Belize Semester Abroad

Program in Sustainable Development

Spring Semester

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 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 Reserve

Worlds 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

Belizes 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 worlds 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 7-12
Intercultural 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 womens 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 DevelopmentPart 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
* May vary for future program

Financial Aid*
UVM financial aid applies Additional aid may be available 1. Belize Program financial aid 2. Service-learning Teaching Assistant

* May vary for future program

Additional Expenses*
Airfare
($500-$1,000)

Personal expenses
(souvenirs, gifts)

Personal travel

* May vary for future program

Program Dates for 2012 Belize Semester Abroad*

Thursday, Jan. 10
Students are met at the Belize Intl. Airport and transported to the Macal River Camp

Thursday, Apr. 18
Students are transported from Caye Caulker to the Belize Intl. Airport

* May vary for future program

Key Points
UVM financial aid applies Additional program scholarships may be available All courses in English UVM courses; no transfer credit issues

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
* May vary for future program