belize study abroad – summer, 2013
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Belize Study Abroad – Summer, 2013 From Mountain to Sea: Ecological and Cultural Diversity in a Jewel of Central America CCP Faculty Margaret Stephens - Environmental Conservation/ Geography Randy Libros – Physics/Technology. Maps. Topics of study - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Belize Study Abroad – Summer, 2013
From Mountain to Sea: Ecological and Cultural Diversity in a Jewel of Central America
CCP Faculty Margaret Stephens - Environmental Conservation/
Geography
Randy Libros – Physics/Technology
Topics of study
Ancient to contemporary Maya civilizations, archaeology, history, geography, literature
Natural history, aquatic, forest & marine ecologyTraditional medicine
Natural resource management, challenges of environmental conservation and economic
development
Follow the Sibun River from the mountains to the sea.
Belize-Stephens 4
Waking up in Belize was amazing!
Our host: Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Main cabin, offices & library
Evening visitor
Dining hall &classroom
Program Activities and Features
•Central tropical savanna•Sabun River trip•Western Maya Mountains: Mountain Pine Ridge•Maya culture & archaeological site: Xunantunich•Barrier reef: Tobacco Caye Marine Station
Study the natural environment, diverse habitats, land use issues, history and cultural diversity.
Central tropical savanna
Belize National Zoo
•Not just any zoo
•Injured and rescued animals
•All native to Belize
Belize-Stephens, 2010 13
Watershed Ecology: From Headwaters to the Sea
Western Maya Mountains: Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Headwaters
Western Mountains – limestone caves and sinkholesCaves – Maya underworld
Maya Archaeological Sites
Lunch at Mangana’s home: Maya elders, preserving their heritage
Chalillo Dam Hydroelectric Project
En route to Dangriga, then water taxi
to Tobacco Caye
Our water taxi
Tobacco Caye Marine Field Station in the Caribbean
Tobacco Caye Marine Stationon a barrier reef island ~12 miles offshore
Smithsonian Institution Tropical Marine Research Station
Soil core sampling on mangrove island
Lab: Identifying macro invertebrates (indicators of
water quality) from plankton tow
Moray eel awaiting prey at night
Octopus on nocturnal prowl
Student presentations
Accommodations
35IDS120 Belize – Stephens-Libros 2013
Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Tobacco Caye Marine Station
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Belize-Stephens, 2010 36
Belizean Cuisine
I was treated better at times than I am at home. The food was great!
Being in Belize definitely helped me to broaden my horizons and to see the world from a different point of view. – Jenna Walsh, CCP nursing student
I need a thesaurus because I’m tired of using amazing, cool, awesome and nice. How about…SPECTACULAR!!!
-Anthone Moore, transferred to La Salle U. – wildlife biology
Academic requirements (one credit hour)• application essay, interview, recommendation
•Pre-departure instruction: history, geography, culture, literature, social, political & environmental issues, country orientation, safety and health
•10 days in country
•Student presentations – 1 pre-departure, 1 on site, 1 group presentation after return
•Field journals
IDS 120 – 1 credit, general elective
•pre-departure orientation and instruction: Belizean history, geography, literature, ecology, contemporary social, political and environmental issues
•10 days in country. 3 distinct ecological zones, Maya archaeological site and caves, hydroelectric dam project, medicinal botanical gardens, cultural diversity: Creole, Mestizo, Maya, European descent, naturalized citizens
•3 student presentations: pre-departure, in country, after return
•Field journals
Application Process
Deadline: February 6, 2013
Up to six (6) scholarships
Requirements (See applications)
Tips for successful applications:•Teacher recommendations•Personal essay – connect to your academic/career goals, why this program, flexibility and teamwork