Education and Visitation

Study Abroad

BFREE Field Courses are geared toward high school and college students and may be tailored to incorporate visits to our partner locations including the Tropical Education Center adjacent to the Belize Zoo, Nuuk Cheil Cottages in Maya Center and/or a visit to ancient Mayan ruins, national parks. Students take part in hands-on investigations of Belize’s diverse tropical ecosystems.

BFREE field courses create opportunities for students to become familiar with the scientific investigation of flora and fauna, while also learning about tropical riparian systems, protected areas management, and the manner in which humans interact with these ecosystems.

Field Courses

Instructor-led Field Courses include ample support from BFREE in building your unique itinerary and curriculum, as well as providing guided tours, lectures, various cultural immersion experiences, and educational learning opportunities. BFREE Field Courses can be all-inclusive from touch-down to take-off, and a BFREE tour guide is assigned to each group to assist with travel logistics and other needs. We also offer destination-only programs to allow instructors to create their own itineraries outside of BFREE.

BFREE Field Course Audience: High School and Undergraduate Students

Course Themes: Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Agriculture and Food Systems, Cultural Immersion, Biodiversity Conservation

Optimal Group Size: 8 – 24 students, 1-4 instructors

Average Course Length: 7-14 days

Average Course Costs: Contact reservations@bfreebz.org for pricing.

Professor Review

Professor Preview is an introduction to BFREE Field Courses for instructors interested in bringing student groups to the small country of Belize. If you have not visited BFREE before and would like to bring a field course, a Professor Preview is an excellent opportunity to understand the incredible learning opportunities firsthand. During this guided preview, participants will be exposed to a sampling of activities that may occur during a field course, meet many of the staff who will implement the course, and visit partner locations.

The recommended timeline is five days/six nights. The itinerary includes an overnight at the Tropical Education Center adjacent to the Belize Zoo and three nights at the BFREE Field Station. Contact to find out availability and additional information.

BFREE Science and Education Fellow 2024

The BFREE Science and Education Fellowship Program is a two-year commitment which offers training and research opportunities to recent graduates of Universities and Junior Colleges in Belize. Candidates must have completed a degree at the Junior College or University level, have a strong interest in the conservation of Belize’s natural resources, be committed to a strict work program in a remote rainforest environment, and have strong references from their academic advisors. This is a full-time position (Monday – Friday, some weekend work is required). Fellows receive room and board and a monthly salary.

Apply: Application currently closed

Accommodations

View of the veranda at The Hammock
Triple bunkbed room in The Hammock.
Full bed and twin bunk bed room in The Hammock.
One of the three private cabins, Fer de Lodge.
Inside Fer de Lodge with a full and twin bed.
One of the three private cabins at BFREE.
Inside one of BFREE’s three private cabins, Harpy House.

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Visitation is offered during the dryer period of the year from December to June. A minimum stay of three nights is required for all visitors. Bed linens and pillows are provided for guests staying in The Hammock or a Cabin. Guests are required to review the packing guide before arrival. Required items include a towel, headlamp with extra batteries, and long sleeve shirts and pants.

Activities

A group of friends show off their new BFREE t-shirts.
There are an incredible amount of tree species to see throughout BFREE.
Birding from the top of the 112′ Observation Tower.
Family of researchers studying turtle species found at BFREE.
Posing for a photo after spotting a tapir on a hike.

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All visitors will receive a welcome orientation that includes health and safety information and a tour of the field station facilities. Daily activities may include: witnessing the rainforest come alive at sunrise from the 112′ observation tower, birding to see any of the 350 species of migrant and resident birds found throughout the reserve, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Bladen River, hiking various trails throughout the 1,153-acre private property, night hikes to search for nocturnal wildlife and so much more!