Belize, Central America 
International Service Learning Program in Belize
June 2 - June 17, 2007
Join MATC students and staff in an exciting opportunity to learn hands-on skills and make a lasting difference in communities of need.
In cooperation with ProWorld, a service learning organization that specializes in service learning placements in Latin America, MATC will lead a two-week program in June 2007. Participants can either work in rural clinics providing health care services under the direction of clinic staff or work on rainforest conservation projects in the national forest in cooperation with park rangers and ecology instructors.
After working all week, students will have the opportunity for some fun and exciting weekend excursions! Included in the program are guided tours of one of Belize's largest preserved Mayan ruins, and an opportunity to go to the beach and snorkel along the barrier reef in the Caribbean.
Service learning is an excellent way to build your resume, learn about another culture, and help people and the environment.
The application deadline is Friday March 16, 2007
Applications (PDF, 257 KB) must be received by the MATC International Education Office by this date. However, the program will be filled on a first-come, first serve basis, so prospective participants are encouraged to apply early. Download the Application (PDF, 257 KB)
Program Description
 Participants in the service learning program will join teams of existing staff and other participants from throughout the United States. The teams will assist with health care and reforestation efforts that will help local communities in their efforts to promote sustainable development.
Students will fly from Madison to Belize where they will be picked up and transported to a learning center in rural western Belize near San Ignacio. During the day groups working on health care or the environment will split up to work on separate work teams with local staff and MATC faculty leads. In the evenings the two teams will be reunited for meals, cultural activities, and discussion sessions to reflect on the experiences of the day. On weekends group excursions to Mayan ruins and Caribbean coast will be coordinated by onsite staff as part of the program experience.
Admissions Requirements
This program is open to serious students, teachers, and individuals from the community who have a strong interest in immersing themselves in a service learning experience. Student participants will be required to have a 2.5 GPA, based on at least 12 credits of college study. Non-student participants will need to contact the program coordinator for more information regarding their participation. No specific health care or environmental conservation skills are required for participation - only a desire to help the best that they can and a willingness to work as part of a team. The type of work conducted by each individual will be tailored to their skill levels and interests.
Lodging and Meals
Meals and lodging are included in the program package cost. Lodging will be in shared rooms at local guest house accommodations. Meals are prepared by local cooks and served "family style" allowing for a generous amount of reflection on the day's challenges and successes.
Health and Safety
Both MATC and ProWorld place the highest priority on ensuring a safe and stable environment for all volunteers. Four MATC faculty will accompany students and they will be joined by experienced onsite directors who live and work in the communities affiliated with the program.
Health and safety preparations will begin with pre-departure orientation and will be reinforced by extensive on-site orientations by ProWorld staff. Local site coordinators also work closely with local health care professionals, facilities, government agencies, and organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control to provide volunteers with accurate and up-to-date information and support services. All program volunteers are enrolled in a health and travel insurance program providing additional protection and security.
About Belize
Belize is a peaceful and complex country rich with cultural diversity and stunning natural beauty. Just south of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula along the Caribbean coast, this English-speaking country offers a broad variety of cultures and bio-diversity which makes it an excellent location for international education. Belize achieved independence from England in 1981 and has an economy based largely on exports of sugar, fruit, lumber and fish, with a growing base of eco-tourism. However, development within the country is uneven, and roughly one third of the population lives below the poverty line. Limited education, inadequate health services, lack of productive job opportunities, and external pressure to exploit the nation's natural resources are all critical issues facing the region today.
About ProWorld Service Corp
Onsite logistics and program facilitation will be handled by ProWorld, an organization that specializes in service learning placements in the region. ProWorld's mission is to "promote social and economic development, empower communities, and cultivate educated compassionate global citizens."
This program will work closely with ProWorld staff to build experiences and opportunities for problem solving and reflection tied to our core abilities and educational learning objectives. It will also make the fullest use of the knowledge and skills that each participant brings to their participation in the service learning program. ProWorld regularly works with colleges and universities to develop experiential service learning programs in Belize, Mexico, and Peru. More information is available online at: www.myproworld.org
Pre-Trip Orientation
Participation in pre-trip orientation activities is mandatory. MATC will offer a pre-departure orientation in Madison, Wisconsin (Date TBD). The pre-trip orientation will provide information on health and safety expectations, packing and trip planning, flight logistics and other essential information. It is also an important opportunity to meet the fellow participants in the program you will be working closely with in service learning teams.
Fees and Payment
The cost of this program is $1,590 + airfare. The current airfare rate from Madison is $549 plus taxes and fuel charges. Participants are required to place a $500 deposit at the time of application (if a student is not selected this deposit would be returned in full; if accepted for participation, the deposit will apply to the overall cost of the program). Unless a participant's application for participation is rejected, this deposit is non-refundable. Full payment of the program will be due by May 5, 2007. Participants will need to have or acquire a current passport before the date of departure (applicants must allow at least 6 weeks for standard processing).
For more information or to apply
Geoff Bradshaw, Ph.D.
International Education Coordinator
Madison Area Technical College
3550 Anderson Street
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 246-6165
gbradshaw@matcmadison.edu Last
Modified:
January 30, 2007
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