BELIZE
Impact Belize

Make a difference this Spring Break with Impact Belize!

 

About the Program

This is a multidisciplinary, service learning program designed to enhance student learning through the integration of academic and co-curricular experiences in an international setting. This program will provide students with an opportunity to study and reflect on serious global issues relating to economic, political, and cultural sustainability. Faculty and students will provide various services to the community of Gales Point, Belize, and collaborate with the Belize Ministry of health and other agencies. Students will apply their knowledge and skills through civic engagement, community based research, interdisciplinary teamwork, and personal leadership.

 

Anticipated Learning Outcomes

• Develop a fundamental understanding of concepts and issues relevant to building sustainable systems on environmental, economic, and political fronts.
• Describe ways to solve problems in communities
• Critically analyze the principles of service learning; reciprocity, capacity building, sustainably, and reflection.
• Experience living in another culture
• Adapt knowledge learned to further success in your field of study

 

Program Highlights

• Make a difference with a hands on service learning project
• Experience life of this small rural community
• See the beauty and rich ecosystem of this out-of-the-way peninsula

 

Eligibility

The Program Leaders may determine other eligibility requirements, but at a minimum, all applicants need to meet these requirements:

• Current WKU student eligible to register for WKU courses.  Students from outside WKU may participate as visiting students.
• Permission of instructor(s).
• Preference given to WKU Art majors.
• Good academic standing (Undergraduate Catalog p.27; Graduate Catalog p.30).
• Good standing in the Honors College for Honors credit.
• 18 years of age or older at time of departure (parent/guardian permission for anyone under 18 at time of departure).
• Possess passport valid for at least six (6) months after FLSA return date.
• No current disciplinary sanctions as verified by Judicial Affairs.
• Full payment prior to departure.
• Completion of all pre-departure orientation.
• Complete the Study Abroad & Global Learning application process on TopNet prior to being registered in this course. We suggest you start this application process immediately and respond to all emails promptly.

 

Program Package

Includes

• Tuition for 3 credits ($1,059 value for resident undergraduates – see details)
• Round-trip airfare
• Accommodations
• Group excursions
• Transportation from airport in Belize City to Gales Point
• International medical insurance.

Not included in program fee

• Transportation from home to the U.S. departure airport /return from airport to your home.
• Tips and personal expenses.
• Food
• Cost of independent travel (non-program travel).

Final program fee subject to change due to travel arrangements.

 

Logistical Considerations

• The course includes a group flight that originates and returns to Nashville.
• Independent travel (before and/or after the programs start and end date) is permitted with prior notification to Program Leaders. There may be medical insurance issues to deal with, as well as changes to the airline reservations (with possible additional cost to participant), so advanced notice is required. International travel requires all participants to have a valid passport. 
• If you don't have a passport, get one immediately.
• Students should be prepared to conduct themselves in a mature and respectful manner at all times.
• This program will also include a fair amount of walking in a metropolitan area. Proper shoes and attire are required.

 

Funding Options 

• DELO Faculty-led Study Abroad Award
• WKU Worldtopper Scholarship (apply on topnet)
• Check with your major department for additional available scholarships

You should contact Student Financial Assistance to determine your funding options if needed.  You will need to provide the course number, name, your name and 800#, and the course fee as stated above, in the email you send to financial aid.

 

Planned Itinerary*

March 11	Transportation to Gales Point. Working in Gales Point Village
March 12	Working in Gales Point Village
March 13	Working in Gales Point Village
March 14	Explore Caye Caulker
March 15	Cultural Sharing in Gales Point
March 16	Return to Nashville

* subject to change

 

Contact us to learn more.