Study Abroad in Central America

Maya Golden Landscape, Belize

In partnership with Ya’axché Trust, Round River operates in the Maya Golden Landscape of southern Belize, an ancient socio-ecological system that harbors many of the region’s iconic species such as jaguar and Harpy Eagle. Ya’axché co-manages three protected areas, including Bladen Nature Reserve, one of the wildest forest tracts in Mesoamerica, Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve, where they hold a concession for cacao cultivation in an innovative project aimed at discouraging illegal activity, and Golden Stream Corridor Preserve.

You will actively contribute to Ya’axché’s diverse conservation initiatives, ranging from scientific research and monitoring to agro-forestry production. Additionally, you will experience Belize’s culture learning about cacao production first-hand, visiting farms that address human-wildlife conflict, and special trips to the coast

Despite the difficulties of living and working in such a remote location, such as the seemingly endless barrage of mosquitos, ticks, and other biting insects, I still feel very lucky to have had an opportunity to study in Bladen Nature Reserve and learn from those responsible for its future management.

– Lucas, Carleton College, Belize ‘21

Program Details

Program Dates

Fall Semester

12 Weeks – mid September to mid December

Spring Semester

12 Weeks – early February to early May

Courses Offered (15 Semester Credits)

Introduction to Natural History
Applied Conservation Biology
Biological Field Methods
Humans and the Environment
Applied Ecology

Program Costs

Our study abroad program costs include:

Tuition for 15 credits
Lodging
Research Fees
In-country travel and transportation
Group equipment

Meals
Cultural activities
Medical evacuation services
Travel agent support
Pre Departure and onsite orientation

Financial Support

We believe every student should have the opportunity to join our team, regardless of financial barriers. That’s why we accept federal financial aid and external scholarships, and have need-based scholarships available upon application to make our programs accessible to everyone.

What to Expect

Base Camp

Our primary base camp is situated within minutes of Golden Stream Corridor Preserve. This base offers a shared bunkhouse for sleeping, convenient shelters for cooking and communal spaces for academics and meals. Enjoy the convenience of amenities such as running water, hot showers, latrines, gas cooking stoves, electricity, and safe storage space for your belongings. In your down time, wade in Golden Stream, watch for charismatic wildlife like parrots and agouti, and hammock in the shade of forest trees.

Field Camps

Field camps will vary based on research locations, and amenities can range from front-country camping with running water and latrines, to primitive back-country camping where you backpack in everything you may need. While most accommodations are in hammocks, bunkhouses are available at select field locations.

Research Locations

Throughout the semester, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of captivating field sites, depending on the specific needs of our projects. This may include work in the Bladen Nature Reserve, one of the jewels of Belize’s protected areas. At the edge of lowland savannahs, this 100,000 acres of tropical forest is accessible only for the purposes of research and education. You may also work in Maya Mountain National Forest Reserve, nestled near the Bladen River and moving among biodiverse agroforestry plots.

Physical Demands

Our work requires spending long days in the field, involving hiking or backpacking through challenging terrain with dense vegetation and boggy soil, in humid, wet, and warm conditions where biting insects are common. We recommend that you adequately prepare both physically and mentally for these demanding conditions.

Weather and Climate

Much of Belize is lowland broadleaf tropical forests. The average daily temperature is 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Daytime temperatures will generally be in the upper 80’s, while nighttime temperatures will be in the mid to upper 70’s. This temperature range can be quite pleasant, but it is accompanied by high levels of humidity. The rainy season, which can range from early June to late November, is characterized by fairly consistent evening and nighttime rain showers.

Academics

Our academics complement the field research and are designed to be interactive and hands-on. You can expect to dedicate a few hours each day to working on your field journals, engaging in group discussions on relevant articles, participating in lectures and class activities, and deepening your understanding of natural history. Guest lectures, when possible, will further enrich your knowledge of conservation and land-use planning in the area. Each program culminates with the completion of a final written research paper, focusing on one aspect of the project, accompanied by a presentation.

Read Alumni Reviews

Main Towns

The program starts and ends in Belize City, the largest urban center in Belize. Time in the city will be limited to arrival to and departure from the airport.

The majority of the program will be spent at camp, with periodic resupply runs from camp to Punta Gorda. Locally known as P.G., this seaside town has grocery stores, Ya’axche’s central offices, an immigration office, small banks, and a post office.

Map

Language

All courses and field activities are taught in English. While English is the majority spoken language in Belize, other commonly spoken languages are Spanish, Kriol (Belizean Creole), and Mayan indigenous dialects. While we don’t teach a language component on our courses, we welcome language learning prior to and during the program and you will have plenty of opportunities to practice while working in the field with local partners.

Group Dynamics

You are expected to partake in camp chores and projects, gaining experience in communal living and project management. The group will help with tasks such as cooking, maintaining clean and organized communal spaces, logistic planning, risk assessment for projects, and data entry.

Schedules

Schedules will vary depending on the needs of projects, academics, and group well-being, as well as the specific program location, with days off interspersed for relaxation or exploration. At base camp, each day may include a mix of academics, project planning, downtime, and chores. In the field, days may be filled with hiking, backpacking, and work, with interspersed academic sessions, relaxation time, and general camp upkeep. Evenings are typically spent at camp. Due to the dynamic nature of our programs, schedules may change frequently, so we ask that you be flexible and adaptable. We encourage students to arrive with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, embracing the opportunity to make the most of their experience.

Pre-Departure

Before each program, you will need to complete several paperwork packets and attend orientation sessions. For detailed information on these requirements, as well as important details such as vaccine recommendations, please refer to the pre-departure page.

Travel and Visas

If you are traveling with a United States passport, you don’t need to apply for a visa before departure. Upon arrival in Belize, you’ll receive a 30-day tourist visa. Program staff will assist you with the visa extension process in-country. Please be aware that there may be associated costs with extending your tourist visa.

Packing List

You are responsible for your personal gear while on the program. Here is a short list of necessary, big-ticket items required for a semester in Belize. A comprehensive packing list tailored to your specific program will be provided post-enrollment. Tents, group gear and field equipment is provided on the program.

Research Objectives

In the Round River Belize program, we play a supportive role alongside Ya’axche Conservation Trust, focusing on advancing ongoing projects and initiating new conservation efforts where resources are limited. Our collaboration with Ya’axche allows us to contribute to their vital conservation work, addressing opportunities that often require additional manpower and expertise.

In Their Own Words

Get an in-depth view of our Belize Student Program from current student and alumni experiences.