An adventurer's paradise steeped in history from ancient Maya to its modern democracy, Belize is a small nation on the Caribbean Sea known for its spectacular combination of reef and rainforest. The only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize is situated east of Guatemala and just south of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Rich with natural waterways, rainforest and ancient Mayan ruins, Belize is an ideal location for study of the environment and international and community development.
The UVM program in Belize focuses on sustainable development, combining academic coursework with service/project-based learning. Galen University, with its commitment to sustainable development, provides the academic framework through classes taught by UVM and Galen faculty and staff. Belize–with its community-based approach to solving problems and its unique natural and cultural resources including one of the most protected and bio-diverse ecosystems on earth–provides the "laboratory" in which classroom theories can be applied in a developing-country context.
One of the world's most biologically diverse nations, 93% of Belize's land is under forest cover. It has the largest coral reef in the western hemisphere, the largest cave system in Central America, over 500 species of birds, thousands of Maya archaeological sites, and the only jaguar reserve in the world. Belize has a rich mix of ethnicities including Mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garifuna, East Indian, Chinese, and Mennonite, despite being one of the least densely populated countries in the world.
Belize has closely watched its rate of economic development, agricultural expansion and tourism growth in particular. There is a conservation consciousness in Belize that has challenged the government, private sector, investors and the public at large to balance development with conservation of its natural resources As a result, today Belize has more than 40% of its land under some form of legal protection. Belize is home to a number of outstanding nature institutes, field stations and educational centers.
This program is designed for students with an interest in community/international development, sustainable development, and environmental studies. Students will enroll in UVM courses taught by UVM faculty/staff, as well as Galen University courses that have been cross-listed as UVM courses. Belizean students at Galen University students will be enrolled in these courses as well. All instruction is in English.
UVM courses:
Galen University courses likely to be cross-listed:
Galen University stresses sustainable development in its courses, research, and service to the community. Its faculty specializes in natural resources studies, economic anthropology and rural sociology, allowing Galen to maintain a holistic perspective on sustainable development. Projects carried out by the Galen University Applied Research and Development for Sustainability (GUARDS) institute, are designed to achieve sustainable, positive improvements in Belize's society, culture, eco-systems, democratic systems and economy. With the university located just outside San Ignacio, the second largest metropolitan center in the country, students at Galen have the opportunity to interact with non-governmental organizations there and in neighboring communities.
The Inn at Martha's is located in the heart of San Ignacio and conveniently located near the downtown business district. The entire Inn will be reserved for UVM students and include cooking facilities. Further information on Martha's may be found at this website.
The Belize Semester Abroad Program in Sustainable Development consists of 18 credits. Students pay UVM tuition (in-state or out-of-state) plus a program fee of $5,550. Unlike study abroad programs through other institutions, you may apply your UVM financial aid. Additional scholarships are available through the Belize Program and the office of Community–University Partnerships and Service Learning.
Last modified July 29 2009 10:57 AM
