Steven D. Wilt, Ph.D., Roberta C. Challener, Ph.D., and David J. Porta, Ph.D.

Spring 2020 Natural History of Belize: Tropical and Cultural Diversity

During the SP2020 semester, we offered a short-term study abroad experience for Biology majors and non-major students in Belize.  This year marked our eighth trip to Belize with students.  The curriculum focused on three main topics: History of Belize, Belizean culture and flora and fauna (mostly marine organisms) of Belize.  During Spring Break, 15 students and three faculty spent 10 days in Belize.  While abroad, students were able to see, first-hand, what they had learned during classroom lectures at Bellarmine.  Because they had already learned so much about the country and organisms, they were able to spend more time appreciating and experiencing the country, rather than having to learn it all in such a short amount of time. This was a successful course, as indicated by strong student comments and course evaluations.