Interacting with Belize’s Youth at Ya’axche Field Station
Author: Khatie Nouansavane | Major: Accounting, Supply Chain Management | Semester: Summer 2025
When I first arrived in Dangriga, Belize, I was immediately struck by the vibrant colors of the streets, the rhythmic beats of Garifuna music, and the warmth of the people I met. Dangriga is often described as the cultural heart of Belize, and during my internship with Peacework, I quickly learned why. My role focused on supporting tourism development while working closely with local organizations to address community needs. This included a mix of strategy, collaboration, and hands-on problem solving.
My internship was a balance between fieldwork and planning. I worked with small business owners, local government representatives, and community leaders to identify areas where tourism could be enhanced while also improving residents’ quality of life. This included conducting needs assessments, brainstorming initiatives for youth engagement, and proposing solutions to improve the town’s infrastructure, from street maintenance to market reopening. My daily tasks varied from interviewing stakeholders and compiling reports to creating presentations that summarized our findings and recommendations.
One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the opportunity to work directly with the community. Sitting down with business owners to hear their perspectives on tourism growth and youth development gave me insights that no textbook could provide. It also helped me understand the delicate balance between promoting economic growth and maintaining the cultural and environmental integrity of the area.
Of course, not everything went perfectly. Coordinating meetings and aligning schedules with busy local leaders was sometimes challenging, and there were moments when limited resources made it difficult to implement ideas immediately. However, these obstacles taught me resilience and flexibility–two qualities I know are essential in both professional and personal growth.
This internship offered valuable lessons about my field and myself. From a professional perspective, I gained hands-on experience in project management, community collaboration, and strategic planning. I saw firsthand how effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving skills can influence the success of initiatives in international contexts. Personally, I discovered a passion for bridging business goals with social impact, and I realized that working in a community-focused environment brings out the best in my leadership and teamwork abilities.
Looking forward, I am eager to continue exploring opportunities that combine business strategy with meaningful community engagement. This experience solidified my interest in consulting and international development, and I hope to take the skills I gained in Dangriga to future internships and career paths where I can make tangible, positive impacts.
Overall, my internship in Belize was an eye-opening, inspiring, and transformative experience. It reminded me that learning happens everywhere—not just in classrooms—and that listening, observing, and adapting are just as important as planning and executing.