Professionals Without Borders: Belize

Program Type

SU Non-Credit

Program Provider

Seattle University

Location

Ladyville, Belize

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About this Program

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Program Highlights

Course(s):
  • N/A

Level of Immersion

Language(s) of Instruction:
  • English

Features

  • Service Opportunities
  • Experiential Immersion

Housing Abroad

  • Guesthouse

Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.

Housing Residence Life

Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.

Housing Application

Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates

  • Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
  • Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
  • Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May

Disciplines

  • Non-Credit

    • Courseload

    Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.

    Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.

    • Credit Range: N/A
    • Credit System: N/A
    • Typical Course load: N/A
    • Credit Per Course: N/A

    Credit Conversion

    • Transcript Issued By: N/A
    • Credit Conversion Rate: N/A
    • Quarter Range: N/A
    EAO Historic Course Search

    Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:

    • Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
    • For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
    • Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
    • Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

    Transfer Credits

    Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.

    Placeholder Course

    The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.

    Program Fees

    Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.

    Fees not specified

    Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate

    Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.

    Budget Worksheets

    Participation Costs

    For Non-Credit programs, you will be billed Seattle University (1) Program Fee and (2) Global Medical Insurance for the duration abroad.

    Payment

    For Non-Credits programs, you will pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.

    Insurance

    When you participate in a Non-Credit program at Seattle University, you are enrolled in comprehensive travel and global medical insurance through On-Call International for the duration of your program. Seattle University bills the insurance cost to your MySeattleU account.

    Scholarships

    There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.

    Scholarship OpportunitiesCost Comparison Calculator

    Student Journey

    Approximate TimelinePhaseMore details
    Sept-JanExplorationStudents will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals.
    Feb 1ApplyStudents will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st.
    Late Feb/Early MarNominationsEducation Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs.
    Mar-May (Fall)
    Sept-Dec (Winter)
    Jan-March (Spring)    		PreparationStudents will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc.

    Application Steps

    1. Email Dawn Madore (madored@seattleu.edu) for application.

    If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!

    Climate

    • Spring: Warm and tropical, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F). Expect occasional rain showers, especially toward the end of spring.
    • Summer: Hot and humid, with temperatures around 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F). Summer is also the start of the rainy season, with potential for hurricanes.
    • Autumn: Warm, with temperatures from 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 84°F), and consistent rainfall due to the rainy season.
    • Winter: Mild and dry, with temperatures between 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F). This is the most popular season for tourists, offering warm days and cool nights.

    Travel Resources

    • Air: Belize’s main airport is Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, offering direct flights to many international destinations. For more information, visit Belize Tourism Board.
    • Train: Belize does not have a train system. Travel is primarily by bus, car, or plane.
    • Public Transport: Buses are the most common form of public transport, with service connecting major towns and cities. Taxis and water taxis are also widely used, especially in coastal areas and islands.

    Cultural Resources

    • Historical Sites: Popular attractions include the Great Blue Hole, ancient Maya ruins such as Xunantunich and Caracol, and the Belize Barrier Reef.
    • Language: English is the official language, though Spanish and Belizean Creole are widely spoken.
    • Festivals: Major festivals include the Belize Carnival, Garifuna Settlement Day, and Lobster Fest.

    Food & Diet

    • Cuisine: Traditional Belizean dishes include rice and beans, fry jacks, tamales, and fresh seafood. The cuisine reflects a mix of Caribbean, Maya, and Mestizo influences.
    • Dietary Needs: Vegetarian options are available, especially in larger cities and tourist areas, but vegan options may be more limited.

    Embassy/Consulate

    • U.S. Embassy in Belize: 4 Floral Park Road, Belmopan, Cayo (Phone: +501 822-4011)

    Identity-Specific Considerations

    • Accessibility: Accessibility is improving in Belize, particularly in tourist areas, but rural areas may pose challenges. It’s advisable to contact accommodations in advance to confirm accessibility features.
    • LGBTQ+: Belize has made progress in LGBTQ+ rights, decriminalizing same-sex relations in 2016. However, social attitudes may vary, and LGBTQ+ travelers are advised to be mindful of their surroundings, especially in rural areas.
    • Religion: Belize is predominantly Christian, with religious freedom respected and a mix of faiths, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and indigenous spiritual practices.
    • Race & Ethnicity: Belize is a multicultural society with a diverse population, but racial and ethnic disparities can persist in social and economic contexts.
    • Gender: Gender equality is improving in Belize, but traditional gender roles remain influential, particularly in rural communities.

    Visa Requirements

    What is a Visa?

    A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.

    Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by the Mexican Government.

    U.S. passport holders are not required to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for programs shorter than 180 days in Mexico (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates. Seattle University's Education Abroad can provide additional supporting visa application documents for Non-U.S. citizens, if applicable; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in Seattle University's control.) Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.

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