Belize Semester Abroad Program in Sustainable Development

Spring Semester, 2012

2012 Program HighlightsAll courses are field-based

All courses are problem-basedIncreased emphasis on service-learning

Belize

Only English-speaking country in Central America

Unique combination of Caribbean and Latin American geography and culture

Geographic area the same as Massachusetts

½ the population of Vermont

Why Belize?

Ideal location to study sustainable development

Ecological diversity

Last intact tropical forest north of the Amazon

Longest barrier reef in the western hemisphereUNESCO World

Heritage Site

Biological diversity

Cockscomb Wildlife Reserve

World’s only jaguar preserve

Largest cave system in the Western Hemisphere--many sacred to the Maya

Community co-management Unique approach to managing

protected areas

Pioneer in Ecotourism

Development Pressures

“Finally, Paradise is for Sale”

Caye Chapel marketing materials

Mass (Cruise Ship) Tourism

Solid Waste Management

Belize’s Cultural Diversity

Seven major ethnic groupsMestizoCreoleGarifunaMayaEast IndianMennonite Chinese

Five courses: 18 credits

Development and Indigenous Peoples

Rivers to Reefs: A Conservation Approach to Watershed Ecology

Wildlife Conservation and Communities: Issues and Approaches

Applications of Sustainable Development (Service Learning) (6 credits)

Intercultural Competence

Weeks 1 and 2: Discover Belize “unplugged”Macal River Camp

Orientation and introductory classesBegin Rivers to Reefs and Intercultural Competence

Laguna Village Development and Indigenous Peoples: The Maya

Hopkins Village Development and Indigenous Peoples: The Garifuna

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Rivers to Reefs

Wildlife Conservation and Communities

IZE Marine Biology Station and LodgeSouth Water Caye

Rivers to Reefs

Weeks 3-12: Settle in, Study, & ServeSan Ignacio Town

Complete coursework for Development and Indigenous Peoples, Rivers to Reefs, and Wildlife Conservation and Communities

Applications of Sustainable Development: Part I (Service Learning)

2012 Project Partners: St. Barnabas School

environmental education Faith Nazarene School

nutrition and gardening Barzakh Falah

planning and building a sustainable community for abandoned or abused children

Mary Open Doors providing support for a

battered women’s shelter

Weeks 13 and 14: Get Dirt on Your Hands and Sand on Your Feet

Caye Caulker

Applications of Sustainable Development—Part II

Our project partner is Ocean Academy, a non-profit community high school

Projects include: mangrove restoration developing a system for

recycling plastic bottles “Shop Green” reusable

shopping bag program composting for the school

garden

Minor in Community & International Development

(CID)

Complete three of five courses needed for a minor

Need only take CDAE 061 and CDAE 002 on campus

CID/PCOM Majors

CID Major: Receive credit for CDAE 102; and five of “choose 7” restricted electives

PCOM Major: Receive credit forCDAE 102; andtwo of “choose 5+” restricted electives

(depending on nature of service learning projects)

Financial Details

TuitionPay tuition to UVM (instate/out-of-state)

Program FeeApproximately $5,800 Includes

All lodging Meals or meal allowance in all locationsAll program-related in-country transportation and admissionsService learning project expensesUse 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

Program Dates

Saturday, Jan. 14– Students are met at

the Belize Int’l. Airport and transported to the Macal River Camp

Saturday, Apr. 21– Students are

transported from Caye Caulker to the Belize Int’l. Airport

Key Points

• UVM financial aid applies

• Additional scholarships available

• All courses in English

• UVM courses so no transfer credit issues

• CID minor

Information Sessions

Wed., Apr. 13, 2011

5 p.m.U-Heights North Multipurpose Room

Tue., Apr. 19, 2011 6:30 p.m.Room 413

Davis Center

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” (your flexibility, sense of adventure, and ability to “roll with the punches”)

For more information:jay.ashman@uvm.edu

learn.uvm.edu/travel/belize