College of Education, Belize Trip Past Review
By Phyllis M (Journalism: Public Relations, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) for
Study Abroad Programs in Belize
The experience was memorable and life changing. The Belizeans we encountered were friendly and welcoming. The country offers many service-learning opportunities for volunteers. In fact, based upon the 2010 spring break trip, I'm hoping to live in Belize for 10 weeks next spring semester while doing media research and volunteering at two facilities.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Traveling with other Americans and faculty advisers, we did not experience the host country's schools by attending them as students but rather as service-learning volunteers. The course assignments and grades for our work in Belize primary schools came from Oklahoma State University faculty who traveled with us. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There were a few glitches, but overall, I think Peacework did an incredible job. Someone was always readily available to help us find what we needed, to help with plans or transportation, and to answer questions. The price of the trip seemed a little steep for what we received but that was probably to cover faculty and facilitators' expenses. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing arrangements were clean and comfortable. We lived in a recently remodeled YWCA. However, we thought we would have access to a kitchen, utensils, and a refrigerator. Unfortunately, the access was extremely limited and the refrigerator was full of the ministry's things. |
| * Food: |
The food tasted good and was reasonably priced at the restaurants we visited. A person could have a steak dinner for under $10. We needed access to more water, however. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Time was limited for cultural events and attractions, but we did visit Mayan ruins one day and the beach one day. I especially enjoyed the welcome dinner the Ministry of Education hosted for us. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We kept hearing about the high crime rate, and we always traveled with a guard, so that tended to make us think about safety more than usual, but I did not feel unsafe at any time. |
| 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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Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Belize's national language is English, but English is not the first language for most students, who must improve their English skills in the classroom. Knowing another language was not necessary for this trip, but Creole was often encountered. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Buy a couple gallons of water when you arrive to keep in your room and to refill your water bottles. Don't rely upon the program or housing directors to provide your drinking water even if they say they will. If they forget or the community tank runs dry, you'll be very thirsty. Read about the country and its myriad cultures before you go if you want to appreciate the diversity Belize offers. All students can benefit from this program. Speak up if you have a particular interest and Peacework will try to accommodate you. We spent half of one day shadowing professionals one-on-one in several fields based upon our individual interests and needs. Take bugspray, sunscreen, and water with you everywhere. |
