The library

Monkey Bay's primary objective is to educate and train students and interns through experiential learning and field research support. Therefore, we offer opportunities for students to link into our programs, facilities, conservation partners and contacts. Whether you require a research project for a thesis, or would like to gain experience through hands-on training and work, Monkey Bay is a good place to experiment and explore. Our facilities provide all the basics you need: an interactive learning environment, confortable and secure place to sleep, three meals a day, an extensive library with wireless internet access, and a support network of knowledgeable staff and contacts. Should you be interested in a project or internship in Belize, please do not hesitate to contact us for suggestions and application requirements.

Volunteers
We receive many requests each year from travelers who wish to volunteer with us for a portion of their time in Belize. We welcome these short-term volunteers with a minimum stay of one week, and require a minimum one month advance notice of your interest. Applications are subject to approval by our staff.

Volunteers work independently, under the guidance of our staff, and are expected to contribute 30 hours per week to Monkey Bay. Projects are mostly outdoor and physical in nature, such as maintaining our organic gardens, landscaping, composting, and the like.

Our volunteer rate is $150 US per week and covers your meals and accommodations. As a resident of Monkey Bay, you have access to our library, internet services and outdoor facilities, proximity to the clear flowing Sibun River, and easy bus access to Belmopan, Belize City, and other destinations.

- Hospitality:
During our peak season, assist our full-time staff with welcoming and hosting guests, orienting visitors to Monkey Bay and its operations, and assisting with facility operations as needed.

- Kitchen:
With proof of previous kitchen experience, assist our food and beverage staff in preparing and serving meals. Menus are based on Belizean and international fare.

- Facilities and landscape:
Work alongside our full-time facilities crew in building maintenance, organic gardening, composting, trails and landscaping. Lead work crews with short-term volunteers.

- Programming:
Expand Monkey Bay’s library, contribute to wildlife care center and green iguana project, research local planting techniques, develop natural history guides, offer project assistance to local community-based conservation group

- Environmental Education:
Work with local group Guardians of the Jewel to assist in planning events, developing materials, raising awareness and advocating for environmental protection

- Independent Research:
Come with your own structure to carry out independent thesis work, and gain free access to Monkey Bay resources, contacts and library. We can assist you to obtain necessary permits.

- Outside placement:
Live at Monkey Bay and work with an outside Community-Based or Non-Governmental Organization related to your background and interests. We will assist you with communications, logistics and placement with local host organization.

Monkey Bay accepts 3-5 interns over the course of our peak season of January through August. However, volunteer placements are available year-round; we are open to receiving applications all year. Please contact us for details.

Living Facilities and Other Realities:
Volunteers and interns share common living space and are briefed thoroughly on house rules and conduct code. We provide outdoor showers and composting biogas latrines, bed linens, mosquito net, drinking water, and all meals. Volunteers and interns are required to provide their own towel, personal effects, and appropriate work wear. We encourage all visitors to “pack out” used batteries and other recyclables, as we cannot recycle them here; please plan your packing accordingly.

Mail:
Interns may receive mail at:
[Intern’s name here]
C/O Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
P.O. Box 187
Belmopan City, BELIZE
Central America

Allow 10 days for delivery of a standard letter; longer for larger packages.

Communications: A pay phone is available on-site with calling or credit card payment for outgoing calls. Internet access is available on a pay-for-use basis. Free wireless internet connection is available with your own laptop.

Laundry: Buckets for hand-washing are provided; there is plenty of clothesline space available on-site. Biodegradable soap can be purchased locally. Alternately, laundromat services are available in Belmopan (1/2 hour by bus).

Explorations: We encourage all interns and volunteers to spend time exploring Belize. The weekly work schedule is flexible to accommodate excursions to other parts of the country. We encourage you to travel Belize and ask that you inform us of your plans in advance.