Belize: San Ignacio Semester

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 (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.

Academic Profile

Galen University in San Ignacio

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 14,000.

Course Offerings

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

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, Caribbean Literature or Introduction to Travel and Tourism. 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

Activities and Opportunities

Student Life

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

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 Semester Program Details

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; three letters of recommendation; statement of purpose

Language

English

Academic Levels

Undergraduate
Graduate

Costs

Semester:
CCIS Member: $8,950
Non-CCIS Member: $9,150

Costs Included

Tuition, fees, visa fee, housing, local transportation and insurance.

Costs Not Included

Meals ($1,120), books ($500), airfare ($1,000), personal costs ($2,500), 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.

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 and printing the following forms. 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.

CCIS APPLICATION PACKAGE AND INSTRUCTIONS

Additional Application Materials for Belize Semester Program:

"EXPLORE BELIZE" HOUSING APPLICATION FORM

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.