Commonwealth University students from the Mansfield and Lock Haven campuses have recently returned from studying abroad in Belize. The students participated in a faculty-led, short-term study abroad program that has been taking students to Belize since 2014.
The group of students consisted of Ally Fisher, Paige Grant, Charisma Grega, Jeffrey Griffiths, Anissa Lytle, Kelly McFillin, Hailey Morgan, Erica Parks, Kat Rowen, Hailey Thomas, Kathryn Tice, Brittany Tiffany, Katie Gingrich, and Megan Reniker. They were accompanied by Drs. Jeffrey Bosworth and Jonathan C. Rothermel from the Mansfield location.
During their time in Belize from May 23 to June 6, the students focused on researching the politics, culture, and economy of the country. Each student chose one of four major research questions to explore, which included cultural identity, globalization, sustainable development, or democracy. While in Belize, the students gathered field notes on their respective research topics.
The students noted the contrast in wealth in Belize, as it is a developing country. However, they also observed the friendly nature and optimism of the Belizean people. According to Charisma Grega, an elementary education major, Belize proves that money does not equal wealth and happiness.
Drs. Bosworth and Rothermel arranged opportunities for the students to engage with a wide range of Belizeans, including community activists, business leaders, and politicians. They also had impromptu opportunities, such as when the president of the senate, Honorable Carolyn Trench Sandiford, answered their questions during a tour of the National Assembly.
The small size of Belize, with a population of approximately 400,000, allowed the students to experience a variety of the country’s attractions. They climbed Mayan temples in Orange Walk, participated in Garifuna drumming in Hopkins, cooled off in the surf of Placencia, learned to make tamales in San Ignacio, and snorkeled in the second largest barrier reef in the world off the coast of Caye Caulker.
The students also had the opportunity to visit the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, where they met U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan. Kwan, a former Olympic figure skater turned diplomat, shared her story with the students and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.
For most of the students, this trip was their first time leaving the country, with some even experiencing their first time on an airplane. Despite some initial anxieties, the students described the trip as the best time of their lives and expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
Studying in Belize was a unique experience for the students, providing them with a different perspective compared to traveling in Europe. The trip allowed them to gain insights into a different world and way of life. The students also found personal growth through this experience, gaining confidence and the ability to step out of their comfort zones.
To support future trips to Belize, individuals can make financial contributions by contacting Jonathan Rothermel at jrotherm@commonwealthu.edu.
Original Story at www.lockhaven.com – 2023-08-18 05:15:41