CCSA - Belize: Land & Sea

Experience two countries in one program: Belize and Guatemala.

In Belize, experience a tropical rainforest and coral reef just miles apart. Study the fascinating biological features that characterize these systems and observe the interactions between humans and their environment. In the rain forest, see iguanas, howler monkeys and leaf cutter ants while gaining insight into the Mayan culture and its use of medicinal plants. On the coral reef, the longest in the Western Hemisphere, swim with brilliantly colored reef fish among the diverse assemblage of corals, sponges, and other invertebrates.

In Guatemala, spend time in the village of Flores on Lake Peten Itza and connect science and medicine of pre-Columbian Mayan civilization to our modern challenges at one of the largest archaeological sites in the region.

Round Trip group air transportation is available from Cincinnati, Ohio or Nashville, Tennessee to Belize. Round-trip air transportation from other cities MAY be considered on a case-by-case basis at an additional cost. Ground transportation from/to destination airport and between program sites is provided.

Belize: Land & Sea Program Package

Base Price $3,699 Includes:

Accommodations in multi-bedded rooms in field stations, cabins and dormitory facilities
Course-related activities and entrances fees

Some minor additional course fees may apply. See our cost calculator.

All course-related ground transportation
Additional cultural program excursions
Health and emergency evacuation insurance
Program directors and staff on-site 24/7
All meals

Accommodations:

Participants will reside in 3 different accommodation sites throughout Belize that include multi-bedded rooms in field stations, cabins, and dormitory facilities.

Belize

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is settled on 29 acres of tropical savannah. Student groups are provided with comfortable dormitory style accommodations, which are equipped with hot and cold showers, restrooms, wash house and study area.
Blue Creek is a small Mayan Village with a population of several hundred. CCSA participants will reside in rustic cabins, which vary in size and accommodate 2 to 10 individuals.
South Water Caye is a small island located off the coast of Dangriga. CCSA students will stay in a dorm with bunk beds and restrooms with showers and hot and cold running water.

Guatemala

In Guatemala students will lodge at Gringo Perdido Ecological Inn on Lake Peten Itza.

Group Travel Required

Estimated Cost: $599 – $849 *

This program requires round-trip air transportation from one of CCSA's designated U.S. departure cities.. Ground transportation is provided by CCSA once in Belize and Guatemala. Round-trip air transpiration from other cities MAY be considered on a case-by-case basis at an additional cost.

* All prices are estimates based on Summer 2017 costs. Final pricing will be published on the CCSA website by September 2017.

Quick Info

Program Dates: May 15, 2018 —May 31, 2018
Early Application Deadline: February 9, 2018
Final Application Deadline: February 23, 2018
Location(s): Belize
Scholarships: Yes
Base Price: $ 3,699

Courses Offered

Biology / Earth & Environmental Science

Tropical Biology In Belize and Guatemala

Course Description: Study examples of Earth's most diverse ecosystems by exploring both tropical rainforests and a coral reef in Belize. At Blue Creek Field Station, you will live and work within a primary rainforest surrounded by a wealth of biodiversity ranging from large buttressed trees to howler monkeys. While on South Water Caye, part of the longest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere, you will study reef structure, mangrove forests and grass beds while swimming among brilliantly-colored reef fish and corals. The program will also include time in Guatemala and a tour of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site depicting ancient Mayan civilization.

Students will spend most of their days outside. You will need to be able to hike up to 4 miles per day on unpaved trails in hot and humid conditions while carrying water and notepads. You will also need to swim in a pristine freshwater creek (largely to cool off or recover when a canoe tips over) and snorkel in the ocean for up to 5 hours per day, although generally no more than 1 hour at a time. Students are not expected to have any snorkeling experience and a life vest can be provided. Accommodations are generally rustic but comfortable (bunk beds in cabins with screened windows). Indoor plumbing, as well as good food and bottled water are provided at all sites. Students should not expect air conditioning, but cabins at Blue Creek are shaded, and there is generally a steady breeze at South Water Caye.

Prerequisite: One course in anthropology

Dr. Rick Kopp | 3 Cr. Hrs. | U

Contact Apply

Communication / Healthcare Administration / Political Science

Exploring Healthcare and Governance in Belize and Guatemala

Course Description: Examine the interconnection of health care and politics in two developing countries and compare them with their U.S. equivalents. Students will explore the complexities of health, culture and governance through activities such as meeting with local health providers in Guatemala and Belize, sharing time with children and parents in small communities, and learning from public health professionals about the challenges they face. Students can participate in service learning by assisting with non-medical services such as basic construction and reading programs along with general hygiene education.

Students should be able to walk at least 3 miles on most days and climb stairs.

Dr. Tim Vance | 3 Cr. Hrs. | U