Center for International Education
CCSU Students enrolled in Professor Jerry Jarrett's "Field Studies in Biology" course this winter explored the Belize Barrier Reef - the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Students spent several hours each day (and one night!) snorkeling the reef and exploring the tremendous diversity of reef fish, corals, and other invertebrates, and concluded each day with lectures and discussion of select topics. The class also visited the mainland sites of Clarissa Falls, the Mayan temples of Cahal Pech and Xunantunich, and the inland Blue Hole and even went spelunking in St. Herman's Cave. The mainland component of the course explored the history of the Maya and the long-lasting influence of the Maya on Belize culture today.
Student Testimonials
"My trip to Belize was the adventure of a lifetime. It was an incredible opportunity to expand my world view and discover a new culture, all while spending 10 days snorkeling the beautiful reefs of the Caribbean Sea. The value of this experience has paid off in every aspect of my life and is a memory I will never forget."
AJ Gemmell
Inaugural Belize Trip Member
"Approaching the marine ecosystem hands-on was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen… I have a strong appreciation for marine life and an understanding of the benefits and threats to coral reefs. Belize truly was a life-changing trip."
Brittany Nazario
Tourism and Hospitality Studies
"I took advantage of a variety of courses abroad offered by CCSU, and while it sounds cliche, I cannot say enough about my experiences. To this day, I still think about the people I met and the lessons they shared with me. After returning from Belize, I began to downsize my material possessions and think more simply. We met some joyful, bright, and kind people in Belize who seemed to have very little compared to our society's standards, yet they treated us like family."
Alyssa Pattison