Belize Semester Abroad Program in Sustainable Development

Spring Semester, 2013

2013 Program Features--18 credits

--Three field-based courses

--Six credits of service-learning

Belize

• Only English-speaking country in Central America

• Unique combination of Caribbean and Latin American geography and culture

• Geographic area the size ofMassachusetts

• 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 hemisphere

– UNESCO World Heritage Site

Biological diversity

Cockscomb Wildlife ReserveWorld’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

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 current rate, population of Belize will double in 20 years

Six courses: 18 credits • Development & Indigenous

Peoples

• Linking Ridges to Reef: An Ecosystem Approach to Biodiversity Conservation & Development

• Wildlife Conservation and Communities: Issues & Approaches

• Intercultural Competence

• Applications of Sustainable Development – Service learning (6 credits)

Weeks 1 to 3: Discover Belize “Unplugged”Macal River Camp

Orientation and introductory classes

Laguna Village Development and Indigenous Peoples: The Maya

Hopkins Village Development and Indigenous Peoples: The Garifuna

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation

IZE Marine Biology Station: South Water Caye Linking Ridges to Reef

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

Linking Ridges to Reef, and Wildlife Conservation

Weeks 7-12Intercultural Competence and

Applications of Sustainable Development

Intercultural Competence •Analyze what constitutes a "culture“•Experience arts, foods, religions, Maya archeology, 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 education at a rural primary school

• nutrition education and gardening at an urban primary school

• planning/building a sustainable community for abandoned children

• Developing educational materials on HIV/AIDS for a battered women’s shelter

Environmental Education

Nutrition Education and Gardening

Sustainable Community for Abandoned Children

Educational Materials on Domestic Abuse and HIV/AIDS

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

Caye Caulker

Applications of Sustainable Development—Part II

• Partner with Ocean Academy, a community high school

• Projects include:– Easter vacation

enrichment 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 in Community & 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 be available

– Belize Program financial aid

– 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 the Macal River Camp

Thursday, Apr. 18– Students are

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

Key Points

• UVM financial aid applies

• Additional program scholarships may be available

• All courses in English• UVM courses; no

transfer 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 than

Monday, 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 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”• flexibility• sense of adventure• ability to “roll with

the punches”

For more information:jay.ashman@uvm.edu

learn.uvm.edu/travel/belize