Classroom to Caribbean: Nursing Students Serve in Belize

From rooftop sunrise prayers to baptisms in the salty Caribbean, nursing students at Huntington University have the opportunity to put their skills to work in real-world situations while serving people in need.

Since 2010, the nursing program has partnered with All 4 Jesus Belize to lead mission trips to the Stann Creek District of Belize. Twice a year, students and faculty participate in a mobile medical clinic, providing care for up to 1,000 patients in just three days. The experience fully embodies Huntington’s three pillars: Christ, scholarship, and service.

Working in a new culture and environment pushes students outside their comfort zones. “It also opens their eyes to how healthcare functions differently in other countries with different resources,” says Professor Dee.

Students learn how to integrate their faith with patient care, offering life-saving grace alongside life-changing care. They return with a stronger faith, a united team, and a clearer vision of how to serve both physically and spiritually in their nursing careers.

Along with gaining cultural competence, the team forms deep relationships with one another and with local families. “God is great at teaching us trust and flexibility on these trips, and the teams come home with a stronger bond and a deeper, more trusting relationship with Christ,” Professor Dee shared.

Through these mission trips to Belize, students use their academic training to serve and bless others for the glory of God. They learn new and useful skills, lean into another culture, and lead people in Christ’s love.