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:jay.ashman@uvm.edu