Natural Resources, Culture, and Archeology: World of the Maya
WINTER: December 27 -  January 15 (approx)

Experience the diverse natural resources of Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico:

• Possible tours in Guatemala
• Visit tropical dry forests, rain forests, and tropical pine forests; and learn how they are being preserved and managed by indigenous peoples
• See major archeological sites of the Mayan and learn how they subsisted on their resource base
• Explore the clear blue waters of the Belize Cayes and the second largest barrier reef in the world
• Contrast ecotourism and mega tourist development

Application Deadline: The application for summer programs is May 15. We work on a first-come-first-serve basis, however, so a program may actually close before May 15. Enrollement limit is 25 participants. Application requires a $250 deposit to secure a spot.

Applications may be taken after May 15 if a position is available. Please contact the International Programs Office about available space. Late applicants may have a higher airfare cost. 

Request an application from Bobbi Kubish, TNR Room 192, or from the International programs Office, 108 Collins Classroom Center.  Go to the Applications page to find out how to get an application.

Eligibility

Most study tours are open to all majors and minors, not simply those whose field/s matches the department/s granting credit. For continuing UWSP students a minimum GPA of 2.25 is required.

Priority is given to regularly registered UWSP students, but students from other universities and community members are welcome to apply. We do work on a first come, first serve basis, so early registration is strongly advised. All participants will be registered in a college course, for credit or audit at the same cost, and will be expected to participate in the program at an intellectual level.

All participants must be able to stand up to the considerable physical rigors of this course (carrying your luggage on public transit systems and extensive walking are common).

Academic Credits

NATURAL RESOURCES 406/606
Natural Resources, Culture and Archeology of the Mayan World.  GDR: NW and EL
3 credits

Course has an audit or grade option (all at the same charge). No prerequisites. Graduate credit can be arranged at an additional cost.

For more information contact:

Bobbi Kubish
bkubish@uwsp.edu
Rm 192, TNR
715-346-3831

Sue Kissinger
College of Natural Resources
skissing@uwsp.edu
Rm 180A, TNR
715-346-4081

Cost

Approximately $4,200-4,700

Cost Includes:

• Round-trip airfare (Chicago-Cancun, Mexico Belize City, Belize-Chicago)
• UWSP Wisconsin resident undergraduate tuition
  (Minnesota residents qualify for reciprocity)
• Accomodation and most meals
• Tours, lectures, and receptions
• In country transportation
• Most entrance fees
• Wisconsin System health/travel insurance

There is a surcharge for other non-residents of $250.
Click here for latest price estimates

Course and Tentative Trip Highlights

• Celestun or Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve – ecotourism led by local fishermen, flocks of American flamingoes
• Archeological sites – Uxmal—distinctive architecture, Tulum—perched on a cliff along Caribbean, Becan—as seen on promotional poster
• Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – forest and traditional use of native plants; mangroves, and ruins on Caribbean coast
• Xel Ha National Park – unique private/public management model; freshwater and lagoon snorkeling among tropical fish
• Nohbec ejido and Calakmul Model Forest – sustainable management of forests, sawmill and furniture-making; high and low tech side by side
• Zoh Laguna – small village with freshwater lagoon - great crocodile viewing
• Xpujil Cooperative – agroforestry operation
• Loltun Cave – large cave with views of karst geology and Mayan history
• Chetumal – Maya museum providing outstanding exhibitory of the Maya worlds
• Ejido Veinte de Noviembre – a community that cooperatively manages its resources, including Rio Bec archeological site; ecotourism development in progress
• Evening departure from the “Bat Cave” of millions of friendly insect-eaters

• Caulker Key – snorkeling on the Meso-American reef, second largest barrier reef in the world
• Belize Zoo – a model in Central America
• IxChel Center – Medicinal Rainforest plants, butterfly farm, natural and cultural history museum
• Blue Creek Rainforest – primary growth forest, excellent birding, night hikes, traditional Mayan culture
• Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve – high population of jaguars, hiking, birding, swimming in waterfalls
• South Water Caye – Snorkel and SCUBA on this tropical paradise, the second largest barrier reef in the world
• Marine biology – abundant fish, bird, and plant species

*Tentative highlights – Most sites will be visited; final details are being arranged.

Withdrawal

Up to ten weeks before the start of the program, all fees except the initial $250 deposit will be refunded. After the time, tuition, airline, tour costs and housing charges are assessed. If the program would be cancelled, all fees will be refunded. Because exchange rates and airline prices fluctuate, International Programs reserves the right to cancel, surcharge, or to alter the program.

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