A Day in the Life of a Student in Belize
Hannah Kent, University of Georgia
When Biology major
Hannah Kent from the
University of Georgia signed up for a
faculty-directed study abroad program in Belize with
Toucan Education Programs, she was looking for something that blended academic learning with real-world experience—and what she found was so much more.
“I wanted to participate in a program related to my major and that satisfied both my academic and personal goals,” Hannah shared. “This program allowed me to become more culturally competent while increasing the amount of shadowing hours I had.”
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Belize offered the perfect setting for hands-on, experiential education. Guided by faculty leaders Dr. Amanda Spohn and Dr. Amy Medlock, Hannah and her classmates explored what it means to study medicine and health in a global context.
Through local engagements and field-based learning, she gained insights into healthcare systems and patient care practices outside of the U.S.—a perspective that deepened her understanding of her future profession.
“Academically, I’ve learned so much about being a doctor and their lifestyle,” she reflected. “Personally, I’ve become exposed to a different culture that was so fascinating to learn about.”
Memories That Last a Lifetime
When asked about her favorite moments, Hannah didn’t hesitate: “My two most memorable moments had to be the
ATM Cave
and the
market downtown. Having new experiences with my friends was the most amazing thing ever.”
Exploring ancient Maya history inside the
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM)
Cave and experiencing the lively energy of Belize’s local markets offered a unique blend of adventure, history, and cultural immersion. These experiences brought the group closer together and created a sense of community that extended far beyond the classroom.
Both Amanda and Dr. Medlock, Hannah noted, were “always reliable and available to talk if needed,” making the journey not just academically enriching, but also personally supportive.
Challenges, Growth, and Perspective
Of course, no study abroad experience comes without its challenges. For Hannah, one of the biggest lessons came from learning to balance social interaction with self-care.
“At times it was difficult to be social just because I would run out of energy,” she admitted. “I would take time to myself to recharge, but I also reminded myself that it was important to socialize in this short period of time to make the most out of this opportunity.”
That balance—between learning, exploring, and connecting—defined her time abroad and helped her grow in confidence and independence.
Advice for Future Students
When asked what advice she’d give to future participants of a
faculty-directed program in Belize, Hannah didn’t hesitate:
“BRING A FAN!” she laughed.
Behind the humor lies a truth every student abroad discovers: comfort and flexibility go hand-in-hand when living and learning in a new country.
Discover Your Belize Story
For Hannah, studying abroad in Belize wasn’t just about earning credit—it was about
learning through connection, discovering new cultures, and gaining hands-on experience
that will shape her academic and professional journey for years to come.
If you’re ready to write your own story of exploration and growth, discover how a faculty-directed program in Belize with Toucan Education Programs can bring your classroom to life.
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