Belize Semester Abroad Program in Sustainable Development
Spring Semester, 2012
Belize
• Only English-speaking country in Central America
• Located on the Caribbean Sea
• Bordered by Mexico and Guatemala
• Geographic area the same as Massachusetts
• ½ the population of Vermont
Why Belize?
• Ideal location to study sustainable development– Biologically and
ecologically diverse• 93% of land under
forest cover• 40% of land under
legal protection
• 300 miles of Caribbean coastline
• Second longest continuous barrier reef in world
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
Rich culture
• Diverse population – Mestizo– Creole– Garifuna– Maya– East Indian– Mennonite – Chinese
– Ancient Maya temples and sacred caves
Community co-management: Unique approach to managing
protected areas
Six courses: 18 credits
• Reefs and Rainforests: Environmental Challenges in Belize (3 credits)
• Development: An Indigenous Perspective (3 credits)
• Applications of Sustainable Development--A (Service Learning) (3 credits)
• Social Problems in a Developing Country (Independent Study) (3 credits )
or
Hunger & Food Insecurity: Burlington to Belize (3 credits)
• Intercultural Competence (3 credits)
• Applications of Sustainable Development--B (Service Learning) (3 credits)
Part I: Discover Belize “unplugged”Week 1: Macal River Camp
Orientation and Intercultural Competence
Week 2: Laguna Village Development: An Indigenous Perspective
Week 3: South Water Caye Reefs and Rainforests: Environmental Challenges
in Belize
Part II: Settle in, Study, & ServeWeeks 4-12: San Ignacio
“Downtown” San Ignacio
San Ignacio’s “Church Street”
Applications of Sustainable Development--A (Service Learning)
Projects may include:• curriculum development
and teaching:– environmental
education – nutrition and
community gardening• ecological design and
construction• public education on
health-related topics
Social Issues in a Developing Country or
Hunger and Food Insecurity
La Ruta MayaBelize River Challenge
Day One Start of Race in San Ignacio
Part III: Get Your Hands SandyWeeks 13 and 14
Caye Caulker
Applications of Sustainable Development—B(Service Learning)
Projects may include:• mangrove restoration• feasibility of recycling• public education on solid
waste management• teaching entrepreneur-
ship skills to the students at Ocean Academy
• video production for Ocean Academy fund-raising
Minor in Community & International Development
(CID)
• Complete up to three of the five courses needed for a minor
• Need only take CDAE 061 and CDAE 002on campus
CID/PCOM Majors
• CID Major: Receive credit for – CDAE 102; and – five of “choose 7” restricted electives
• PCOM Major: Receive credit for– CDAE 102; and– Up to three “choose 5+” restricted electives
(depending on nature of service learning projects and independent study)
Housing in San Ignacio: Martha’s Inn
Common room at the Inn
Bedroom at the Inn
Breakfast at Martha’s Restaurant
Financial Details
Tuition– Pay tuition to UVM (instate/out-of-state)
Program Fee– $5,800– Includes
• Housing • Meals or meal allowance in all locations• All program-related in-country transportation and admissions• Service learning project expenses• Use of personal cell phone provided by program
Financial Aid
UVM financial aid applies
Additional aid available
1. Belize Program financial aid
• need-based up to $1000
2. Service-learning Teaching Assistant
• $500
Additional Expenses• Airfare ($500-$1,000)• Personal expenses
(e.g., souvenirs, gifts) • Personal travel not
planned in course itinerary
Tentative Program Dates
• Saturday, Jan. 14:– Students arrive
in Belize City• Saturday, April 21
– Program ends
Key Points
• UVM financial aid applies
• Additional scholarships
• All courses in English
• UVM courses so no transfer credit issues
• CID minor
Information Sessions
• April, 2011• Dates and locations
to be announced
Application Process
1. Application – Complete and return to Jay Ashman no later than
Friday, April 29, 2011 for consideration during spring recruitment period
2. Interview– Will be conducted upon receipt of application
3. Admission – Notice will be sent out following interview
4. Deposit– Non-refundable $500 due with acceptance of offer of
admission
Selection Criteria• Year and Major• Recommendations• Academic performance• Community service• Our perception of
– your commitment to maximizing the benefits of this experience, personally and for others
– “intangibles” (e.g., your flexibility, sense of adventure, ability to “roll with the punches)
For more information:[email protected]