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Belize Semester Abroad Program in Sustainable Development Spring Semester, 2012

Belize Semester Abroad Program in Sustainable Development Spring Semester, 2012. 2012 Program Highlights All courses are field-based All courses are problem-based Increased emphasis on service-learning. Belize. Only English-speaking country in Central America

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Belize Semester Abroad Program in Sustainable Development Spring Semester, 2012

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  1. Belize Semester Abroad Program in Sustainable Development Spring Semester, 2012

  2. 2012 Program HighlightsAll courses are field-basedAll courses are problem-basedIncreased emphasis on service-learning

  3. Belize • Only English-speaking country in Central America • Unique combination of Caribbean and Latin American geography and culture • Geographic area the same as Massachusetts • 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. Development Pressures “Finally, Paradise is for Sale” Caye Chapel marketing materials

  12. Mass (Cruise Ship) Tourism

  13. Solid Waste Management

  14. Belize’s Cultural Diversity • Seven major ethnic groups • Mestizo • Creole • Garifuna • Maya • East Indian • Mennonite • Chinese

  15. Five courses: 18 credits • Development and Indigenous Peoples • Rivers to Reefs: A Conservation Approach to Watershed Ecology • Wildlife Conservation and Communities: Issues and Approaches • Applications of Sustainable Development • (Service Learning) (6 credits) • Intercultural Competence

  16. Weeks 1 and 2: Discover Belize “unplugged”Macal River Camp Orientation and introductory classesBegin Rivers to Reefs and Intercultural Competence

  17. Laguna VillageDevelopment and Indigenous Peoples: The Maya

  18. HopkinsVillageDevelopment and Indigenous Peoples: The Garifuna

  19. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife SanctuaryRivers to ReefsWildlife Conservation and Communities

  20. IZE Marine Biology Station and LodgeSouth Water CayeRivers to Reefs

  21. Weeks 3-12: Settle in, Study, & ServeSan Ignacio TownComplete coursework for Development and Indigenous Peoples, Rivers to Reefs, and Wildlife Conservation and Communities

  22. Applications of Sustainable Development: Part I (Service Learning) 2012 Project Partners: • St. Barnabas School • environmental education • Faith Nazarene School • nutrition and gardening • Barzakh Falah • planning and building a sustainable community for abandoned or abused children • Mary Open Doors • providing support for a battered women’s shelter

  23. Weeks 13 and 14: Get Dirt on Your Hands and Sand on Your FeetCaye Caulker

  24. Applications of Sustainable Development—Part II • Our project partner is Ocean Academy, a non-profit community high school • Projects include: • mangrove restoration • developing a system for recycling plastic bottles • “Shop Green” reusable shopping bag program • composting for the school garden

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

  26. 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 • two of “choose 5+” restricted electives (depending on nature of service learning projects)

  27. Financial Details Tuition • Pay tuition to UVM (instate/out-of-state) Program Fee • Approximately $5,800 • 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

  28. Financial Aid UVM financial aid applies Additional aid available • Belize Program financial aid • need-based up to $1000 • Service-learning Teaching Assistant • $500

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

  30. Program Dates Saturday, Jan. 14 • Students are met at the Belize Int’l. Airport and transported to the Macal River Camp Saturday, Apr. 21 • Students are transported from Caye Caulker to the Belize Int’l. Airport

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

  32. Information Sessions Wed., Apr. 13, 2011 5 p.m.U-Heights North Multipurpose Room Tue., Apr. 19, 2011 6:30 p.m.Room 413 Davis Center

  33. Application Process • Application • Complete and return to Jay Ashman no later than Friday, April 29, 2011 for consideration during spring recruitment period • Interview • Will be conducted upon receipt of application • Admission • Notice will be sent out following interview • Deposit • Non-refundable $500 due with acceptance of offer of admission

  34. 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” (your flexibility, sense of adventure, and ability to “roll with the punches”)

  35. For more information:jay.ashman@uvm.edulearn.uvm.edu/travel/belize

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