TIGER ATHLETICS
- Field activities and cultural experiences to bring alive the lecture topics.
- Talks by Belizean scholars, traditional knowledge bearers, and experts.
- Opportunities to interact with communities and meaning-making spaces.
Program
Overview
CELA Belize: Engaged Learning Abroad
The Center of Engaged Learning Abroad’s (CELA) central aim is to connect the academic interests of students with the rich educational context Belize provides in a respectful, purposeful, and engaging manner.CELA aims to engage students in their own personal and professional growth by encouraging them to enter educational programs with purpose and open-mindedness and to sustain that learning through constant reflection. CELA encourages students to link theory and practice with their areas of study and to link their Belize learning experiences with their future careers.
CELA involves students with Belize, the people and the place, from an intercultural framework and encourages students to learn about themselves and others.
How You'll Learn
Learning Objectives
While you explore Belize, you’ll develop:
- An understanding of the historical and contemporary reality of Belize.
- A respect for the Belizean cultural landscape (Garifuna, Creole, Maya, Mestizo).
- An appreciation for the natural landscape of Belize AND valuable intercultural skills.
Eleven-Day Itinerary
May 9 – 19, 2023
- Arrive at BZE Phillip Goldson International Airport
- Transfer to Belize City
- Dinner
- Orientation & Overview of Belize
- Tour of Belize City
- Accommodation at Golden Bay Hotel
- Breakfast in San Ignacio
- Transfer to Belize Zoo
- Tour Belize Zoo/ Jaguar Rehab Program
- Lunch
- Lecture by Zoo Education Officer
- Travel to Hopkins
- Accommodation in Hopkins
- Breakfast
- Talk on creole culture and language
- Visit Belize Museum
- Lunch in creole restaurant
- Photos at Belize Sign & other sites
- Accommodation at Golden Bay Hotel
- Breakfast at Hopkins
- Visit Cockscomb Basin Sanctuary/ Jaguar Preserve
- Lunch
- Talk on Mayan Healing
- Accommodations in Hopkins
- Breakfast in Belize City
- Travel to Belize River Valley Communities
- Visit Baboon Sanctuary
- Lunch in creole community
- Arrive at Midas late evening
- Dinner in San Ignacio
- Accomodation in San Ignacio
- Breakfast in Hopkins
- Free time in Hopkins
- Lunch
- Chocolate making in Maya Center
- Beach time in Hopkins
- Dinner and Garifuna Drumming in Hopkins
- Accommodations in Hopkins
- Breakfast at San Ignacio Market
- Tour of Market and San Ignacio
- Vist to Benque House of Culture: talk about meztizo culture
- Interaction with Author of Folkstory collection- story reading
- Lunch at House of Culture
- Green Iguana Project
- Dinner
- Accommodation in San Ignacio
- Breakfast in Hopkns
- Visit Gulisi Community Museum
- Visit Gulisi Community School
- Garifuna Lunch
- Return to Belize City
- Accommodations at Golden Bay
- Breakfast in San Ignacio
- Maya Culture talk
- Visit Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve
- Lunch at Benny’s Restaurant
- Talk with Psychiatric Nurse
- Talk with Social Worker
- Visit to Maya farm
- Dinner
- Accommodation in San Ignacio
- Departure Day
- Breakfast in San Ignacio
- Visit Maya farm
- Lunch making with family in Succotz
- Accommodation in San Ignacio
Pricing Information
$3,000 not including airfare
Price includes:
- Tuition
- Most meals & housing in Belize
- Admission to historical sites and nature reserves
- Transportation in Belize
Students are responsible for purchasing their own airline tickets.
Travel dates and times to be coordinated with the trip leaders.
Incidental costs, health insurance, medical testing, some meals, and souvenirs not included.
Iowa Wesleyan Students Experience Cultures, Gain Perspective In Belize
Students at Iowa Wesleyan University have a unique opportunity to participate in an 11-day study aboard trip to Belize each May. This opportunity provides students a chance to learn and experience the distinct cultures of Belize, including Creole, Garifuna, Mayan, and Mestizos. Students will learn from world-class experts in lectures and visit important sites and locations. With several hours of free time scheduled in each city, students are also provided opportunities to learn and engage with cultural elements that interest them.
As Iowa Wesleyan welcomes greater diversity on campus and emphasizes globalization, efforts are being made to increase study abroad opportunities for students.
For more information, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs at [email protected]
Student Testimonials From the 2022 Study Abroad Experience
“Study abroad will change your perspective on life. It will open you up to friendships you’d never expect, and cultures you never knew about. Best of all, it will leave you with an open mind, and the urge to expand your worldview.”
-Delaney Adams
“Iowa Wesleyan University has given me the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and obtain experiences I never would have had otherwise. The days I spent in Belize were packed with fun and informative activities and events that have expanded my knowledge and understanding of the world as it is. I can’t recommend going to study abroad enough!”
-Allison Craff
“This trip was amazing, and I will forever have these memories. If you’re thinking about doing it, do it! You won’t regret it. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
-Katie Schmidt
“I am so grateful for the experiences I had on this trip and all of the people I was able to meet and learn from. It was truly amazing. Study abroad is one of the best decisions I have made!”
-Morgan Laden
“This study abroad trip to Belize gave me more hands-on opportunities than I would ever get from a textbook and allowed me to get multiple perspectives from people within the culture. I now have more drive to do service in these areas and learn about other cultures in the future.”
-Josie McClellan
Register Today To Hold Your Spot For the Summer 2023 Trip!
Your deposit for the Belize trip is $100.
2022 Belize Trip Photos!
