Summer in Belize: Environmental Studies

Program Description and Highlights Program Itinerary Why Should I Join This Program? Host Institution Curriculum and Faculty Student Housing Admission Requirements Program Fees and Dates Host Country & City

Host Country and City

Belize, often called ''Mother Nature's best kept secret'', is a tropical paradise. It is the only English speaking country in Central America and the smallest (in terms of population) non-island sovereign state in the Americas. It is a stable democracy of about 300,000 people. Belize borders Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.

Belize is a country of many cayes (small islands), inland tropical forests, pristine rivers, ancient Maya temples and sacred caves. Along the 300 miles of Caribbean coastline lies the second longest barrier reef in the world. The Belize Barrier Reef is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising seven Marine Protected Areas.

The rich culture of Belize reflects the diversity of the peoples who call Belize home: Maya, Creole, European, Garifuna, Mestizo, East Indian, Chinese and Mennonite.

The flora and fauna in Belize are spectacular. An amazing number of mammals are found in Belize and, though many of them are nocturnal, you can see them at Belize's famous Zoo, “the greatest little zoo in the world.”

Among the 572 species of birds in Belize, you will hear flocks of parrots noisily announcing their presence in the jungle and the teasing calls of many birds that blend into the tropical landscape.

A Learning Laboratory

Belize has well developed agriculture and ecotourism industries and is easily accessible as a travel destination. A multi-cultural society working to prove a commitment to sustainable development, Belize is a close-to-perfect learning laboratory for studying sustainable development, business, tourism, anthropology and culture in the context of a developing nation.

San Ignacio

"There is something indescribably alluring about the capital of Belize's western district. Maybe it is some remnant Mayan magic...Maybe it's the raw vitality of the surrounding wilderness...or maybe it is what happens when all these factors combine with a kind, good-hearted, diverse community of people" *

  

San Ignacio, the base for our Belize programs, is the district capital for the Cayo district of Belize. San Ignacio is a lively but small town of about 16,000 inhabitants that borders vast jungle and nature areas and is split by the Macal river.

San Ignacio is a very accessible location to immerse yourself in the multi-cultural Belizean society and as a launching pad for a stunning array of outdoor activities. San Ignacio is also close enough to Belize's world-class beaches to make it manageable
to take weekend trips to the beach.

Though San Ignacio has reasonable modern conveniences (e.g. internet access), it is not an urban environment by any stretch of the imagination. Students looking for a fast-paced urban setting should consider one of our programs based in cities in Europe or Mexico. Those looking for evenings gazing at the stars, stimulating conversations over dinner, or hikes in the jungle, will find Belize the perfect location.

* - Moon Handbooks, Belize, 6th Edition, Jan 2005, Mallan, Chicki and Berman, Joshua, p.119.