belize spring 2013

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Belize Semester Abroad

Program in Sustainable DevelopmentSpring Semester, 2013



2013 Program Features

--18 credits

--Three field-based courses

--Six credits of service-learning



Belize

• Only English-speakingcountry in CentralAmerica

• Unique combination ofCaribbean and LatinAmerican geographyand culture

• Geographic area the

size ofMassachusetts

• ½ the population ofVermont



Why Belize?Ideal location to study

sustainable development



Ecological diversity

• Last intact tropicalforest north of theAmazon

• Longest barrierreef in thewesternhemisphere

– UNESCOWorld HeritageSite



Biological diversity



Cockscomb Wildlife ReserveWorld’s only jaguar preserve



Largest cave system

in the WesternHemisphere--manysacred to the Maya



Community co-managementUnique approach to managing

protected areas



Pioneer in Ecotourism



Belize’s Cultural

Diversity – Mestizo

– Creole

– Garifuna – Maya

– East Indian

– Mennonite – Chinese



“When it comes to rich cultural heritage, incredible nature on land

and sea, spectacular beauty and a truly warm and friendly people, Belize makes my own top five list of the world’s best

places to see and experience.”

--Costas Christ, senior editor, National Geographic Traveler



Development Pressures



Mass (Cruise Ship) Tourism



Solid Waste Management



Population Increase

• At the currentrate, population of

Belize will doublein 20 years



Six courses: 18 credits

• Development & Indigenous

Peoples• Linking Ridges to Reef:

An Ecosystem Approach toBiodiversity Conservation &Development

• Wildlife Conservation andCommunities: Issues &Approaches

• Intercultural Competence

• Applications of SustainableDevelopment

– Service learning (6 credits)



Weeks 1 to 3: Discover Belize “Unplugged”

Macal River CampOrientation and introductory classes



Laguna VillageDevelopment and Indigenous Peoples: The Maya



Hopkins VillageDevelopment and Indigenous Peoples: The Garifuna



Cockscomb Basin Wildlife SanctuaryWildlife Conservation



IZE Marine Biology Station: South Water CayeLinking Ridges to Reef



Weeks 4-6: Settle into CayoComplete work for Development and Indigenous Peoples,

Linking Ridges to Reef, and Wildlife Conservation

Weeks 7 12



Weeks 7-12Intercultural Competence and

Applications of Sustainable Development

InterculturalCompetence• Analyze what constitutes a

"culture“ • Experience arts, foods,

religions, Mayaarcheology, Kriol language

• Compare subcultures in

Belize• Consider what it means to

be a “global citizen”



Applications of Sustainable Development: Part I (Service Learning)

2012 Projects:

• environmental educationat a rural primary school

• nutrition education andgardening at an urban

primary school• planning/building a

sustainable communityfor abandoned children

• Developing educationalmaterials on HIV/AIDSfor a battered women’s

shelter



Environmental Education



Nutrition Education and Gardening



Sustainable Community forAbandoned Children



Educational Materials onDomestic Abuse and HIV/AIDS



Weeks 13 and 14: Get Dirt on Your Handsand Sand in Your Shoes

Caye Caulker



Applications of Sustainable Development —Part II

• Partner with OceanAcademy, acommunity high

school• Projects include:

– Easter vacationenrichment camp

– Tutoring – Classroom

construction



Volunteer Activities



CDAE Majors

• CID Major: Receive credit for – CDAE 102

– five of “choose 7” electives

• PCOM Major: Receive credit for – CDAE 102

– up to two of “choose 5+” electives

(depending on nature of service learning projects)• CENT Major

– CDAE 102



Minor inCommunity & International Development

(CID)

• Fulfill three of five required courses

• Take CDAE 061 and CDAE 002(preferably fall semester)



Financial Details

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

Program Fee

– Approximately $6,000

– Includes

• All lodging

• 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 may beavailable

1. Belize Programfinancial aid

2. Service-learning

Teaching Assistant



Additional Expenses

• Airfare

– ($500-$1,000)

• Personal

expenses – (souvenirs, gifts)

• Personal travel



Program Dates

Thursday, Jan. 10 – Students are met at

the Belize Int’l.

Airport and

transported to theMacal River Camp

Thursday, Apr. 18

– Students are

transported fromCaye Caulker to theBelize Int’l. Airport



Key Points

• UVM financial aidapplies

• Additional programscholarships may be

available• All courses in English

• UVM courses; notransfer credit issues



Information Sessions

Wednesday, Apr. 25

5:30 p.m.

Lafayette L308

Thursday., Apr. 26

7:00 p.m.

Davis Ctr. room 402



Application Process

1. Application

– Complete and return to Jay Ashman no later thanMonday, April 30, 2012

2. Interview – May 1 - 9

3. Admission

– Notice sent by e-mail in early June

4. Deposit

– Non-refundable $500 due with acceptance of offerof admission



Selection Criteria

• Year and major

• Recommendations

• Academic performance

• Community service

• Our perception of

– your commitment tomaximizing thebenefits of thisexperience, personallyand for others

– “intangibles” • flexibility

• sense of adventure

• ability to “roll withthe punches”

For more information:



For more information: [email protected]

learn.uvm.edu/travel/belize

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

belize spring 2013

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