Hidgon said Belize is becoming an increasingly popular place for tourists. Many companies are moving in and taking advantage of the money to be found in tourist attractions.

"We want to make sure that money stays in Monkey River," Hidgon said. "We're partnering with the Peace Corps; that way after we leave, there will still be people there to keep our efforts going."

Erin James (graduate-rural sociology) traveled with the group last year and said her experience was a fantastic one.

"When you think of these places, you feel pity for them because you think they have nothing," James said. "But they were so generous, and anything they had they shared with us. There's a sense of community and desire to help your brother."

James worked on the social assessment team, which interviewed village members to gauge their opinions to the incoming companies. She said that although the group turned Monkey Village upside down for a few days, the people were more than willing to help any way they could.

Jennifer Logan, a 2004 Penn State alumna, also went on the trip last year and worked on the ecological team, which analyzed the water in the local lagoon.

"We worked with the University of Belize to study the Punta Negra Lagoon because it's their main source of water," Logan said. "We wanted to make sure the incoming companies weren't affecting their water supply."

Penn State Peace Corps Recruiter Jason Bedford traveled to Belize with the team and will be returning this year. He hopes to use this program in the future as a pilot program between Penn State and the Peace Corps.

"This is a great way of introducing interested people to the Peace Corps experience to see if it is something they want to pursue," Bedford said. "Last year we did the leg work in the community; this year we'll focus more on more specific topics."