About this Program

Country: Belize:

Arrival Date: 08/08/2026

Departure Date: 08/16/2026

Duration: 9 days

Arrival City: Belize City

Departure City: Belize City

Cost: $2795.00

The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Belizean culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will assist community health workers with health education and patient care. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.
Join this Program!

About Gap Year

A gap year for premed students is the period between completing an undergraduate degree and the official start of medical school. Rather than being a “break,” it is typically a strategic “bridge” year used to strengthen a medical school application, gain professional experience, or recharge mentally before the rigors of medical education.

Taking at least one gap year has become the standard path, with recent AAMC data showing that approximately 64% to 75% of medical school matriculants take one or more years off before enrolling.
Why Premeds Take Gap Years
  • Strengthen Candidacy: Students often use the time to address “gaps” in their profile, such as boosting a low GPA through a Master’s or Post-Baccalaureate program or improving an MCAT score.
  • Gain Experience: It provides more time to accumulate significant clinical hours (e.g., as a scribe, EMT, or medical assistant) or conduct long-term research.
  • Reduce Burnout: Many students feel exhausted after four years of rigorous science coursework and use the gap year to reset and recharge before starting the next intense phase of their education.
  • Financial Preparation: Some students work full-time to save money for tuition or to pay down undergraduate debt.
  • Personal Growth: It allows time for travel, volunteer service (like AmeriCorps or Teach for America), or pursuing hobbies that might be difficult to maintain during medical school.
Typical Timeline
  • Applying for 1 Gap Year: You apply at the end of your senior year. You spend your post-grad year completing the application cycle (interviews) and working/volunteering before starting med school.
  • Applying for 2+ Gap Years: You wait until at least one year after graduation to apply. This gives you a full year of additional experiences to actually include on your initial application before the cycle begins.
Common Gap Year Activities
Category Examples of Activities
Clinical Working as a Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, or ER Technician.
Academic Completing a Special Master’s Program (SMP) or a Master’s in Public Health (MPH).
Research Serving as a Clinical Research Coordinator or Laboratory Assistant.
Service Participating in AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, local community volunteering, or short-term and/or long-term international service opportunities.
Learn More

About Belize:

Experience the laid back atmosphere of Belize, rich with Spanish and British influences, featuring attractions such as Mayan archaeological sites, the world’s second longest barrier reef, caves and rivers–all while serving and learning among its people.

Learn More