In October 2007 I set out to go do volunteer work with an international non-profit. I had recently graduated undergrad and finish a summer internship with a bio -tech company in Massachusetts and was looking for new opportunities, other than heading to a permanent 9-5 🙁
I had always wanted to do international volunteer work and started applying to the Peace Corps and Hand on Disaster response ( now called All Hands). But found the opportunity in Belize and thought I belonged there! I ended up doing a program working as a Health Educator with Cornerstone Foundation in San Ignacio a small town 2 hours away from Belize city.
I recommend this program to any premeds or nursing students looking to get international work experience and to those that just have the desire to volunteer!
It was an amazing experience and the staff there were so supportive and welcoming.
Here is more information on the program Cornerstone Foundation Belize and feel free to let me know if you have any questions!
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| Burns Ave is the location of the volunteer house in San Ignacio |
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| World AIDS Day march that we organized |
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| World AIDS Day march |
Though our volunteer schedule was pretty busy, I made time to visit other parts of Belize and made a trip to Guatemala!
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| Caye Caulker Belize, a must see place! |
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| Still in Caye Caulker reflecting on the fruits of life. |
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| Cute sign in Caye Caulker |
I also got the chance to attend the Garifuna settlement day celebration in Dangriga. It was a great opportunity to learn about the Garifuna people and their culture.
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| Dangriga, Belize |
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| Dangriga Belize |
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| Garifuna settlement day historical re-enactment |
Volunteering will definitely allow you to meet some awesome people from around the world.
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| Myself and the other volunteers! |
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| Domestic Violence Candle Light vigil in San Ignacio that the volunteers organized |
I looked at the program and it looks fun! What other volunteer places would you recommend that you require you to be there for like a week?
Also, do you mind describing what the process was before you left for Belize? Meaning did you have to find a place to stay, what kind of requirements were needed, did you have a group leader who you kept in contact contact did you buy a plane ticket? etc..
Hi De_Ann!
I would look at the “GoAbroad.com” website. I know they have 1-2 week programs. I can give you more specific help if you tell me what your volunteer interests are? (ex. working in an orphanage, agriculture, Woofing, hospital setting etc)
Hey again! I have a section on here called “Ask me Anything” would you mind if I answered that question in a “Ask me Anything” blog post?
I’ll work on it now and upload it Tuesday(something else is going up Monday) but can send it to you ahead of time.
I’ll have to go through old emails to dig up some of those answers haha 🙂 You can send me your email or just add your email in the sidebar where it says “Newsletter”. Thanks so much for your questions 🙂
I don’t have a degree in this field but I like public health. I did volunteer for a week in Indianapolis for public health.
Yes, please answer wherever you like! Thank you!