Stevo:
I live in Cayo, and rent here can be from $100Bz and month to $800Bz a month depending on where and what exactly you want. My last place was a 2 bedroom, and it was the former. It didn't have any special amenities like A/C or, hahahaha, heating. But then again, I don't think that's needed here. If you want an american style house here, it can come close to the latter, but will have a huge kitchen, balconies, A/C units, and a laundry room. Sounds like you'd pay between 4 and 6 for what you want. Good luck,
-MM

Hello Y'all! Sorry for the long reply.
Stevo: The only realtor I know of that is recommended by the Embassy is Macarena Rose of rainforest realty. I think the website is rainforestrealty.com I also know some people in Bullet Tree Falls that have a couple of nice houses for rent(in fact they are rented by americans right now while their houses are being built, but the houses will be done by the end of the Summer) The dean here at the school also has some high quality rental houses, but I did refer him to Ms. Rose, so she should have those on file.
Blue: One can live here on next to nothing actually. It's just like living on Maui: if you are a tourist you will pay high prices 'cos you won't know where to eat that is just as cheap on the mainland. Here, the tourist places are just as expensive as up there. But once you live here, you know the local places, or better yet, you start to cook and eat a million times more healthy than up there(mostly 'cos there isn't a single fast food place in Belize, and also 'cos you can get fresh vegetables at el mercado for next to nothing) Beer is expensive right now, because it's a true monopoly, and non-Belizean beer is considered contraband. No Joke! I refuse to drink the beer here, and drink pretty much homemade wine that you can get at el mercado for around 10% of what beer costs. I hate monopolies! It's not that I want to see american piss beer here, in fact the beer here isn't bad, it's just the idea of only allowing one choice. Anyways, if you choose not to live like a tourist, you can get away with living on between $500us and $1000us a month.
Bridget: I only know about Rosita and Greg's school of healing here. I'm sure there are other people, but that school is the ONE! They are good people too. They only allow so many students per year. My girlfriend might be enrolling there at the end of the year, as a matter of fact. I can't wait to help her out with her massage and healing techniques! You have the correct attitude: kudos to you. It's about how we can give back to the world what we've taken. Basically, like mom said: you better leave this world better than when you found it, or I'll take you over my leg and you'll get a spanking. Yes Ma'am, Mom!
Pablo: Relax, buddy. Don't let the fools get to you. Let them cancel each other out. It's really not worth the time to worry about them. What happens happens, that's life. And you know what, mushroom clouds are really beautiful...too bad they're so darn destructive...
Take care everyone, and have a wonderful Summer!
-MM

Hey! I also live in Cayo, but only for 6 mos a year. I bought a place, moved a household, etc. I love it. Sometimes rentals are advertised thru word of mouth or thru Real Estate firms. Just depends. You really need to be careful IF you go to buy. I'd be glad to give you some names and help if interested. Many times, it just depends on timing.

As for U's in Belize, well... there is Galen College/University in Cayo... and something that looks like a campus in BZ City (I'd so avoid living there!) There is a 2 yr college in Cayo called Sacred Heart but it is hardly a resource rich, full fledged U. Maybe your best bet if you want to do field work in Eco stuff is Galen. If it's related to going on digs, best bet is to hook up with U of Penn, U of Florida or U of TX or Vanderbilt. They all have active programs or digs going on now in BZ or other places that you mentioned.

Being an amateur Mayanist, I just had to be there after all was said and done. It wasn't just that but it sure feeds my head as well as the sheer delight that is Cayo.It isn't here, Thank whoever you need to thank.

My experience re: prices in looking at renting vs buying were varied. I chose to buy. Much has to do with your transportation, your wilingness or not to give up cable and all that. My house is out there but I still have "pipe water and electricity". It is on when it is on. I also have net access with a satellite because I REFUSE to feed BTEL. Smart would give you better, broader and less expensive service *hint-hint*.

PM me if you'd like. I tried to post a lengthy answer yesterday for someone looking to move and even tho it said it was posted with the little check mark, it never made it. I don't have another hour+ today to recreate it and may not for the next several days at least.

Customs and work permits are always a joy... but oh what one learns from said experiences ; )!

Good luck!
M.A.