Belize: San Ignacio Semester

Galen University in San Ignacio

Galen University offers students a wide range of programs including:  Anthropology, Archaeology, Business Administration, Environmental Science, Economics, International Business, Marketing, and Accounting.  (The above programs (except Accounting) are dual credits and degrees with UIndy).

Anthropology & Achaeology - students have the opportunity to focus on anthropology and achaeology for a semester.  Belize is situated within the area of the Maya lowlands, the region occupied by the Classic Maya, making this area a 'living' laboratory.  When possible, visits are made to nearby sites in order to add context to the classroom lectures.

Environmental Science - Belize has one of the best and largest Barrier Reefs in the world.  Their beaches, riveres, and rainforests are areas of great environmental interest and importance.  Belize is a rich, living laboratory for the study of the environment, and all the factors which influence it.

Course Offerings

For current course information, visit: Galen University course listings.

For course descriptions, visit:  Galen University course descriptions

Scroll down to the department your course is offered, click on that department and then find your course.

Academic Highlights

Feel you need to get in touch with nature? Interested in sustainable development? Want to have first hand experience when learning about a new culture? Then this semester abroad program in Belize is for you! Build an exciting course load from such courses as Introduction to Sustainable Development, Cultural Anthropology, Social Issues in a Developing Country, Plants and Society: Introduction to Botany, and Caribbean Literature. Study at our lush tropical campus for a summer, semester or a year. Our exciting learning environment will change and support you to do your best and ensure you always excel, in learning and life.

Galen University Offers:

• Lush tropical campus
• Mayan ruins and cities
• Jungle: canoeing, hiking, bird watching
• 90 minutes from the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world
• Bilingual community: Opportunity to practice Spanish
• International faculty and student body
• Internet access

 

Student Life

An on-site orientation is held the day after arrival, which includes an info session, registration, a tour of the town and a Mayan site visit.  San Ignacio has a large farmers market and a wide variety of restaurants and food stores.

Belize is a country of adventure and activity. When your studies permit, you can choose from an amazing number of activities, such as:

• Diving or snorkeling along the spectacular barrier reef
• Canoeing, kayaking or tubing on the rivers or through the caves
• Climbing ancient Mayan temples and exploring the ruins
• Trekking through tropical rain forests
• Exploring caves filled with stalagmites, stalagtites, and Mayan artifacts
• Learning about the local fauna at the Belize zoo
• Visiting wildlife reserves such as the only Jaguar sanctuary in the world, the endagered Manatees, the Tapirs in their natural habitat, the Primate sanctuary where you can observe howler and spider monkeys.
• Swimming under the waterfalls in the Mountain Pine Ridge
• Enjoying the magic of the Belize Botanical Gardens or Godoy's Orchid Garden
• Seeing dozens of types of butterflies at the Tropical Wings butterfly house, or Chaa Creek Blue Morpho Butterfly Breeding Centre
• Pampering yourself at one of the many spas and resorts which range from budget to exclusive

Note: If you are interested in summer study abroad in Belize, see the list of summer program options.

Housing

Students are housed in a locally-owned family run resort, double occupancy, breakfast included. 

Lunch is available at the University at a minimal cost.  Students are responsible for dinner on their own.

The Log Cab-Inns

Alumni Feedback

"Studying abroad was the best decision I made. The small school and small town of San Ignacio make it easy to get to know the local culture."
-Cindy McCreary

"After I became acclimated to my surroundings, it was hard to leave. I had a wonderful time!"
-Andrea Buchler

"The best thing to do would be to buy a one-way ticket to Belize, and set aside extra money till the end of the program. There are plenty of travel opportunities throughout Central America, and you may find you like the relaxed atmosphere and friendly people so much you will never want to leave! Keep your options open for new adventures!"
-Steven Seitz

"It's (Belize) definitely an awesome place. The Log CabInns are nice and the (Galen) staff is really great and accommodating. We are having a wonderful time!"
-Nicki Morgan

 

Duration

Anticipated Dates:
Fall: Early September - Mid December
Spring: Early January - Late April

Application Deadline(s)

Fall: End of May
Spring: End of November

Eligibility Requirements

2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale; sophomore through graduate standing; official transcript; two letters of recommendation; statement of purpose; 2 photos - passport sized

Language

English

Academic Levels

Undergraduate
Graduate

Costs

Semester:
CCIS Member: $10,100
Non-CCIS Member: $10,750

Costs Included

Tuition, fees, visa fee, housing, local transportation and insurance (issued through Sponsor via CISI).

Costs Not Included

Meals ($1,120), books ($500), airfare ($1,000), personal costs ($2,750), refundable housing security deposit ($200) and optional excursions/field trips ($100 - $1,000).

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.

Related Links

Wikipedia San Ignacio, Belize

 

Submit Application Materials To:

Study Abroad Office

University of Indianapolis

1400 E Hanna Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46277

(317) 788-3394

Fax (317) 788-3383

bwente@uindy.edu

Breezy Anne Wente
Study Abroad Advisor

How do I apply?

Start the CCIS Study Abroad application process by downloading the forms. To download, right click on the application or recommendation form and click "save as", then save the form to your desktop or downloads. Once you have completed your form, SAVE IT FIRST!!!! DO NOT CLICK "SUBMIT" until you have SAVED your form or the recipient will receive a BLANK form. Once you have saved it, click "submit" and THEN email your completed form as an attachment to the contact email address associated with the program in which you are applying. If for some reason you do not see the email address pop up when you click "submit", then email the application to the program sponsor listed here on this page.

YOU MUST NOTIFY YOUR HOME INSTITUTIONS' STUDY ABROAD OFFICE OR ADVISOR OF YOUR INTENTIONS AND ALSO PROVIDE THEM WITH A COPY OF YOUR APPLICATION. 

These PDF documents are viewed using Adobe's Acrobat Reader plug-in, which is available free. If you don't have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, click here.

Two photos (passport sized)

HOUSING APPLICATION FORM

CCIS Online Application & Instructions

CCIS Online Student Recommendation

(Students: DO NOT send the student recommendation form to your evaluators as an attachment. Please only send the page URL. The student recommendation form can be found under the "Apply Now" tab.) 

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.