Hello!! I am 24 and have spent time in San Pedro working with one of the schools. I am now wanting to move to Ambergris Caye. What are job opportuniites like? teaching school? waitressing? Where do I find an apartment/small house/condo to rent that isn't for a vacation? What is the cost of living like there? I appreciate all input! I'm fine with a small place to live...nothing fancy needed. I'm currently a social worker in Mississippi and would ultimately love to do some form of social work/Christian ministry there. Even if its on my own and I work at a bar to make a living.
-Tamara.

You should probably read the threads regarding moving, work permits, etc. You will need to be financially independent and self sufficient to live there for at least a year to get residency then apply for work permit. All jobs, rightfully, go to Belizean citizens. If you want to "do good works" you'll have to have support from home for quite some time. You're not nearly old enough for the QRP.

But keep looking...where there's a will there's a way. Good luck.

what is the QRP?

Qualified Retirement Program..........for us old folks!

Qualified Retired Person(s).

I think you have to be at least 45 years old to apply.

In addition, under the QRP program you cannot be employed. You need to be independent for at least a year to live here as a foreigner and then enter the maze of government and apply for residency. People do get work permits but I doubt you would get one for a bartender’s job or something like that and they are not cheap.

If you have some money come down for a short while at least and see what it is all about. Maybe it is what you want and maybe it isn’t.

Good Luck

Can I be on QRP and OWN a business?

Yes under the QRP you can own a business but you can not work in it.

I wish you very well and hope your dreams come true. With hard work, motivation and desire it is absolutely possible you'll make this happen. Congratulations for taking the first steps by looking into things and reaching out.