BELIZE
REEF EXPLORERS & CULTURAL DISCOVERY
For Middle School Students
From Mayan culture to youth literacy and reef snorkeling: experience the ultimate hands-on Belize adventure designed internally for middle school students!
Program Overview
Get ready for an action-packed middle school escape filled with hands-on discovery, cultural learning and vibrant Caribbean sunshine! On this 7-day adventure built specifically for middle school students, you’ll explore Belize’s rich history and environment from the ground up. Step into the ancient Maya world as you climb the historic “El Castillo” structure at Xunantunich, practice traditional chocolate-making from cacao seeds and visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project to learn about local reptile conservation efforts. At our service site, you’ll work alongside local Belizean educators and children, facilitating interactive reading games, art projects and creative activities. To round out your week, trade the mainland for Caye Caulker, embrace the island’s relaxed “Go Slow” lifestyle and set sail on a snorkeling excursion along the Belize Barrier Reef!
On GLA’s Belize: Reef Explorers & Cultural Discovery For Middle School Students program you will:
- Cross a river ferry to visit Xunantunich and climb to the top of “El Castillo” for panoramic views over Belize and Guatemala
- Tour an interactive conservation project to observe green iguanas and learn about local efforts to protect threatened wildlife
- Practice using traditional stone tools to grind roasted cacao beans and learn about authentic Maya culinary heritage
- Partner with local primary students through high-energy literacy games, storytelling and collaborative art projects
- Sail the turquoise Caribbean waters and snorkel vibrant coral reefs off Caye Caulker alongside tropical marine life
Program Menu
BELIZE
REEF EXPLORERS & CULTURAL DISCOVERY
Sample Itinerary Coming Soon!
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
BELIZE
REEF EXPLORERS & CULTURAL DISCOVERY
Program Details
Dates & Tuition
2027 Session Dates
June 17 – June 23, 2027
What's Included in Tuition
In-country transportation
Lodging
3 meals per day
Professional full-time staff and experts
24/7 parent support hotline during program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
to hold your spot on-program.
Program at a Glance
Every GLA Program is Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Local Partner Spotlight
Helping Hands Resource Center
Our service experience is anchored by a partnership with Mrs. Emily Martinez Palacio—a retired educator, respected community leader and founder of the Helping Hands Resource Center in Belmopan. Mrs. Emily has dedicated her career to advocating for Belizean youth and fostering encouraging, community-centered learning environments. Rather than stepping into formal teaching roles, GLA participants work alongside Mrs. Emily and local Belizean teachers. Through small-group reading activities, creative arts and educational games, students help support an uplifting space where local primary children can build confidence and enjoy learning.
The Program Experience
Service Learning
Discover the value of community service centered around collaboration, play and cross-cultural connection! Middle schoolers partner with primary school students (Infant 1 through Standard 6) at the Helping Hands Resource Center for interactive educational support. Working alongside local teachers where your role focuses on encouragement and engagement: facilitating literacy-building activities, sharing reading time in small groups, assisting with creative projects and practicing conversational English. This collaborative environment fosters mutual learning and meaningful connections with Belizean youth.
Adventure
Every day brings a new opportunity for hands-on discovery! Start your journey inland by stepping into history riding a hand-cranked cable ferry across the Mopan River to explore the ancient Maya city of Xunantunich. Nearby, visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project to learn from local guides about the ecology and protection of these native reptiles. After trying your hand at Maya chocolate-making and participating in service activities with local youth, travel by water taxi across the Caribbean Sea to Caye Caulker. Experience the island’s famous “Go Slow” motto, explore colorful coastal paths and enjoy a a full-day excursion—snorkeling through crystal-clear waters along the Belize Barrier Reef!
Country Spotlight
Immerse yourself in a warm, welcoming and English-speaking paradise where Central American rainforest meets Caribbean soul!
Lodging: Contrast the rustic eco-charm in our enclosed compound surrounded by nature for the first half of the program—with a cozy, family-owned coastal hotel block right on the shores of Caye Caulker, equipped with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and easy beach access.
Meals: Fuel your service and adventure with delicious, freshly cooked Belizean flavor! Enjoy staples like coconut rice and beans, savory stewed chicken, fried plantains, fresh-caught fish, warm fry jacks and an abundance of fresh tropical fruit, balanced daily with familiar Western favorites.
BELIZE
REEF EXPLORERS & CULTURAL DISCOVERY
Photo Gallery
BELIZE
