Belize: San Ignacio Summer

Program Overview

Belize, often called "Mother Nature's best kept secret", is a tropical paradise. It is the only English speaking country in Central America. It is a stable democracy of about a quarter of a million people. Belize borders Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to the north, Guatamala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Along the 300 miles of Caribbean coastline lays the second longest barrier reef in the world. Belize is a country of many caves, cayes (small islands), inland tropical forests, pristine rivers, and ancient Maya temples and sacred caves. The rich culture of Belize reflects the diversity of the peoples who call Belize home: Maya, Creole, European, Garifuna, Mestizo, East Indian, Chinese and Mennonite.

Galen University is two hours from the coast, in the beautiful Mayan highlands of the Cayo Distrct. The campus is six miles from the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, the largest municipality in the Cayo District with a population of about 40,000.

Academic Profile

Galen University in San Ignacio

Galen University offers students the chance to focus on one of four summer intensive courses: Animal Science Pre-Vet Program, Forensic Anthropology Program, Land-Ocean Interface Program, Protected Areas Practicum Program. Each program offers 6 credits. All instruction is in English. For more details on these programs, click here.

As an added bonus, we are offering a once-in-a-lifetime course:

Exploring the Mystery of the Mayan Prophecy of 2012 (3 credits)

This course is a celebration of the ancient and modern Maya and their highly developed system to understand the complexities of time. Come and discuss the fate of our world, the intriguing history of the Maya, their concept of time and writing from world renowned Maya scholars. These Mayanists have spent years toiling in this realm - teasing out their secrets.

June 18-29, 2012 Application Deadline: March 1st, 2012

Program cost: $2,654 ($2,270, plus $384 deposit)

Course Offerings

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

To find course descriptions, visit: Galen University descriptions

Scroll down to the department your course is listed under and then find your course.

Academic Highlights

Summer Intensive Field Courses at Galen University are just that - intensive! Two courses are packed into four weeks each with full day schedules. The summer courses start in June, and end in July. They are designed to use Belize as a living classroom. Lectures and presentations are enhanced by field trips and field experience.

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

Activities and Opportunities

Student Life

An on-site orientation is held the day after arrival, which includes 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 reside in a locally-owned resort -The Log Cab-Inn

Breakfast is provided at the resort
Lunch is provided at the University at a minimal cost
Students are responsible for dinner on their own

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

Belize Summer Program Details

Duration

Early June - Early July

Application Deadline(s)

End of March

Eligibility Requirements

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

Language

English

Academic Levels

Undergraduate

Costs

Program Fees:

$4,400 (CCIS Members)

$4,900 (Non-CCIS Members)

Costs Included

Instructional costs abroad, housing and breakfast, on-site orientation, local transportation, excursions, sickness and accident insurance (issued through Sponsor via CISI), visa fee and administrative fees.

Costs Not Included

Airfare ($800), personal costs ($2,000), additional excursions ($100 - $1,000), meals ($575 - $1,200), books ($200).

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.

Submit Application Materials To:

Study Abroad Office
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.