An Experience of a Lifetime: Studying Abroad in Belize

Over winter break, a group of Truman students and faculty had an experience of a lifetime. Thirteen students and two faculty members departed from Kansas City on the morning of December 27 to spend two weeks in the Latin American country of Belize. The program, led by Dr. Jon Gering, assistant professor of biology, and Dr. George Shinn, professor of biology, was titled “The Natural History of Belize” and focused on the rich ecological and cultural history of the country.

Junior biology major Robbie Rader explained, “The class covered all aspects of Belize, from culture to history to organismal biology to geology. Our professors were amazing and incredibly knowledgeable.” 

 

The study abroad experience included stays at three research settlements around the nation. Their first stop was at Hill Bank Field Station in Northwest Belize. The group studied a subtropical forest managed by a local nonprofit conservancy as well as the local aquatic life.

 

The group then moved to a tropical rain forest at Blue Creek Field Station in the Southern portion of the country. In the rain forest students participated in a canopy walk, completed a nocturnal insect study, and visited a Mayan village. Students spent a day with a Mayan family and learned about their way of life. Dr. Gering said his favorite part of the experience was seeing the cultural interactions students experienced. “The human component provided the neatest challenges for students,” he said.  

 

The third field station, South Water Caye Marine Laboratory, was located about 15 miles off the Eastern shore of the nation. During this portion of the trip students were able to focus on snorkeling, marine ecology, and exploring coral reefs and turtle grass beds. This portion of the trip may have been the most shocking to the students. Dr. Gering added, “A lot of them had a sense of feeling small because they were surrounded by miles of water.”

 

Other highlights of the trip included hikes through the rainforest and swimming through caves. “Seeing the rainforest and coral reefs up close while the rest of the Truman population endured freezing temperatures in the United States was very enjoyable,” Rader said.

 

With all of these experiences crammed into just two weeks, students and faculty had to physically and mentally prepare for their upcoming adventure. Students met on a regular basis during the fall semester and prepared for the trip by researching a topic on the natural history of the country. After arriving in Belize, they presented their research during nightly lectures with students, staff and guest presenters. Students also received briefings with some of the foremost biologists and research scientists in Latin America.

 

The trip was so successful that it will be offered again within the next two years. Students earn three credit hours after completing the coursework. Truman also offers interim study abroad opportunities and faculty-led experiences in Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, England, and the Philippines. There is sure to be a study abroad experience for everyone at Truman!

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