Lynn - Feb 10 - Belize Zoo

I spent a lot of time with Jamal who pulled together a lot of the promotional bits and pieces and helped him out on a couple of things using my Design background. I was also helping with the animals which I really enjoyed. There were some amazing animals and to be able to get so close and personal with them is great. They all have such good enclosures and are so well looked after by all the keepers, who you can tell really
care for them and have their favourites.

I did feel a bit lost at first, not knowing what to do, but by the end of the week I had agreed Tues and Wednesdays I would be with the animals and the rest of the week painting or helping Jamal with things - a good mix really which let me experience everything. The remaining weeks working at the zoo were great fun - Especially as people got to know me a bit more. I also got to know more about all of them and ended up just getting on with jobs instead of being directed or needed being shown.

Aside from the actual work part of my trip it did take me that first week to get used to being out in Belize and to relax and feel comfortable there. I am used to rushing about and having a million things to do, so found it very strange taking my time and trying to take everything in. It was also so great to be able to take one of my hobbies and spend all my time completely focussed on it....I did so many paintings in 4 weeks I can’t believe it. I even did a long mural of all the animals on a roll of paper I had taken. 

Weather - I say it was hot/humid, but all the keepers kept saying it was cold for the time of year! It was fine by me as it was!

On my last day at the zoo I was so overwhelmed by everyone there - they all went out of their way to give me a send off I won’t forget. All the Keepers stayed late (or was that because they were doing night tours) and they arranged for Beers, Salsa, dips and a big cake to say good bye and Thankyou. Some of them said a few words which were really nice and made me feel like I had really helped them. All the people there were really nice, and helpful and made me feel very welcome. I got the feeling that they all looked out for me as well, made sure I was happy and couldn’t do enough for me!

PoD have really helped me find 2 great experiences now, and the fact that you ask for feedback and email/call to check up on me is really good. I feel that you are there if I needed you - but thankfully I didn’t!

Scores out of 5

The placement:           5
The service from PoD:    5
The overall experience:  5
Overall rating of the placement and experience: 5
The work / your role: 5
Support: 5
The location: 5
Overall value for money: 5

Becky -  Sep 09 - reef conservation

I had an amazing time in Belize on the reef conservation placement. Polly was a brilliant instructor for my first diving experience. She really made sure I was comfortable with everything I did and also helped me a lot with making arrangements for trips at the weekends. She made me feel very at home on the island and in Punta Gorda and i

Hunting Caye is a beautiful island to be on for a week at a time and all the people living there are friendly and will always be up for a game of dominoes!

The whalesharks were an amazing experience, it was truly incredible and I was completely speechless throughout. I couldnt have asked for a better way to spend a month.

* Communication / correspondence (before and after making an application):

The staff at PoD were extremely helpful throughout the whole process and would also be quick with answering any queries i had about the placement. they even gave me a call before i caught my flight to wish me good luck.

* The PoD information booklet:

The booklet was very useful and gave me all the information i needed on what was included in the price, what i would need to take and even suggestions on airlines which helped a lot.

* Relevance and usefulness of training in-country:

The diving training i received was brilliant. As i was the only visitor i had one on one tuition but i could tell that if there had been more people i would not have been given any less help than when alone.

* Quality and location of accommodation:

The quality of accommodation was good, the beds were comfy and the sheets cleaned regularly. There wasnt any electricity in the rooms but we were given kerosine lamps at night. This did not put me off at all

* Your work placement:

The placement was brilliant, i could be as involved as i wanted and wasnt pushed to do anything i didnt.

* Was the work what you expected: Yes.

* Quality of support in-country:

I had a lot of support from Polly and Jo both on the island and off. I got a lot of help when organising trips to guatemala and day trips to mayan ruins etc. I never felt like i didnt have any support

* Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed: Yes

* The PoD package (what was included) and value for money:

Great value for money as all diving equipment, food and accommodation was provided.

* Did the placement overall live up to expectations: Yes and more

* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others?:

Yes, the staff at PoD are great and the placement itself was amazing for anyone who is into their diving or wants to learn on a fantastic uncrowded reef

* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement:

Don't pack too many clothes, you wont be wearing them, its too hot!
Take lots of insect repellent the sandfly bites are nasty
Take a digital camera with underwater housing, disposable ones arent up to the job.

Scores out of 5

The placement:           5
The service from PoD:    5
The overall experience:  5
Overall rating of the placement and experience: 5
The location: 5
Overall value for money: 5

Amy - May 09 - reef conservation

 Hello Guys, thanks for your e-mail.

Sounds funny you saying thank you to me when i am having literally the best time of my life!!

The diving is amazing and Polly is so enthusiastic about conservation. I did not realise how little i knew, but rest assured she is doing a grand job in sharing her knowledge and passion.

Both Jenny and myself are having a great time. If we're not diving we're fishing, free diving or chilling with Polly and her staff. I've become quite good at dominos!!!

Mike don't worry...despite the draw and charm of PG, we did manage to go to Tical to the Myan temples. It was an adventure in itself but well worth the road trip!

Hope you are well.

I'll be touch when back in sunny England. Can't believe that will be in a weeks time.

If you are considering going out to Belize and spending time with PoD stop considering and just GO! I had the best month of my life.

Your adventure starts with a beautiful flight from Belize city to Punta Gorda in a little areoplane that flys low enough to really appreciate the amazing coast line and little towns along the way. Polly meets you from the airstrip and straight away makes you feel welcome and at home.

Punta Gorda itself is a warming place to spend time.There are colourful markets, a pretty central park area, loads of places  to get cheap and yummy food and lots of bars for those who want a bit of Belizean night life. Typically you have weekends free to explore many natural beauties and cultural aspects of the land. I went to Guatamala to see the Myan ruins one weekend, this was made really easy as bus transport is regular and cheap! Theres also waterfalls, Jungle Lodges and near by towns that are definatly worth a visit. Plus the Blue Hole in San Pedro is not far either!!

The weeks spent on Hunting Caye island are unbeatable. A real Caribbean dream. I did my Rescue Dive course and my friend did her open water with Polly and learnt so much. I cant think of a better place to learn or improve your diving skills. The dive sites are abundant with marine life and there are never any other divers there...diving heaven! Polly dedicates a lot of time and energy in teaching her guests about marine life identification and how life works and survives under the ocean. You will definately come away as an informed and knowledgable diver. Doing the surveys is also great. I felt empowered being involved in the work but never under pressure.

* Communication / correspondence (before and after making an application):

Great communication. Always someone to talk to and really felt valued. Thank you, you made things a lot easier for me than I had expected them to be.

Fantastic dive training. Felt really safe and trusted Polly and her eqiptment. Her training on reef life and conservation was brilliant and so informative.

Accomodationn was basic. I wasn't expecting this but was comfortable at all times. Other people i was with may of preferred more luxuries though.

* Your work placement:

Great. Not too pressured but still felt i was involved and helping.

* Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed:

Yes. And also great that my family at home had a way of contacting me through you if needs be.

* The PoD package (what was included) and value for money:

Good. Definately good to have weekend accomodation included.

* Did the placement overall live up to expectations: Yes.

* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others?

Yes, and i have! I really appreciated dealing with people that had been to the area i was interested in.

* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement:

Go and enjoy yourself. Don't worry about your diving skills, Polly is a good teacher and very supportive. Dont worry about food, there is loads and its all great.

Scores out of 5

The placement:           4
The service from PoD:    5
The overall experience:  4
Overall rating of the placement and experience: 5
Training: 5
The centre: 5
The work / your role: 5
Support: 5
The location: 5
Overall value for money: 5

Hannah - Apr 09  - reef conservation

I had an amazing time in Belize and would not hesitate to arrange another trip back (maybe a one-way trip!). The diving was second to none, Polly and the team were amazing and I gained so much from my training. An incredible experience.

* Quality and location of accommodation:

Island accomodation was basic, but clean and private, and you could hear the sea from your bedroom which was lovely.

* Your work placement:

I loved the reef checks and other surveys we took part in; they were really interesting.

* Was the work what you expected:

Not as hard work as I thought, but that wasn't a problem!

* Did you feel that PoD UK was there for support if needed:

Yes, as I received a couple of emails to see how I was getting on.

* Quality of any activities. Would you like to see any particular activities included in the programme:

The diving was amazing (as I said above) there was no need for any other activities during the week, as the diving kept us busy enough.

* The PoD package (what was included) and value for money:

Good value, but as it was my first trip out of Europe and the longest time I've been away, it seemed quite expensive.

* If you had to change one thing about the placement what would it be:

Nothing

* Did the placement overall live up to expectations:

Yes

* Did you have any incidents, problems or accidents while on the placement?:

I had a sinus cold for the second week, which made me unable to equalise and therefore unable to dive for a week, I also had anaemia during during the 6th week, which meant I was unable to dive for another few days due to splitting headahes, weakness and being quick to get cold, then there was an earthquake on the 28th of May which was 7.1 on the rictor scale, but apart from that there were no problems whatsoever!

* Based on your experience, would you recommend PoD / this placement to others?:

Yes because it is an amazing place with amazing people and amazing weather and amazing diving and amazing wildlife etc. so go!

* What 3 tips would you give to a future volunteer doing this placement:

bring your own basic equipment for the diving (eg. mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit), make sure you have plenty of money in your bank account, enjoy every second of the diving while you're there because you'll miss it later, 

Sanjay - Jun 08  - reef conservation

"Thanks for your email. Yes - things are going really well out here, and I'm having a fantastic time. Everyone has been extremely friendly and supportive, the diving is unbelievable, and i'll be very sorry to leave I'm sure! Polly is awesome, and has really looked after us."

Isabel  - reef conservation

Thinking of going scuba diving in Belize?  Want to avoid the annoying crowds of noisy tourists?  This is the place for you.  Rustic, undisturbed setting, lovely easy going people and by simply showing up you are making a positive contribution to a very good cause.  Plus, they have plenty of beer & rum at Frank’s Caye to help fuel the evening game of cards or, if you prefer, a lazing afternoon of reading in the hammock.  Here’s the typical day: 6.30am wake up, grab a coffee, grab your kit & dive.  8ish, big yummy breakfast of tortilla, eggs & beans prepared by jolly Molly, 11.30am, 2nd morning dive.  12.30pm – 2.30pm eat more, read, sleep in hammock then afternoon dive and then maybe a beer?  So, as you can tell it’s a pretty high stress atmosphere!!!  Thanks

Nigel  - reef conservation

Marine conservation, most divers believe in it, few actively do anything to help.  I’ve dived for many years and decided it was time to pay back.  I even had to find a map to discover where PG and Belize is as it is off the beaten track of normal dive locations.  These last 4 weeks have been wonderful.  I have taken 100’s of photos, can tell a grunt from a snapper, can sex a lobster and just about identify soft coral!  Which is a lot more than when I arrived!  My thanks to Polly & Colin for taking a simple BSAC diver and opening his eyes to life underwater.  Thanks also to Molly for the great food and Roland for his skill at driving the boat.  I mustn’t forget John, a very good friend of Polly’s who has yet to beat me at pool…maybe next time….. 

David  - reef conservation

Thank you for a wonderful time.  I want to spend hours and hours on the reef observing all the life.  I’ve been given a taste and the feeling of more is strong!  I’ll be back.  Colin & Polly thank you for the instruction, I felt so safe at all times and learnt so much in such a short time, you were great.  April & Bryan, yoga every morning was a real treat, if relaxing in a hammock after a days diving wasn’t enough!  Loved hearing about life underwater, the coral, the reef creatures and the fish.  Keep up the great science work.  I’m already trying to plan a return, thanks

Jacquie  - reef conservation

Thanks for an excellent chilled out month, time has flown so fast!  The diving was excellent, the science informative and I’ve even learnt to do head spins – thanks Colin!!!  Molly’s food is excellent, Captain Roland really does make you feel like your are in a James Bond movie with his driving!  Thanks again for a great trip

Emma  - reef conservation

Here’s the highlights…..string of pearl on night dives, massive goliath grouper, morays, trying to paddle on a dug out dory at Cotton Tree lodge, ginormous iguanas in trees, crazy caves & lovely corals…..byeeeee & thanks, it’s been so much fun