Belize Semester Abroad Program in Sustainable Development Spring Semester, 2012

Belize Only English-speaking country in Central America Located on the Caribbean Sea Bordered by Mexico and Guatemala Geographic area the same as Massachusetts ½ the population of Vermont

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

300 miles of Caribbean coastline Second longest continuous barrier reef in world UNESCO World Heritage Site

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

–Ancient Maya temples and sacred caves

Community co-management: Unique approach to managing protected areas

Six courses: 18 credits Reefs and Rainforests: Environmental Challenges in Belize (3 credits) Development: An Indigenous Perspective (3 credits) Applications of Sustainable Development--A (Service Learning) (3 credits) Social Problems in a Developing Country (Independent Study) (3 credits ) or Hunger & Food Insecurity: Burlington to Belize (3 credits) Intercultural Competence (3 credits) Applications of Sustainable Development--B (Service Learning) (3 credits)

Part I: Discover Belize “unplugged” Week 1: Macal River Camp Orientation and Intercultural Competence

Week 2: Laguna Village Development: An Indigenous Perspective

Week 3: South Water Caye Reefs and Rainforests: Environmental Challenges in Belize

Part II: Settle in, Study, & Serve Weeks 4-12: San Ignacio

“Downtown” San Ignacio

San Ignacio’s “Church Street”

Applications of Sustainable Development--A (Service Learning) Projects may include: curriculum development and teaching: –environmental education –nutrition and community gardening ecological design and construction public education on health-related topics

Social Issues in a Developing Country or Hunger and Food Insecurity

La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge Day OneStart of Race in San Ignacio

Part III: Get Your Hands Sandy Weeks 13 and 14 Caye Caulker

Applications of Sustainable Development—B (Service Learning) Projects may include: mangrove restoration feasibility of recycling public education on solid waste management teaching entrepreneur- ship skills to the students at Ocean Academy video production for Ocean Academy fund- raising

Minor in Community & International Development (CID) Complete up to three of the five courses needed for a minor Need only take CDAE 061 and CDAE 002on campus

CID/PCOM Majors CID Major: Receive credit for –CDAE 102; and –five of “choose 7” restricted electives PCOM Major: Receive credit for –CDAE 102; and –Up to three “choose 5+” restricted electives (depending on nature of service learning projects and independent study)

Housing in San Ignacio: Martha’s Inn

Common room at the Inn

Bedroom at the Inn

Breakfast at Martha’s Restaurant

Financial Details Tuition –Pay tuition to UVM (instate/out-of-state) Program Fee –$5,800 –Includes Housing 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 available 1.Belize Program financial aid need-based up to $ Service-learning Teaching Assistant $500

Additional Expenses Airfare ($500-$1,000) Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, gifts) Personal travel not planned in course itinerary

Tentative Program Dates Saturday, Jan. 14: –Students arrive in Belize City Saturday, April 21 –Program ends

Key Points UVM financial aid applies Additional scholarships All courses in English UVM courses so no transfer credit issues CID minor

Information Sessions April, 2011 Dates and locations to be announced

Application Process 1.Application –Complete and return to Jay Ashman no later than Friday, April 29, 2011 for consideration during spring recruitment period 2.Interview –Will be conducted upon receipt of application 3.Admission –Notice will be sent out following interview 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” (e.g., your flexibility, sense of adventure, ability to “roll with the punches)

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