Belize -Best thing I've done in my college career Past Review
By Sam H (Biology, George Mason University) for
George Mason University: Traveling - From Ridges to Reefs
Seeing the rain-forest in person is indescribable and the coral reefs there blow away some of the ones you can see in the U.S. and its territories. I am returning to Belize as soon as my degree is finished. I can see myself living there in the future.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Lectures were set up in a way where they did not interfere with the experience but were still able to touch on all the important teaching points. I thought the academic part of the trip was set up perfectly. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We were led by a company called island expeditions that runs eco-tours in the country. They could not have been better. They were accommodating to everyone's individual needs and very professional. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We traveled around alot. We stayed the longest on a small family owned island. the family that owned the island was great. They were all extremely friendly and the food was amazing. We also spent some of the trip camping in the jungle so for that portion of the trip we stayed in tents that were provided to us. |
| * Food: |
Everyone's dietary needs were taken into account. I made it a point to try everything that was offered to me at least once and i was not disappointed. We were able to try some of the foods that were considered local delicacies(get some conch fritters!!). One night we were even able to catch and eat our on lobsters! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We spent some time in a small Mayan village. We were able to learn about Mayan culture and the general day to day operation of the village. We also got to learn some about the Garifuna, anther local cultural group. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I did not find myself in any dangerous situations. we spent some time in one city(Dangriga) in groups of two without incident. Minor injuries like cuts and such were dealt with by provided first aid materials. (mostly just me hurting myself accidentally) |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you like coral reefs or the rain-forest or just enjoy the tropics in general this is for you. The people in Belize are very nice(generally)and most of them speak English it is probably the best central American country to visit for an English speaking person. |
