The group’s first picture in Belize
Author: Drew Patterson | Majors: Management and Marketing | Semester: Summer 2022
This Summer I had the opportunity to spend eight weeks interning for Peacework and the Belize Tourism Industry Association. The team I was on worked as small business consultants for the restaurants, hotels, and shops around the city of Dangriga, Belize. Our job as small business consultants was to help build the local economy.
Dangriga is one of the least visited cities in all of Belize but has lots to offer to tourists. Living in Dangriga really helped me understand the importance of small businesses across the world. Small businesses build communities and communities take care of one another. Dangriga has a population of around ten thousand people which allowed me to quickly build relationships with locals who were always willing to help with directions, food recommendations or anything I needed. I consider Northwest Arkansas to be a very friendly place, but it is nothing like Belize. The entire country is extremely friendly. You can’t walk down the street without greeting everyone you pass. The trip was a wonderful experience for me as I had never spent more than a week abroad. The unique format of the trip and the internships allowed for weekend trips throughout the country.
When I wasn’t working in Dangriga I could be found snorkeling in the Belize Barrier Reef or exploring ancient Mayan caves. While the weekend trips aren’t required for the internship, I do not think someone can understand the importance of small business and tourism in Belize without exploring as much of the country as possible. Each weekend trip was not only a great chance to relax and enjoy Belize but also to see the areas surrounding Dangriga on a deeper level. As a small country, it is extremely important for the people of Belize to work together in order to grow and improve the economy. Without tourism, the country would be in serious trouble. During my time there I was able to meet many small business owners who were working hard to develop their businesses and improve the community. I was blown away by the hospitality and kindness of the people I met. It was one of the most rewarding trips of my life. T
he opportunity to serve as a consultant at the Belize Tourism Industry Association was incredible and something I will remember for the rest of my life. I honestly feel like I learned more than I ever could have by sitting in classrooms. I developed personally and professionally in a way that I have never experienced before. I would absolutely recommend this program to any student looking to gain international experience through an internship in a developing country. There is nothing quite like traveling and working in another country to expand your worldview and open your mind to new ways of thinking. If you are looking for an opportunity to write your thesis, study abroad, and complete an internship all in one fantastic package, this program is for you!