Past Review
By meeks (EDUCATION., New Mexico State University) for
University of Belize: Belmopan - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
There is not one part of the experience that I felt was not worth while. I was able to touch people and was touch by so many more. What I learned in a few months, could not have been taught inside a classroom environment. This was not just a summation of my undergrad experience, but my life's experience. I have a wider view of my role as both a person and teacher. The more I learned and experienced, the more I knew there was out there I needed and wanted to know. If you have gotten as far as reaching the country, don't stop there. Get out and experience all that their is that's offered. I would not have ended my undergrad as satisfied as I will be now, had I not have done this.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The pre-departure information was well prepared. Once in country, the program's communication was near non-existent. Keep close ties with those at the destination and those from the university. |
| * Food: |
When asked about what types of foods you do or do not eat, be very specific. Be willing to try new foods. Remember, you are in a part of the world that grows foods that you may not be familiar with. Get used to rice, beans, and chicken. It's the staple. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Take the time to go to local events (participate if possible). Be willing to make things happen. People are more than willing to help out in the planning of new events or programs. Get to know the reasons behind each of the local events happening. It's not what you know but who you know. Get to know people. The communities are small enough that this can be done quick and with open arms. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Be very aware and ready. Any towns or villages will most likely not have healthcare ready at a moments notice. The authorities are not as quick to respond as you are used to. Be aware of sanitation. The children may come from homes that do not have proper sanitation and will carry this with them. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The costs all depend on the things you are willing to do. If you are wanting to travel as a tourist taking tours and hiring guides, this will get expensive. Meals are not expensive. Many people sell food which is not expensive and still fresh/safe. You might want to spend some money on your class as many of the classes have little to offer. |
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You come with a degree of knowledge you may not have realized before you left. Use all your experiences you have had in life and incorporate them into the one you are going to experience. The small things that you may not think are significant, can be very much so for someone else. People are people, you may share more in common than you may have thought. Globalization is not just happening in industrialized countries. You have something to teach while your there, and much to learn. |
