignacio and the surrounding area by going on excursions with Ruben and Dr. T after our activities of the day were finished. They understand what is safe and unsafe better than anyone, and there was never a time that I felt unsafe with them around. Ruben and Dr. T are both incredible people, and I will never forget the experience that they allotted me.

I had such an amazing time on this trip! Belize is such a beautiful county and the teachers and staff at CELA are so nice and welcoming! They really make you feel like part of their family! I learned so much on this course there was so much hands on activity that definitely help make me an awesome vet!

I really enjoyed this program! I absolutely loved having Dr. T and Dr Stephanie as the veterinarians we worked under. Ruben, another one of the guys who helped out was also absolutely amazing and bonded really well with our group. I would not have wanted any other people to instruct us. I wish we were allowed to go more places with Ruben as he knew awesome places to go for less money than full on tours since we were already paying so much to be there. He also is really fun to hang out with and really knowledgeable about the area, so he would have been perfect to take us around. Overall, I really enjoyed how hands on the program was! We were able to do hands on things every day, like practicing suturing an animal, that we could not have gotten to do back in the United States. Additionally, we did everything at least twice so that we were able to practice getting better at it. The instructors are also really good about breaking down the information in a simple manner so that no matter what your background is, it is easy for you quickly pick up what is going on. One thing I wish I has known was how much money we would be spending on food. In the beginning, they told us not to by food from the street since it could make us sick from not being used to it so we ate at restaurants a lot, which ended up costing a lot of money. By the end, I ate more street food and the food was extremely delicious and cheap, so that helped save money. Overall, I highly recommend taking this program!

This program was just unBELIZEable! I enjoyed everything that the program had to offer and I learned so much during the 2 weeks that I spent there. Each day is so fulfilling and they were filled with experiences that I would have never had if I just stayed in the US. Everyone was very nice and welcoming and I never found any problems with any part of the trip. I think if you have the chance to come to the program then you should definitely take the chance.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself in the Large Animal Vet course. I think the people (the local people & the vets/staff of the program) were awesome and the culture was even better than the animals. The program did a great job at giving the student a well-rounded education.

Overall I had a wonderful time on this trip, the experiences and memories will last a lifetime and they are something I will never forget! The hands on experience is something I would have never previously been able to have with specific large animals here in the U.S. So I'm glad I was able to have that opportunity!

The past two weeks have been some of the best of my life, and I recommend this course to anyone wanting to get involved in veterinary medicine, not necessarily just large animal. We got to work with cats and dogs in clinical settings a couple times as well as the large animal experience that the course focused on. The actual course was just the start though, all of the staff involved, from TA's, to the local vets and techs we worked with, to the administrative staff were so welcoming and kind and made our stay as positive as they could.

I could not have asked for a better 2 weeks in Belize. I had so much hands on experience, much more than I expected. The instructors were so friendly and knowledgable which made the whole trip extremely educational and fun. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in large animals!

Having just finished my freshman year of college, I really felt that this course was valuable in that taught me the basics of handling large animals. It allowed me to have a lot of hands on experience and gave me a good foundation for working with livestock. My favorite part was that the veterinary care we assisted with was free for the community! Getting to talk to local animal care takers and see how pet ownership was similar or different in another country was a really unique experience. I am so happy I got the opportunity to take this class, I learned a lot about veterinary medicine as well as the culture in Belize!

CELA's large animal practice session was so much better than I had ever expected, even after reading previous reviews. The program allowed me to gain a variety of experience working with different large animals while also helping out the community. Our days included ample time for us to get the education we came for as well as allow us time to explore the area we were staying. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to gain hands on experience and learn about animal care in other cultures!

CELA provided an amazing experience! The Belizeans are very friendly and I felt safe walking the town of San Ignacio. The hospitality was exceptional. I enjoyed the hands-on experiences with the cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, and dogs. The most memorable experience was bat trapping at night in the Mennonite community. If you are looking for large animal experience along with immersing yourself in the culture, I would highly recommend the large animal veterinary practices course. You won't regret it!

I took the CELA Belize Large Animal Vet course, as I am a recently graduated pre-vet student. I had minimal knowledge of Belize before I came here, and CELA has opened my eyes to Belize on multiple levels. Along with studying veterinary medicine on farmlands here, we had a lot of time to explore Belize- from the jungle to the cities to the islands. CELA is always helpful in helping you plan a trip, and will guide you though academic and pleasure activities. In the off time we had, we always took advantage of the resources CELA provided us to get a full vet and cultural experience. This was an amazing trip and I learned a lot about large animal medicine in the tropics and about the culture of Belize itself.

This was a wonderful experience! I would highly recommend this course for anyone interested in veterinarian medicine or anyone who wants to gain large animal experience! The veterinarians you work with are wonderful and super helpful! I learned a lot from this experience!

Coming into this program, I had no idea what to expect. I had never studied abroad before, let alone traveled out of the country on my own! However, meeting some of the students ahead of the course in the airport, I instantly knew I would be in good hands. I was greeted with such a kind and friendly group of like-minded individuals who wanted to learn and experience all of the same things that I did. Getting to work with the Belize Zoo, TEC, and other corporations doing various research and conservation exercises was more beneficial than I can express. I made lasting friendships, and being as involved as I was, now have several abroad internships lined up!

Studying abroad in Belize was a great experience I'll never forget. I gained so much large animal experience that was unavailable to me in the states. It was refreshing to experience veterinary medicine practices in a foreign country where varying approaches are utilized. The cultural experiences were also very special to me. Belize is a beautiful country with wonderful people and I will return soon!

I had an amazing time on this trip! I made some awesome new friends and it certainly feels like I learned more about wildlife conservation in those two weeks than I have throughout my whole college career.

I had such a blast learning and experiencing on this trip, I wish it had never ended. Everyone I met was friendly and enthusiastic, and it made me even more dedicated to what I am learning at school. I learned so much invaluable information that I believe will help my in my future endeavours.

I fell in love with Belize, the kindness of the city and faculty. Not only do you get hands on experience, but you get life lessons. By helping the animals in the course, the students are also helping out the community. Truly a humbling, indescribable, extraordinary experience!

I gained an insurmountable amount of experience from CELA and their fantastic instructors Dr. Julio Mercado and Jane Champion. The course provided me information and the politics of Belize in respect to the environment, conservation and behavioral study techniques and real zoo veterinary medicine practices. I gained not only experience but I also made a special bond with many members of my group, making the trip not only more enjoyable but also left such an impression that when I hear the word 'Belize', I will always smile.

I really enjoyed my time in Belize for this program. Not only did I feel that I gained a lot of valuable information, but I also met a lot of great people. For me the two weeks flew by too fast and I wish I could go back and do it again.

The course was excellent, and the instructors especially were fun and informative. Even though I'm not pre-vet, I thoroughly enjoyed learning from the wildlife vet who helped co-teach the course. He was so much fun, and had many great points to make about conservation efforts by zoos! Was able to do many novel things I'd never have been able to do anywhere else. Would highly recommend!

The program was a pretty eye-opening experience. As my first true abroad experience, it was all pretty humbling. It was fantastic to learn about the great range of plants and listen to the healer's stories, and learn about their wealth of knowledge. And Belize is just a beautiful country. I'm glad I got to travel around and see all the diversity it possesses, in the cultures and landscape.

Before coming to Belize and enrolling in this course, I never thought I'd feel like a real person again. Dr. T and Ruben really made this course an amazing experience. I got to do so many hands on things that I'd never get to experience in the states. Initially I was not thinking I'd be prevet but after this experience, I think I might have changed my mind.

I would come back in an instant this was by far the most amazing experience. We met so many amazing people and did things I never imagined doing until I was far into vet school. I recommend for anyone to take thos course.

This course and experience was remarkable. I learned so much about Belize in regards to its culture and wild life. My instructors Julio and Jane gave us the best experience possible, as did Cynthia! Thanks again. :)

I had an amazing time in this course. My classmates were wonderful, the course was interactive and fun. It was the best science class I have ever taken. I have never felt so immersed in a subject before.

There are no words to describe how amazing my experience with this program was. Not only did I gain unimaginable hands on experience with farm and small animals, but I learned a ton about Belize and met some amazing people who really made my experience unbelievable. I've never felt so sure about my future career as a veterinarian as I do after this program! Each day was full of awesome farm animal experience and we got to see so many different and beautiful parts of Belize. Dr. T and Ruben were amazing and taught us so much about veterinary medicine and the country. Highly recommended this program and I can't wait to go back to Belize!

It was great! Would definitely recommend to others! The people were fantastic and really made the trip very memorable. The instructors were also very passionate in their subject areas. That, along with the very hands on curriculum, made the learning fun.

This program was really great because we got to have so much hands-on learning which is so much better than just sitting in a classroom. I think we were only in the classroom for two days and the rest of the program was out on farm calls or working in the clinic. Not only do you learn a lot about veterinary science but you also get to go on awesome excursions such as swimming through caves or going to Mayan ruins. It was a great two weeks for me!

I thought the class was really fun and well thought-out, and each experience we had was relevant to the topic of the class. My TA was really engaging and did her best to make every moment worthwhile, and I enjoyed every part of the trip.

I absolutely adored this whole trip. It's extremely inclusive and much more hands-on than I thought it was going to be. I mean I figured we were going to do some kind of hands-on action but I mean in the states you're not allowed to touch the animals unless you've got all kinds of certifications. Fortunately we were allowed to touch everything -- in fact we got in trouble when we didn't! You don't need to tell me twice. The lessons they teach really stick because it's not a notes kind of class; yes there are a few days of classwork but your education is truly the field work. For me this was excellent because I'm an extremely kinesthetic learner so being able to do the things they were teaching made it stick much better for me.

It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The program is great, Dr.T and Reuben are great, I would recommend this for anyone, not just those that are planning on going into vet medicine. Just the people you meet and the experience is worth it.

The course was amazing in terms of hands on experience! The ability to gain surgical experience is valuable since the opportunities to do so in the US are limited, if available at all. The days were filled with not only vet med experiences, but also free time to go to the town/ market, go on excursions, and of course take a much needed nap! This course was worth every penny!

I am very happy with my decision to participate in this study abroad trip. I gained so much knowledge by taking the class that will be beneficial to me in the future. Above all, this trip gave me a boost in motivation to work hard so that I can reach my dream of becoming a vet.

For anyone interested in wildlife medicine, this course is a great experience. Even as a vet student, I was still able to learn a lot about exotic and wildlife medicine, and gained valuable hands-on experience that I wouldn't have gotten at most north american vet schools. The instructor of this course, Dr. Julio Mercado, was great! He has a lot of valuable knowledge, and is really great at interacting with the students, and tells lots of cool stories from his own experiences. During our course we got to witness a Jaguar dental, which was truly a highlight of the trip. What sort of procedures you get to see depends on the course and what needs to be done, but since the zoo doesn't have a vet it is likely that they will take advantage of having Dr. Mercado there in some way. You also get to help out a lot at the zoo, and gain valuable information from the keepers. This aspect is a little of what you make of it, if you have free time, you can go to the zoo and help out more, and this will let you get a better relationship with the keepers and they will let you help out more. You also get to learn a lot about wildlife research techniques, and what it takes to have a career in this area. If you're looking for a vacation abroad this isn't it. You aren't living in luxury, but I still found the stay enjoyable. Its a once in a lifetime chance to get to live in a jungle, and you just need to be prepared for all the creatures (bugs and animals) that live there. The people at TEC are really nice and helpful, and the food is awesome and varied and you get great juices and dessert every day. Again the course is a lot of what you make it. If you have a bad attitude about early morning birding activities, then you won't enjoy it, but if you go in with a positive attitude you will be able to learn a lot from the local experts that are there. The communication between all the different parties was a bit frustrating at times, but I think a lot of that just has to do with people running on a belizean time schedule. Overall I really enjoyed this course, and really thought it gave me a lot of great experiences, and a greater appreciation for the country as a whole and the problems its wildlife face.

This course taught me a lot about wildlife but not as much about the culture. I think that the location had to do with a lot of the isolation. Dr. Mercado is an excellent instructor and knows a lot about wildlife health.

I had a great time on this program. I learned a lot not just about animals but also about myself and others. Experiencing a new culture really opened up my eyes to see things differently. I became great friends with the students in my program.

I absolutely loved my CELA experience. Aside from the bugs and lack of air conditioning, there isn't really anything that I would change. Communication was a little lacking. I would definitely recommend this program to a friend.

During my trip to Belize with the Large Animal Veterinary course I was not only given various amounts of opportunities to learn and gain experience in animal health and wellness but was also immersed in the incredibly diverse and unique culture of of the country. If you have the opportunity to study abroad in Belize through the large animal course, DO IT! My experience was nothing short of amazing. During my decision in choosing the program, getting all of the paperwork completed, and preparing for my stay Cynthia was so helpful and always willing to promptly answer all of my questions. The CELA staff, Veterinary, TA, and everyone else who helped out or that we encountered were always incredibly polite, welcoming, eager to teach and explain, and never hesitated to make us all feel immersed and involved. The experience was personally beneficial as well as so rewarding in the sense that we were able to also give back so much to the community while there. My time in Belize was well worth the effort and money it took to have the experience. Being abroad was eye opening, encouraging, and a total boost of confidence for myself, not to mention I was able to meet a ton of awesome people!

The course overall was really interesting, however some days could have been a little more organized. Dr. Julio is very entertaining and provides a lot of knowledge about wildlife veterinary medicine.

This was a meaningful and career directing opportunity to experience the country of Belize and what it is like to be a Veterinarian there. I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture and participate in procedures only vet students have the privilege to do in the U.S. It really helped me decide whether or not I am interested in pursuing a career in Large Animal. In addition to all of this, I made lifelong friends! I highly recommend this course as an affordable veterinary study abroad experience. Bonus: a significant portion of your time and tuition expenses goes to provide free vet care for people in the towns we serviced!

While I don't necessarily regret taking this course, I wish it had been far more organized and that the rooms would of been more comfortable. I did a lot of amazing things here, such as watching surgical procedures on jaguars and tapirs, as well as field work, following Howler monkeys in the wild, and much more. It was just unfortunate that at the end of the day we came back to rooms that were so uncomfortable in that the heat was overwhelming and the bugs were a nuisance. Also, it doesn't help that the living area was so secluded, because our free time was hardly used for anything really exciting.

This has been an incredible country. The veterinary experience I received was eye-opening, intriguing, and a constant adventure. On top of that, I feel that I genuinely fell in love with the country of Belize, a nation I previously knew nothing about before attending the course. I feel blessed to have had this opportunity: I met incredible people, performed procedures I thought I wouldn't be able to perform until much later in life, and learned about a beautiful culture. I can't wait to visit again.

Studying in Belize has nothing short of incredible. I came here not knowing what to expect and will be leaving with a greater appreciation of science, conservation, and a new view on life that is so inspiring. I have gained such valuable knowledge here that I will continue to expand and share with my peers. Dr. Julio Mercado was so great and really wanted us to be completely involved in every project and procedure. The zookeepers love the animals and we had the opportunity to work side by side with them interacting with the animals. Not to mention learning the different methods of sedation (we shot a dart gun!). Watching Dr. Mercado perform a root canal on “Sugar Daddy” the jaguar, doing migratory research on birds with Rey who is awesome! Hiking up the hills of runaway creek to the limestone caves where ancient Mayas used to inhabit. The list goes on! The entire trip was an exciting experience but I actually think working with the animals and keepers at the zoo was my favorite part. The zoo is so calm and beautiful, it really drew me in. I would say absolutely go for it! This experience is unmatched. Not only do you have the chance to be in a beautiful country that is teeming with life, you get the chance to work with people that have so much passion and knowledge that they want to share with you. Take advantage of the opportunities you find, explore the world, get inspired. CELA and the country of Belize are wonderful and I am so glad I took this opportunity.

This is the second course I have taken with C.E.L.A. and I loved the Large Animal Course so much more than the Wildlife. This course was extremely hands on and I learned so much! Please do it, you won't regret it!

Dr. Julio was an amazing instructor and I loved learning about dentistry and animal well being. However; there was a lack of structure and constantly missing information/paperwork. I never received my grades transcript paperwork and I had to learn of this through another student. I'm glad I caught it when I did and am able to get the paperwork in on time in order to receive my grades.

The wildlife course was great. We learned a lot about conducting field research and got to see some cool dentals on a jaguar and a tapir. However the course was not as veterinary oriented as I was expecting, but Dr. Julio was great at explaining everything he would do and was more than happy to answer any questions we had so I still felt I learned a lot about veterinary medicine.

My time in Belize was an amazing experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. Through this program I was able to acquire hands on experience that is hard to find anywhere in the States while also getting the all the benefits of traveling to a new place. In addition, all of the people from the CELA staff, Dr. Tesecum and his family, and all of the students in my group were phenomenal to work with. I could not have asked for a better trip and am so thankful to all of these people for making the class what it was.

This course was one of the best experiences I've had theoughout my years in school, I would definitely recommend it to others in my major. The faculty and my fellow students also played a key role in providing such a great experience.

Students should know that this course has a heavy focus on conservation and field research rather than wildlife health. If you are interested in conservation, or looking to get your feet wet, Belize is the perfect place to start! The biodiversity and conservation efforts in the country are amazing and CELA brings in some outstanding speakers to give you a well-rounded view.

IT WAS AMAZING! I am so glad I was able to be a part of this CELA group. I had the time of my life and learned so many life lessons along with things that I will use in future studies. I highly recommend this to anyone that has an interest in animals.

If you have any interest in veterinary medicine this courses for you. It's incredibly hands-on every day you work in the field with the farmers and the Tescumbs. You learn and experience so many things you cannot yet do in the states and it's an incredible blend of experiencing Belize and learning. I met the most wonderful people on this trip.

Overall this course was very informative, and though it did not focus on animal health as much as advertised, it was an excellent experience for field research. The staff was incredible! Make sure you pack long pants!

This course is life changing! I love all the hands on activities and you meet life long friends! My favorite part was working with all different kinds of animals. Also taking a break and swimming in the beautiful rivers and waterfalls. The Mayan ruins trip was also and awesome experience.

The experience is phenomenal. Everyday there is something new and you work with a different variety of animals. Hands-on work is guaranteed with the best veterinarian there and your new friends are ones you will keep in contact with after learning so much about each other. The days are exhausting, but there is time to hang out with your friends at the nice pool to cool down from the hot days. Belize is also cheap and has great restaurants with delicious foods and beverages.

Not very well organized, the times for lectures, meals, activities changed a lot. Not very much hands on work, the vaccination clinic was an amazing experience though. Living situation is kind of awful for what you paid. Food is pretty tasty though.

This program taught me so much and it was an incredible experience. Dr. T and Ruben give their all and are always willing to help. This experience will continue to help me in my future endeavors in the veterinary field.

I thought this entire program was amazing. Dr. T and Ruben made working in the field enjoyable, educational, and extremely hands-on. The experience I got from working with them was more valuable than anything I have ever gotten in the US, and I would recommend this program to anyone interested in animals and veterinary medicine. I think the 3 classroom sessions the first week were informational but weren't necessary. Just asking us to read the slides pertaining to each day would've been better and then we would've had more time to work in the field. Our TA, Natalie, always gave us fun options for things to do and made sure that everyone in the group felt included. I think having 12 of us was the perfect number, and I feel that all of us felt comfortable and close with each other by the end of the trip. I definitely think having boys on the trip was good to break up any drama that can sometimes result in all girl groups when they're together for so long, which our group never had. Midas was a great place to live in terms of location, pool/bar, and bedrooms. Our room was the smallest one and only one without wifi, but it wasn't that much of an annoyance, and I kind of liked not being burdened by electronics when I was there.

Average. When plans got switched, sometimes the message wasn't relayed. For example, whether or not we needed to wear boots or if sneakers were okay when going to the farms. Or what time in the morning we were going to be picked up.

This course was amazing! I learned so much during my stay here and got to participate in so many experiences that I would never have been able to do in the US. I made so many great friends that I know i'll stay in touch with and have so many awesome memories from traveling around Belize. I would highly recommend the ATM cave for it is definitely an exciting and breathtaking adventure.

My experience with CELA and their large animal course was absolutely incredible. I had the opportunity to experience all areas of large animal medicine. From suturing at a spay and neuter clinic to castrations, vaccinations, and laboratory practices, my time spent here was very hands on and valuable. This course also exposes you to Belizean culture and the beauty and history of the country, which allows you to take away a complete outlook on global medicine.

This course was so amazing! The things that you are able to experience in veterinary medicine in Belize do not compare to the United states. I would strongly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in getting hands on experience with large animal veterinary medicine.

This was an amazing experience. The teachers have a huge wealth of knowledge and you gain a lot of information from both their lectures and hand on experiences. The whole trip was well organized and Belize is a lovely and very friendly country. I wouls recommend this trip to anyone.

This trip was exceptional and simply incredible- by far the best experience of my life! The learning side of the course was truly unique in terms of how hands on we were able to be with the animals. I did so many procedures that I had not done while at school that accelerated and strengthened my learning and skills. I loved how the staff was so willing to let the students do everything with the animals so that we got the most meaningful experience possible. My passion for veterinary medicine was certainly enforced after this trip, and I cannot wait to do this for the rest of my life. This trip was honestly everything I was looking for an then some! Thank you CELA Belize!

Going on this study abroad program was one of the best things I could have done and it was very beneficial to me! There is so much hands on work that it will make you feel overwhelmed with gained experience. I highly recommend this study abroad program to anyone that truly loves helping animals. This is an experience you will not forget.

I had the chance to study abroad in Belize and have to say it was unbelievable. Everything from the class, to the people, to the field experiences was life changing and I hope to see myself in Belize again!

Amazing experience, extremely helpful teachers Ruben/Paige/Dr.T. The cultural immersion aspect was amazing, both between different states in the US and between US and Belize. In addition to this, this program allowed me intimate connection with large animals and gave me vital hands on experience in handling them. There is much more that we are able to do here in Belize as opposed to in the US and these experiences are what will set us apart from our peers.

Overall this experience with CELA is one that I will never forget and definitely recommend to fellow students at school. Belize is an amazing place and was a perfect way to combine study abroad and wildlife.

This experience was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was very hard to leave Belize when my stay was over. I met many incredible people and made many new life long friends. The people of Belize are some of the nicest people I have ever met. The wildlife course was incredible and had amazing instructors. This opportunity is a must do! I recommend this trip to anyone. I really hope to make it back to Belize one day.

This trip exceeded every expectation I had. I got to do so many hands on things I would never get the opportunity at home to do the things I got to do. I couldn't believe how upset I was to leave! I'm going to miss Belize and all the wonderful people I met!

study abroad in belize was an amazing experience. The amount of hands on time i got to work with the animals was outstanding. everyday we did something different and i learned something different. From castrations to vaccinations and to doing fun thing slike swimming in huge beautiful water falls. Dr. Tesecum was very helpful in making you feel comfortable and answering any questions you had. The only down fall was that you had to pay for lunch and dinner (everything is fairly cheap but it adds up). Regardless it was a wonderful experience that guided me further in following my dreams, i would recommend this study abroad to any pre-vet student!

I enjoyed my trip so much. It was such a great cultural experience, as well as a learning experience for my field of study. Not only did we learn how vet medicine is applied in Belize but also actual veterinary medical treatments etc. I loved the country and the time period of the stay here. I would definitely come back if the future of i could and recommend the program.

Such great hands on experience. Dr. T, Ruben, and Paige really want you to learn. They actually let you practice instead of just making us watch. There was such great diversity in the animal care we saw throughout the week. The free clinic was my favorite part because everyone got a chance to practice all steps from patient intake to surgery and recovery.

Reuben and Paige were AWESOME. the hands on experience was phenomenal as well. They really seemed like they wanted us to learn and enjoy the program. I felt safe at all times and would highly recommend this program.

Two-week program in Belize that provided great hands on experience for pre-veterinary/ animal science students. Almost all of the time learning is spent out at local large animal farms/ veterinary clinics as opposed to sitting in a classroom all day. This experience has definitely helped prepare me for veterinary school! Skills gained include: suturing techniques, animal husbandry and welfare, an introduction to common and significant diseases of livestock, assistantship in spay/neuter of cats and dogs, castrations of horses, bulls, and boars, administration of dewormer/vitamins (routes of injection).

Overall I really enjoyed the course and would consider returning as a TA. I liked the setting and the hands-on opportunities. I learned a lot and it was very fun. The only suggestions I would have are to lower during trip out of pocket expenses by possibly subsidizing one "fun" day time activity like the Mayan site or a trip to the zoo. Also make it more clear that students need to pay for all their own meals except breakfast, couple students including myself were surprised to find this out. I'm not sure how or if it would work but it would be nice if future student had more lunches or dinners they did not have to pay for while on the trip.

Sometimes it felt like there were too many people there to get much hands-on experience, especially for the suturing and castration practice. A few students who were particularly pushy ended up doing more than others because it's too hard for the TA to regulate everyone. The resort was nice, but you will have to spend a lot of money on food. The students formed cliques and bullied just about everyone at some point. Other than the social life being hard to deal with, it was a cool experience and I think it will look great on a vet school app.

I feel this course was not run very well. We did not know what we were doing on several occasions. I also did not like the fact that the TA was not in the same facility as most of the students. I feel that everyone should have been in the same location. That would have possibly prevented people from getting left behind which, did happen to me on one occasion. Everything else aside, I did learn new things and enjoyed working with Rey, Nandita, and the zoo staff. I also did enjoy working up close with the wildlife of the Belize zoo and in the forest.

I really enjoyed my time in Belize and with this program. I made great friends and got to do things I've only dreamed about before. The class was lecture heavy which I wasn't expecting. However, I was extremely interested in the material so the lectures only bothered me when they were very long. I wish that there were more field opportunities but the ones that we did get to do were amazing. So all in all, I think I loved the class even with its flaws because I took advantage of the opportunities given.

I had an absolute blast on this trip. It was everything that I hoped it would be and more. The only thing I could have changed would be less free time in San Ignacio. It would have been nice to have a few activities planned for our last 4 days in Belize. Other than that, AMAZING!

This expeirence was amazing! Not only are you hands on with animals almost every day you get to travel around and experience the hidden parts of Belize! We did a lot of work but also a lot of play! I learned a lot of practices that would be interesting to bring back to the states and put it into my daily activities.

Had an amazing time and learned a lot! The living situation was great and the people leading the program were so friendly and helpful. Got the opportunity to have a lot of hands-on veterinary experience of all types.

Overall the program was very good and there was a lot of immersion in culture and field work. Their were some inconstancies with who we met and when which made it confusing. We would meet someone and not see them again.

I loved this program. I was able to experience so many hands on activities. It wasn't like having one professor in a classroom. We toured multiple agencies and spoke to people directly involving in everyday global health planning for Belize. It was a fantastic opportunity.