Frequently Asked Questions Belize is a small country located on the Caribbean Sea and in Central America. CELA management and staff live in Belize. We are very active in our communities and have strong partners and connections throughout the country. CELA is committed to the health and safety of our students and visiting faculty and is dedicated to seeing Belizeans prosper. What language is spoken in Belize? As a former British colony, Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, though Spanish and an English-based Kriol are widely spoken. What kind of weather should I expect? Belize has a sub-tropical climate with two distinct seasons: rainy and dry. Rainy: June – November Dry: December – May Coolest months: November to February average temperature of 75°F Warmest months: March to September average temperature of 81°F. Belize can get very hot up to 90s with high humidity. It usually cools off at night. Will I be living with other students? If you are in a CELA course, you will have a roommate, but you will have your own bed. Interns placed in homestays will have a private bedroom. Students traveling with faculty- led groups will stay as a group in a variety of places, double occupancy or in dorm-style rooms. Male and female students will be placed separately. Is US currency accepted? Currency: Belize dollar is tied to US dollar at $2.00 (BZD) = $1.00 (USD) Most places accept US dollars and give change in Belize dollars. Credit cards are widely accepted (MasterCard, Visa) but ask first if you intend to use a credit card. American Express cards are not often taken in Belize. Tour guides only take cash. Bring smaller denomination of US dollar bills, $20 US or less. Belizean banks all have ATMs which give Belize dollars. There is usually an exchange rate and an international service charge by the home bank. What about phone service? Some international phone services work in Belize, and we see more students and faculty with international phone plans than in the past. Many of our students choose to use the internet for international communications. International plans are becoming more common and reliable but need to be purchased at home, at your expense, with your current provider before you travel. Will I have internet in Belize? Signal strength, speed and stability varies widely depending on location. The strength is better in urban areas and some rural areas have no connectivity. Internet will be available at most accommodations except in very rural areas. Home stays for interns usually include internet. Many restaurants and hotels offer free Wi-Fi. If you must have strong internet signals for online courses check with us beforehand. What’s the food like? Can I manage my dietary needs? Although some of your favorite foods may not be available, the opportunity to try new foods and drinks is one of the great pleasures of traveling to Belize. Fresh vegetables and fruit, locally raised meats, and traditional corn foods abound. The national meal is rice and beans, stewed chicken and a side of salad, plus a slice of fried plantain. Vegetarians, vegans, and other specific needs can be met. Please be sure to communicate your food allergies and dietary needs to CELA in your enrollment paperwork prior to your arrival. For students studying in rural areas or field stations, there may be a limited variety of food choices, which will contribute to the cultural immersion experience. What about drinking the water in Belize? While tap water is sometimes potable, it is not always compatible with North American stomachs and can taste bad. It can be used to shower. We recommend that only bottled/filtered water be used for drinking. Many accommodations and CELA provide free filtered water to refill your personal bottle. Fresh juices and bottled drinks are made with filtered water and are safe to drink. If you want ice in your drink, confirm the ice is from filtered water. Cooking with tap water is safe because the water is boiled. Do I need to get any vaccinations? No vaccinations are required for entry to Belize, but check with your healthcare practitioner to decide which vaccines you should get before your travel. Do I need to worry about any illness/diseases? The most common issues with CELA students are upset stomachs, headaches, and infected bug bites. Being in a new environment and new climate and eating new food can lead to mild stomach issues. Be sure to wash your hands often and well. Headaches sneak up quickly when students are busy all day in the heat and not staying hydrated. Hydration will be key to an enjoyable experience in Belize. Mosquito-borne illnesses (such as Malaria and Dengue) are extremely rare but precautions will be taken to reduce contact such as appropriate clothing and bug repellant. DRINKING WATER AND WEARING INSECT REPELLANT will be key steps in keeping you healthy and safe. A note about STDs and HIV/AIDS: A void sharing bodily fluids. Limit alcohol consumption, as it impairs your decision-making abilities. At 1.8%, Belize has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in the region. How bad are the bugs? Bugs are common in the tropics. Mosquitos, sandflies and other biting insects are the worst in the early morning and evening. Visitors should bring adequate clothing to cover up and use insect repellent as needed. Bites are inevitable but scratching should be avoided to prevent infection. What medical services are available if I get sick? If you don’t feel well, you can come to your faculty and staff for assistance in receiving medical care if needed. There is access to doctors, public hospitals and private clinics around the country. CELA requires students to have international health insurance coverage for our students and interns. Do I need to worry about dangerous insects, animals or plants? Belize has flora and fauna in abundance, and that includes species that are dangerous. Most animals avoid human contact. Although encounters are rare, we do have venomous snakes. The staff in Belize will help to identify hazardous plants and animals, as well as best measures to avoid them. We’ll cover this in our orientation and your group leader will advise you in specific locations. Be attentive to your surroundings and ask questions (and do NOT touch) if you encounter plants or animals which are new to you. Do I tip? You are not expected to tip your CELA staff, drivers, or guides. For your own travels during your free time, tipping is always appreciated. Good service is expected to be rewarded with a 10% tip. Always tip tour guides in cash. Taxi drivers are usually tipped only if they help to carry your bags or take you on a guided tour. Can I bring gifts for the people I meet? Yes, you can. You may want to ask the staff in Belize what would be appropriate to bring a family, school students or young adults. Donations of books, towels and toiletry items are always appreciated and given to local libraries, clinics and elderly care facilities. Are the electrical connections different in Belize? Belize’s electrical plugs and voltage are the same as in North America, 110-volt AC, with U.S.-style outlets (2- or 3-pronged). Street Culture Unfortunately, women in Belize still experience catcalls from men. Women and women’s organizations are working to change this behavior, but such change is slow. Females (both Belizeans and visitors) may experience catcalls or inappropriate comments. CELA does not condone this behavior and staff is happy to talk about various strategies to deal with it. What to wear? Many of your learning activities will be working alongside Belizeans and require modest attire. Interns must dress professionally for the workplace. Although the temperature can be hot, revealing clothing is not generally appropriate. Long, loose fitting clothing will protect you from the sun and insects. Refer to your CELA packing list for more specifics on what clothing to bring for your studies.
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