There are, however, a growing number of opportunities for voluntary work - mainly as a fee-paying member of a conservation expedition or an archeological group. These options generally mean raising at least a thousand dollars and committing yourself to weeks - or months - of hard work, often in difficult conditions. The rewards are personal satisfaction and (sometimes) a genuine contribution to scientific research. Many conservation expeditions , aimed at gap-year students, work on rural infrastructure projects such as schools and health centres, or building trails and visitor centers in nature reserves. In addition, at least twenty academic archeological groups undertake research in Belize each year, and many of them take paying students (and non-students); have a look at Archaeology Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin ( www.archaeological.org ) or in Archaeology Magazine ( www.archaeology.org ).

If you find the initial cost of such programmers a deterrent, you could always volunteer independently - many conservation organizations in Belize have volunteer programmes. You'll need to be self-motivated and self-supporting, since no funding will be available, though you'll probably get food and accommodation.