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Mapping in Belize: Conservation and Cultural Preservation

Program Information | Costs | Orientation | Contact

Apply now!

Know the following program information, which you will provide on the online application: 

Country: Belize 
Program Name: Mapping in Belize: Conservation and Cultural Preservation

Early application is strongly encouraged, as space is limited and the program will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Complete applications include an essay and unofficial transcript. A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be billed to your student account upon submission of an online application.

Program Information

• Learn how mapping techniques can be used to study the beautiful and pristine southern Belize landscape.
• Investigate the deforestation, urbanization, agricultural practices and hurricane impacts using GPS data and satellite imagery.
• Visit a Mayan village to experience the everyday life of a Mayan villager and explore ancient ruins.
• Spend time in Punta Gorda, with an eclectic mingling of Mopan and Kekchi Maya, Garifuna, Creoles, Lebanese, East Indian and Chinese peoples.
• Utilize free time to take part in activities such as snorkeling, scuba, fishing or hiking.

Satellite imagery is fairly ubiquitous today with ready access to Google Earth and other online mapping applications.  What you may not know is there is a plethora of ways to interpret satellite imagery, not just basic bird’s eye photo interpretation.  Explore and experience other ways to read and interpret an image.

The novice mapper to the geospatially proficient will gain a meaningful field experience and lab practicum where field data and satellite imagery are combined to render valuable information about the Maya Gold landscape.  Collaborate on a mapping project with the Ya'axché Conservation Trust, a Belizean organization which aims to maintain healthy forests, rivers and reefs. Utilize Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and remote sensing techniques to create informative cartographically derived outputs.

Earn 3 credits in FORS, GEOG 3995: Mapping in Belize. Course topics include:

• Coordinate systems and other mapping parameters
• Remote sensing and types of analysis
• Correlation of field-collected data with satellite imagery
• Production of maps, graphs and descriptions of on-site findings
• Mayan culture and current  politics

Students must have a passport, valid for at least six months after their return to the United States.

Costs
Estimated program costs can be found here.

A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be billed to your student account upon submission of an online application. A deposit of $400 will be billed to your student account upon your confirmation of participation. The remainder of the program fee will be billed through Student Accounts Receivable.

Financial aid may be applied toward the cost of the program if you are enrolled as a full-time student. There are also study abroad scholarships for University of Minnesota students.

Orientation
At least two pre-departure orientation sessions will be held. Pre-departure orientation will include information about financial aid, coursework and travel tips. A general study abroad handbook will be emailed prior to departure.

Familiarize yourself on financing, health and safety and policies to consider when studying abroad.

Contact
Contact the program leader, Kate Carlson for program or itinerary questions. For application or registration questions, contact Arianna Austin in the International Education Office.