Belize Semester Abroad Program in Sustainable Development Spring Semester, 2013

2013 Program Features 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 Reserve World’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 7-12 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 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 1.Belize Program financial aid 2.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, Interview –May Admission –Notice sent by 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”

For more information: learn.uvm.edu/travel/belize