Inside Look: What’s it Really Like to Serve in Belize with TEP?

Michigan State University Bailey Scholar Kenny Williams

We asked our Alumni to share their experiences with TEP in Belize and we got great responses! Our first interview comes from Kenny Williams, a Michigan State University Bailey Scholar who participated in a service learning program in May of 2014. Thank you, Kenny, for sharing your experiences with us! Go Green!

1. What made you decide to choose a program that is in a non-traditional country such as Belize?

I chose to study abroad in Belize because I wanted to try something different in a place that I had never been to. There is always an intense promotion of study abroad programs in “commercial” countries around the world but not so much for Belize.

2. How has your perspective of Belize changed from what you anticipated before your study abroad experience?

My perspective of Belize has changed from what I anticipated before the study abroad experience in a myriad of ways. I thought that Belizean culture would be very similar to Mexican culture but I was wrong. Belize has such a rich cultural background and it was so easy to get immersed in such through the warm spirits of the citizens of the country.

3. What were some of the biggest benefits of studying abroad?

Some of the biggest benefits of studying abroad were being able to step outside of my comfort zone and expanding my network. I was able to climb Mayan pyramids, teach a fifth grade class and use my Communication major skills to assist with helping groups of women brand themselves successfully to achieve fiscal success with their businesses. All of these activities challenged me to the extreme and I am so blessed to have done so because I am comfortable with doing other things now that may push me beyond my limit. I am also grateful to have gotten to know my trip cohorts and Ms. Rhondine Petrof because I know that the bond we have with each other is unique and I wouldn’t have gotten it anywhere else.

4. What were some of the biggest challenges?



The biggest challenge would have had to be climbing a 108 ft. Mayan temple with my peers. This was so hard because there was virtually no climbing equipment, and I had never done anything like this before. It was one of the hardest tasks I had to do both mentally and physically but I am so grateful for the support received by everyone on the trip to make it up the temple and back down safely.

5. What helped you to make your study abroad experience possible?

a)     Curriculum support

b)     Financial support

c)     Alumni support

d)    Family support

6. What advice would you give to other students who are considering studying abroad?

I would tell them to do everything! Life is so short and when you have the opportunity to travel then you should take every opportunity in that country seriously. There is no greater feeling than experiencing a new culture for the first time in a new country.