WeBelize Programs
Program Overview
WeBelize offers private groups customized project-based programs to meet the needs of the organization and participants.
Sustainable and valuable development projects in our host communities serve as the foundation of every WeBelize program. By joining WeBelize your private group becomes an agent of positive change in the lives of volunteers and others.
In addition to your direct work on development projects, your participation also serves as an economic stimulus to our host communities in the forms of project contributions, local salaries, host family payments, and local purchases.
Group or Home-stay Living
Homestay
Private group programs are team programs. The bonds created with your fellow volunteers often prove to be one of the most memorable aspects of the WeBelize programs. Lodging can be in guest house accommodations or with home-stay families. Participants and leaders also develop meaningful relationships with families and local community members by living, working and learning together. These bonds produce tremendous opportunities for cross-cultural learning and self-reflection
Interns abroad become a part of their home stay families. Volunteers gain immeasurable insight into local life while living with pre-selected and carefully screened home stay families and develop language and cross-cultural communication skills. WeBelize’s homestay families are close community friends who provide warm, safe, and authentic living experiences. Volunteers find all of their basic needs met with and all housing options provide volunteers with beds, indoor plumbing and showers.
Excursions
Weekend trips to cultural sites and adventure locations complement each volunteer’s discovery of the immersive experience. Excursions may include:
Exploring world famous archeological Temples
Hiking through mountains and jungles… Cave Tubing
Participating in community festivals …just to name a few!
Create your own program!
WeBelize works closely with faculty, administrators, group leaders, and participants throughout the program process. Create a customized faculty led or private group program for your organization through the following process:
Select Site, Program Details and Dates
Through conversations with a WeBelize Program Advisor, your organization determines the appropriate location, curriculum, development projects, housing, adventures, travel arrangements and dates. (2-18 months before the program)
Administrative Approval
The program profile is presented for approval by your organization or Team Leader or Leaders.
(1-4 week duration, depending on organization)
Pre-Program Preparation
Participants prepare for the program through discussions or classes, printed pre-program materials from WeBelize, conference call meetings with all participants and the WeBelize Program Advisor. On-site staff members work closely with the community to plan and prepare the project and program experience
(1-2 months before the program)
Arrival On Site!
WeBelize staff members greet volunteers and leaders at the airport for an introduction to their program site and a 1-2 day program orientation.
Orientation
WeBelize starts preparing volunteers well before they arrive on site. WeBelize Program Directors hold an on-site orientation, led by Program Directors, professors and local community members that is designed to show you all the ins and outs of your program including health and safety, office and project locations, meeting your homestay family, and classes.
The Program
Volunteers, leaders, community members, and support staff work learn, and explore together while providing significant value to our host community and program participants.
Post Program
Community members and WeBelize staff follow up with volunteers and leaders to reinforce relationships, build sustainability and begin planning for the next partnership program with your organization.
WeBelize Staff Support
A WeBelize Executive Advisor works directly with leaders and administrators throughout the entire process of program development.
WeBelize Administrators provide additional logistical and programmatic support.
On-site Program Directors begin discussions and program specific support with leaders 2-12 months before your program begins.
A team of 2-3 WeBelize staffers greet your group at the airport and work with the group throughout the program.