Community Development: Belize

Overview

In February 2006, representatives of the University visited Belize to become more familiar with the social, economic, and cultural environment of the country. Afterward, the University of Arkansas entered into a partnership with the community of Dangriga and Peacework for education, service, and economic development involving seven colleges and departments of the University.

University of Arkansas faculty project leaders will instruct students in a practicum in their specific fields of study where they have the opportunity to consult with community partners to prepare and develop the projects that will take place each summer in Dangriga and throughout the year and implement service learning projects during the first UA summer session in the community of Dangriga, a city of about 10,000 on the Caribbean coast. PHOTOS & STUDENT COMMENTS

Proposed Travel Dates: May 19 - June 8, 2013 DATES & ELIGIBILITY
(On Campus Course Dates: May 13 - May 16)

The expectations are high, but the reward is a deep understanding of the challenges of working in a developing country, an amazing cultural immersion and the experience of leadership and accomplishment as students work creatively to face unexpected roadblocks in their work.

Course Areas Offered: Projects are currently being planned for Oral History, Business, Engineering, Nutrition, Literacy and Health Professions. All projects will be open to students of all majors and they can either receive credit in the project area in which they work or general humanities credits. COURSE INFORMATION

Accommodations: Students will be staying in a few different hotels located in Dangriga (some rooms have air-condition upgrade possibilities, most do not). Rooms are typically 2-3 students/room. For most meals, local women will be cooking large meals for the group dinners, vegetarian options will be available. Please note: you will want to bring bug spray and light, long sleeves to ward off any unwelcome advances by insects.

Excursions: Students will have the opportunity to participate in various cultural events around Dangriga, as well as two weekend excursions coordinated by Peacework. Typically, these excursions have been to an in-land spot as well as a coastal or island town in Belize.

Estimated Costs: $3,900 + UA Off-Campus Tuition + Personal Expenses ESTIMATED COSTS & FUNDING

Faculty Leader: The trip will be led by a team of faculty members from across the University of Arkansas, with the facutly coordinator being Professor Amy Farmer, from the University of Arkansas Walton College of Business Economics Department.

Questions? Let us know! CONTACT INFORMATION

Application Deadline: February 1, 2013 APPLY NOW!
UPDATE (2/5/2013): Spots still remain on the Ecology, Oral History, and Engineering projects. Contact the Office of Study Abroad immediately to apply for a spot on one of these teams!

Leadership for the program comes from the Sam M. Walton College of Business; the Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food, and Life Sciences; the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Education and Health Professions; the Honors College; the Office of Study Abroad; the School of Social Work; and the College of Engineering.