A Belize Internship grants you the unique opportunity to have an international volunteer experience as you intern for 40 hours per week with a private corporation, non-profit organization, sports team, health service provider, or government branch.

Regardless of the type of your internship placement, you will form a significant relationship with the organization of which you serve and have countless opportunities to conduct yourself as an able-minded, hard-working, young professional. The Belize Internships Program at SUNY Cortland offers you two experiences in a single package: hands-on learning and understanding of another culture. Depending on the placement, it may also give you a practical application for the academic program you have been studying. You’ll be given the opportunity to utilize your talents, skills, and ingenuity in meaningful, career-related work settings while earning academic credit toward your degree. At the same time, employers gain the services of a bright, highly motivated, pre-professional employee.

Unlike classroom study, a job placement requires a large degree of independence as you will be working, usually on your own, in an agency or organization in Belize. You will have to be a self-starter, but at the same time be sensitive to the Belizean culture. Unlike U.S. internships where the intern is more like an apprentice, in Belize you may be called upon to be the expert!

Belize (formerly British Honduras) is an English-speaking nation surrounded by the Caribbean Sea in Central America. Belize is a developing country with a rich variety of ethnic groups reflecting its Mayan, African, Spanish and English heritage. A stable parliamentary democracy, Belize is renowned as an eco-tourism destination, with the world's only jaguar preserve. The country is also home to Mayan archaeological excavations such as Caracol and Xunantunich. Hundreds of cayes sport miles of white sand beaches and sparkling lagoons along the second largest barrier reef in the world.

On weekends and vacations, you may visit the many Mayan sites or natural parks in Belize as well as travel to the cayes for swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving along the barrier reef. If you wish to travel outside of Belize, a trip to Mexico is only two hours away by car.

Junior/Senior Undergraduate or Graduate students welcome to apply!