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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”
