From VISTA to Belize: Chelsea's Marine Conservation Volunteer Journey
Chelsea served with AmeriCorps first as a college freshman in 2008 and again later as an AmeriCorps VISTA, setting up a campus food pantry at her alma mater. With a Master's in Biology and a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award in hand, she wanted to honor her service with an experience that would not have been possible otherwise: Marine Conservation volunteering in Belize with IVHQ.
By Kristal Sawatzke|Updated |5 min read
Finding the right program
Chelsea came across International Volunteer HQ while searching for volunteer opportunities abroad. She was drawn to IVHQ's ethical, conservation-minded approach and the way they support local communities. With so many excellent options, IVHQ staff helped her explore possibilities and answered every question.
The Marine Conservation volunteer program in Belize stood out because it combined her two passions: service through volunteer work and aquatic ecosystem health and conservation.
Life on Tom Owen's Caye
Chelsea spent a week on Tom Owen's Caye, a tiny island less than one acre in size, about 25 miles off the coast of Belize. The caye sits within the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve on the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
The work focused on reef conservation through invasive lionfish removal, plastic pollution cleanup, educational outreach, and encouraging environmentally friendly products and foods. Sustainable practices were woven into every part of daily life.
What the experience changed
The placement deepened Chelsea's respect for the land and water that make daily life possible. She enjoyed the program's conservation mindset and planned to carry those habits home.
It also inspired future plans. Chelsea is already looking forward to her next IVHQ trip and hopes to return to Belize with her daughter when she is old enough to learn to dive with the local dive masters.
Chelsea's advice to AmeriCorps alumni
“I wanted to use this award for something meaningful. I have always cherished my memories of AmeriCorps and felt it was important to honor that experience by applying my award to a cause that would not have been possible otherwise.”
“Without my Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, this opportunity would have been beyond my reach at this point in my life. I encourage any AmeriCorps alumni interested in this kind of experience to make the leap! IVHQ made using my award for this program so easy, and they are there to assist every step of the way.”
Read Chelsea's full story on IVHQ
Read the original first-person account on the partner's blog.
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