Belize Semester Abroad Program in Sustainable Development

Agenda Belize Galen University/San Ignacio Curriculum Field Trips Housing and Meals Financial Details Application Process Questions

Why Belize? Ideal location to study sustainable development –Biologically diverse 93% of land under forest cover 40% of land under legal protection

–300 miles of Caribbean coastline –Second longest barrier reef in world

Rich culture –Diverse population Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, East Indian, and Mennonite

–Ancient Maya temples and sacred caves

Galen University Galen University’s mission –“…a unique focus on sustainable development throughout its courses, programs, and service”

San Ignacio

Curriculum Required courses for UVM students: 1.Service learning course –4 credits –Team taught/supervised by UVM and Galen faculty –Equal number of UVM and Belizean students

2007 projects 1.Alternative energy systems Mayan education center 2.Good governance 3.Cultural tourism and sustainable income for indigenous groups 4.Environmental education in schools 5.Analysis of media in HIV/AIDS education

2. Sustainable development course Taught by Galen University faculty –Choose from: Principles of Sustainable Development Development: An Indigenous Perspective

3. Cultural awareness –1 credit –“Maximizing Your Belize Experience”

Other UVM courses: 1.CDAE 157 Consumer Law 2.CDAE 195 Strategic Writing 3.CDAE 195 Organizational Development

Galen courses cross-listed as UVM courses: 1.Adventure and Eco-Tourism 2.Sustainable Tourism 3.Environmental Problems 4.Environmental Economics 5.Social Issues in a Developing Country 6.Maya Archaeology 7.Garifuna Culture and Language 8.Small Business Venture 9.Research, Writing and Project Management Can complete four of five courses for CDAE minor in Community & International Development (CID)

Weekend Field Trips Programme for Belize La Milpa Field Station

South Water Caye

Course-Related Field Trips

Housing: Martha’s Inn

Martha’s Guest House

Martha’s Restaurant

Financial Details Tuition –Pay tuition to UVM (instate/out-of-state) Program Fee –$5550 –Includes Housing and 5 breakfasts per week Meal allowance ($70/week) Field trips (two or three weekend trips) Daily transportation between San Ignacio and Galen Use of personal cell phone

Financial Aid UVM financial aid applies Additional aid available 1.Belize Program financial aid need-based up to $ Service-learning Teaching Assistant up to $1000

Additional Expenses Airfare ($500-$1000) Personal expenses Additional weekend trips not planned in course itinerary

Application Process (Spring) 1.Application –Complete and return to Jay Ashman by April 20 2.Interview –Will be completed before the end of spring semester 3.Acceptances –Will be sent out by June 1 4.Deposit –Non-refundable $500 due by June 15

Selection Criteria Class Major and minor Recommendations Academic performance Community service Our perception of –your commitment to maximizing the benefits of this experience, personally and for others –“intangibles” such as your flexibility, sense of adventure, ability to “roll with the punches,” etc.

Questions?