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Can you locate Belize on a world map? Have you ever heard of San Ignacio? If you can answer yes to either of these questions, it is safe to say you are in the minority. Before traveling to Belize, I was excited to immerse myself in a new culture; however, I had no clear expectations. After returning from Belize, I can confidently say it was a life-changing journey. My experience on the service trip to Belize was filled with beautiful scenery, rewarding friendships, and fulfilling volunteer work. Although you will occasionally feel like you’re standing on the sun, you will not regret putting Belize on your travel list!

Throughout my trip to Belize, I was surrounded by a vibrant and authentic culture. Belize is a melting pot infused with Mayan, British, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. These cultures are easily visible in the languages (Spanish, English, and Creole), currency, architecture, and lifestyle. A taste of Belize is equivalent to small samples of the British and Spanish empires, ancient Mayan culture, and the groovy, laidback Jamaican and Caribbean culture. During our trip, we were able to tour a few Mayan ruins including Belize’s Xunantunich and Guatemala’s Tikal. Both of these significant archeological sights remind us of the engineering ingenuity and sheer might of the Mayan empire. Standing at the base of these ancient wonders leaves you feeling like an ant in a vast world. Nothing can quite compare to resting atop a temple in Tikal and being awestruck by the view of a largely untouched, endless expanse of Guatemala.

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While in Belize, I was able to enter a new world of food. I experienced rice and beans (on more than one occasion), plantains, fresh fruits, and jerk chicken. Occasionally, I slipped up and had a few American staples – but that is beside the point. One of the best meals I had during the trip was made-from-scratch tamales brought by University of Tennessee alums, Paul and Madeline Bunch. When I think back to Belize, eating these handmade bits of heaven are some of the first memories that come to mind. If there is such a thing as “what happens in Belize, stays in Belize,” I certainly hope the tamales can be an exception.

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During the service trip to Belize, I was also able to form the foundation of many new, lifelong friendships. One of the most exciting aspects of the trip was to meet passersby, international students, and to cultivate a relationship with the host family. I was fortunate to meet students from Great Britain and Germany during the trip. Although brief, these faces will be in the back of my mind throughout my life, and especially when I embark on my upcoming international travels. International adventures have a strange way of linking nations and finding common interests and passions that make for deep and substantive conversations. I am thankful for the opportunity to meet all of these amazing people, and I encourage anyone who takes part in an international trip to take advantage of these opportunities. Break out of your comfort zone, and open doors to a new and exciting global ‘sandbox.’

One of the most rewarding experiences was getting to bond with the host family, especially their youngest daughter Yahzarah. Swimming like a mermaid, playing old maid, and playing Jenga with a most fun-loving person will always come to mind when I think back to Belize.