Introduction

A new study abroad program offering a unique opportunity to travel and study in Belize and, if you are a teacher, gain valuable international teaching experience as well. Study in Belize with Dr. Kelly Morris Roberts, Associate Professor of English, and Dr. Carolyn Happer, Emeritus Professor of History.

We will spend our morning at a K-8 English speaking school tutoring with the MeredithReads literacy program; after lunch, we will study young adult literature and explore ways that we can teach with this literature and infuse multi-cultural perspectives within it.

Every week includes a guided tour of famous Mayan ruins including Tikal, Xunantunich , and Cahal Pech. Dr. Happer will also teach a one hour art and artifacts course focusing on Belizean history and culture.

Our time in the rainforest is sure to promise in depth study, rigor, hands on learning, and a little fun.

Dates: June 8—June 30, 2013 (tentative, second summer session)

Program Cost: $2,950

Includes: Room and board, tuition, transportation to and from schools and tours, breakfast and dinner, pocket money for souvenirs and program excursions in Belize.

Additional Expenses: airfare (estimated at $700), passport ($155), money for independent travel breaks, cost of immunizations, the cost of novels, additional meals and personal spending.

For more information about expenses click here.

Lodging:

Students will reside at the Cahal Pech Village Resort.  Breakfast and dinner are included in the cost of the trip and will be provided by the hotel.  Lunch is on your own: students may go into the Cahal Pech village within walking distance of the hotel OR buy groceries and make lunch in the commons area of their quad-style hotel room (with refrigerator).

Curriculum:
You will be taking four credit hours while in Belize, Young Adult Literature (English 320) along with a one credit hour art and artifacts course. As a part of the course, you will be tutoring at a local elementary school using the MeredithReads curriculum. Come experience teaching internationally in an authentic and intimate experience with the content studied in these courses.

English 320: Young Adult Literature
A course in literature for young adults, with emphasis on classics and trends in realistic fiction or problem novels, historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy, nonfiction, and poetry geared toward young adult audiences. A brief overview of classic chapter books in children’s literature serves as a backdrop. The course likewise incorporates trends and issues in young adult literacy and pertinent critical stances. 

Level 300. Credit, 3 hours. Fulfills literature elective, service learning as well as writing intensive. Required course for many licensure programs.  Instructor: Dr. Kelly Morris Roberts

IDS 941: Belize: Community Service and Cultural Understanding

This course has a dual focus: doing community service and learning about other cultures. The students will have the opportunity to tutor students in a primary school in Belize and to improve the school’s facilities. They will also learn about the culture, economy, and government in present day Belize, and they will explore the history and heritage of the Mayan civilization that preceded it by visiting ancient sites in Belize and neighboring Guatemala

Level: 100-200. Credit, 1 hour. Partially fulfills cultural perspectives elective.   Instructor: Dr. Carolyn Happer

Successful participation in the program also fulfills the Global Perspectives General Education Requirement.

Program Faculty
Dr. Kelly Morris Roberts, English Department
Dr. Carolyn Happer, History Department

Eligibility: Students must be in good social, financial, and academic standing (2.0 minimum GPA).  Also, program directors expect admissions to this program to be rigorous.  Please consider the following tips as you write your essay and ask for recommendation letters.

Application Deadline: February 1, 2013

Want more information?
Contact Dr. Kelly Morris Roberts

English Department

114 C Joyner Hall

(919) 760-8995

robertsk@meredith.edu

Meredith reserves the right to make changes in the program itinerary, schedule, cost, academic program, etc., as necessary.