Summer in Belize

Program Information

Learn about local issues in this diverse Central American country while exploring the cultural and ecological richness of Belize.  This program enhances students' global perspectives through a blend of academic coursework, field studies, and hands-on development projects.  Academic courses provide a local focus with a global perspective and allow for up-close investigation of social and ecological issues.  Service projects allow participants to collaborate with community hosts for a life-changing, short term, engaged learning program.  Adding to the total exploration of Belize are excursions to ruins, remote community cultural events, and adventures such as rainforest and cave exploration and river canoeing or tubing.

Belize boasts a warm climate, teeming jungles, beautiful beaches and the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere, and is a peaceful and complex country rich with cultural diversity and stunning natural beauty. Only two hours away from the U.S., this English-speaking country offers authentic and unforgettable experiences. San Ignacio, the semester home base, is a diverse, market town with multiple cultures, friendly people, and fun nightlife.  Take a hike through the jungle to experience the amazing ecological bio-diversity or take a trip to the second largest barrier reef in the world.

Study with local and international students to gain a better understanding of the culture and people of Belize.  Courses are designed so that students get hands-on experience and learn by doing. Students will take field trips throughout Belize as part of their courses.  To complete the experience, students work with community members and project coordinators in Belize to protect the fragile ecosystems, support local education initiatives or create opportunities for community development.  This engaging summer program is a perfect way to earn academic credit while gaining personal perspective.

Highlights

Work hard and play harder!  Students in Belize may be mostly occupied by their studies during the week, but when it's time for the weekend, Belize is prime  for adventurous exploration of ruins, jungles, beaches, reefs, and cultures.  Some other draws to San Ignacio, Belize:    

    * The sub tropical location - mountains, rivers and caves of Belize
    * Rainforest and Jungle: canoeing, hiking, bird watching
    * 2 hours from the famous barrier reef for snorkeling, sailing, SCUBA diving
    * Developing country, independent since 1981
    * Ancient Maya ruins
    * Multi-lingual, multi-ethnic community
    * Practice Spanish, Creole and Maya languages
    * International faculty and student body

 

Housing

Accommodations are provided with a local family in Belize.  Each student will have a private room with a shared bathroom.  Most meals will be provided.

Curriculum

Students can choose from courses offered in the following areas.  Each course is field-based and runs for two weeks.  Two courses in the same subject are taken consecutively. [Brackets represent the two-course groupings]. See the full list of Galen University Summer Offerings or see below:

Session 1: [Creole Cultures of Belize, African Diaspora in Latin America and the Caribbean], [Ecology of a Tropical Rainforest, Tropical Ornithology], [*Exotic Animals and Wildlife of Belize, *Exploring Animal Health and Disease], [Introduction to Forensic Anthropology, Osteoarchaeology], [Watershed Ecology, Marine Ecology]

Session 2: [Introduction to Sustainable Development, Permaculture], [*Exotic Animals and Wildlife of Belize, *Exploring Animal Health and Disease], [Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geographic Information Remote Sensing], [Maya Culture and Archaeology of Belize, Mesoamerican Civilizations], [Watershed Ecology, Marine Ecology]

*Animal Science courses require additional fees not included in program cost.  Please inquire with us.

Development Projects and Service-Learning

The projects are an integral part of what makes the Summer Semester in Belize so different from other summer programs. Students engage in group community development projects throughout the summer.

Projects are chosen by site directors based on community need and executed in a manner consistent with community empowerment and ownership. Past projects include:

    * Reforestation, infrastructural development, and trail maintenance in the Elijio Panti National Park
    * Construction of a community playground in TeaKettle Village
    * Public Health outreach campaigns including Diabetes testing and HIV/AIDS education
    * Youth empowerment camps offering tutoring lessons and sports

Program Dates

Summer 2010

Session 1: June 5 - July 3

Session 2: July 8 - August 7

Cost

$4,845

*cost may change at any time due to the currency exchange

Included

  • Tuition and Materials
  • Housing
  • Most Meals
  • Airport Pickup
  • Health and Travel Insurance
  • Project Funding & Support
  • Cultural & Adventure Excursions
  • In Country Transportation
  • Support Services

How to Apply

  • Fill out the IEP Application and review information on the Apply page.
  • Pay a $200 deposit to International Education Programs.
  • Send an official transcript from your home institution to the address below.

Send the above materials to:

International Education Programs
Jacksonville University
2800 University Blvd North
Gooding 105
Jacksonville, Florida 32211