Belize Semester Abroad Program in Sustainable Development

Agenda

• Belize• Galen University/San Ignacio• Curriculum • Field Trips• Housing and Meals• Financial Details• Application Process• Questions

Why Belize?

• Ideal location to study sustainable development– Biologically diverse

• 93% of land under forest cover

• 40% of land under legal protection

– 300 miles of Caribbean coastline

– Second longest barrier reef in world

• Rich culture– Diverse population

• Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, East Indian, and Mennonite

– Ancient Maya temples and sacred caves

Galen University

• Galen University’s mission– “…a unique focus on

sustainable development throughout its courses, programs, and service”

San Ignacio

Curriculum

Required courses for UVM students:

1. Service learning course– 4 credits– Team taught/supervised

by UVM and Galen faculty– Equal number of UVM

and Belizean students

• 2007 projects1. Alternative energy systems

• Mayan education center

2. Good governance3. Cultural tourism and sustainable income for

indigenous groups4. Environmental education in schools5. Analysis of media in HIV/AIDS education

2. Sustainable development course• Taught by Galen University faculty

– Choose from:• Principles of Sustainable Development• Development: An Indigenous Perspective

3. Cultural awareness– 1 credit– “Maximizing Your

Belize Experience”

Other UVM courses:1. CDAE 157

Consumer Law2. CDAE 195

Strategic Writing 3. CDAE 195

Organizational Development

• Galen courses cross-listed as UVM courses:1. Adventure and Eco-Tourism2. Sustainable Tourism3. Environmental Problems4. Environmental Economics5. Social Issues in a Developing Country6. Maya Archaeology7. Garifuna Culture and Language8. Small Business Venture9. Research, Writing and Project Management

• Can complete four of five courses for CDAE minor in Community & International Development (CID)

Weekend Field Trips

Programme for BelizeLa Milpa Field Station

• South Water Caye

Course-Related Field Trips

Housing: Martha’s Inn

Martha’s Guest House

Martha’s Restaurant

Financial Details

Tuition– Pay tuition to UVM (instate/out-of-state)

• Program Fee– $5550– Includes

• Housing and 5 breakfasts per week• Meal allowance ($70/week)• Field trips (two or three weekend trips)• Daily transportation between San Ignacio and Galen• Use of personal cell phone

Financial Aid• UVM financial aid applies• Additional aid available

1. Belize Program financial aid • need-based up to

$10002. Service-learning

Teaching Assistant• up to $1000

Additional Expenses• Airfare ($500-$1000)• Personal expenses • Additional weekend

trips not planned in course itinerary

Application Process (Spring)

1. Application – Complete and return to Jay Ashman by April 20

2. Interview– Will be completed before the end of spring semester

3. Acceptances – Will be sent out by June 1

4. Deposit– Non-refundable $500 due by June 15

Selection Criteria• Class• Major and minor• Recommendations• Academic performance• Community service• Our perception of

– your commitment to maximizing the benefits of this experience, personally and for others

– “intangibles” such as your flexibility, sense of adventure, ability to “roll with the punches,” etc.

Questions?