Belize: Likely for you if Mayan ruins and a barrier reef sound like your sort place. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was much less than expected of US courses, with very little homework for any classes and a smattering of papers for each class. The grading system was similarly lenient, though the teaching methods were strongly dependent on power point lectures and course trips when applicable. The administrative support for teachers was much less than American educational system standards, with the administration frequently changing policies on trips and a general lack of financial and institutional support for teachers and their activities.

On-site administration of your program

Ms. Middleton was highly helpful and reliable. Help from her was just a phone call away, and she was very knowledgeable about the typical needs an international student would have. The program size was just right for the small university, and my expectations were generally met from her.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our stay at the Log Cab Inn was expensive, removed from town (at least a hilly mile from San Ignacio) along a notoriously dangerous highway, and facilities and resources were often limited. The Log Cab Inn resort frequently had problems with its well breaking or failing to draw up water for a day or two at a time. Our provided refrigerators were inadequate for our double occupancy rooms, given our need to store food for the semester. Internet service was limited to a study room, and was unreliable for the last month of our stay. However, the staff were generally friendly and housekeeping services were reliable.

Options for vegetarian students is limited to tourist type restaurants if that is a concern for you. Ask for local advice on food, especially regarding Chinese restaurants, due to a lack of health code enforcement. Meat besides chicken is somewhat expensive in Belize, and seafood is seasonal (especially lobster, shrimp, and conch). All vegetables and products are currently non-GMO and lack much of the steroid and preservatives in developed countries and so it often tastes better than back home.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Battle of the Drums in Punta Gorda is an excellent chance to experience the Garifuna musical culture in mid-November. No trip to Belize is complete without snorkeling or diving along its barrier reef which is gorgeous, and the water is always warm enough to swim in. Mayan ruins are scattered throughout Belize, and the Xunantunich and Cahal Pech ruins are excellent and very near San Ignacio. A trip to the blue hole along the hummingbird highway is recommended, although other waterfalls and pools can be found in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The Belizean Independence Day on the 21st of September is a great time, although locals may be resentful of people of English heritage for obvious reasons around that time.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Bottled water is widely available at stores and is recommended for drinking due to the high E. Coli concentrations in groundwater. Buy a gallon at a time at least and use a refillable water bottle to limit your disposal of trash, since these gallon or larger jugs can be recycled/refilled. Always travel with a trusted person at night, and even in the day (especially if you are a female). Healthcare is generally out of pocket, and hospitals may refuse to treat you if you do not have a credit card or cash on you even in the event of an emergency. I eventually stopped taking my malaria medication because its side effects were causing me nausea and other expected problems and Malaria did not appear to be a problem in town although trips into the deep jungle may warrant the medication. Food safety regulations are not strongly enforced, so ask locals for recommended places or foods to eat and especially ask locals about safety of Chinese food places.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Other

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• International Students

• The exposure to different cultures
• Learning about sustainable development in developing nations

• Alternative arrangements for housing from the University
• Support of the teaching staff from administration, especially for field trips