1. Belize Semester Abroad Program in Sustainable Development Spring Semester, 2013

2. 2013 Program Features -- 18 credits -- Three field-based courses -- Six credits of service-learning

3. 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

4. Why Belize? Ideal location to study sustainable development

5. Ecological diversity Last intact tropical forest north of the Amazon Longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere –UNESCO World Heritage Site

6. Biological diversity

7. Cockscomb Wildlife Reserve World’s only jaguar preserve

8. Largest cave system in the Western Hemisphere--many sacred to the Maya

9. Community co-management Unique approach to managing protected areas

10. Pioneer in Ecotourism

11. Belize’s Cultural Diversity –Mestizo –Creole –Garifuna –Maya –East Indian –Mennonite –Chinese

12. “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

13. Development Pressures

14. Mass (Cruise Ship) Tourism

15. Solid Waste Management

16. Population Increase At the current rate, population of Belize will double in 20 years

17. 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)

18. Weeks 1 to 3: Discover Belize “Unplugged” Macal River Camp Orientation and introductory classes

19. Laguna Village Development and Indigenous Peoples: The Maya

20. Hopkins Village Development and Indigenous Peoples: The Garifuna

21. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation

22. IZE Marine Biology Station: South Water Caye Linking Ridges to Reef

23. Weeks 4-6: Settle into Cayo Complete work for Development and Indigenous Peoples, Linking Ridges to Reef, and Wildlife Conservation

24. 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”

25. 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

26. Environmental Education

27. Nutrition Education and Gardening

28. Sustainable Community for Abandoned Children

29. Educational Materials on Domestic Abuse and HIV/AIDS

30. Weeks 13 and 14: Get Dirt on Your Hands and Sand in Your Shoes Caye Caulker

31. Applications of Sustainable Development—Part II Partner with Ocean Academy, a community high school Projects include: –Easter vacation enrichment camp –Tutoring –Classroom construction

32. Volunteer Activities

33. 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

34. Minor in Community & International Development (CID) Fulfill three of five required courses Take CDAE 061 and CDAE 002 (preferably fall semester)

35. 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

36. Financial Aid UVM financial aid applies Additional aid may be available 1.Belize Program financial aid 2.Service-learning Teaching Assistant

37. Additional Expenses Airfare –($500-$1,000) Personal expenses –(souvenirs, gifts) Personal travel

38. 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

39. Key Points UVM financial aid applies Additional program scholarships may be available All courses in English UVM courses; no transfer credit issues

40. Information Sessions Wednesday, Apr. 25 5:30 p.m. Lafayette L308 Thursday., Apr. 26 7:00 p.m. Davis Ctr. room 402

41. 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

42. 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”

43. For more information: jay.ashman@uvm.edu learn.uvm.edu/travel/belize jay.ashman@uvm.edu