Belize, often called "Mother Nature’s best kept secret", is a tropical paradise. It is the only English speaking country in Central America and has a stable democracy of about a quarter of a million people. Belize borders Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Along the 300 miles of the Caribbean coastline lies the longest barrier reef in the Westen Hemisphere. Belize is a country of many cayes (small islands), inland tropical forests, pristine rivers, and ancient Maya temples, and sacred caves. The rich culture of Belize reflects the diversity of the peoples who call Belize home: Maya, Creole, European, Garifuna, Mestizo, East Indian, Chinese and Mennonite. The flora and fauna in Belize are spectacular. Among the 540 species of birds in Belize, you’ll hear flocks of parrots noisily announce their presence in the jungle and the teasing calls of various birds that blend into the tropical landscape. An amazing number of mammals are found in Belize and though many of them are nocturnal, you can see them at Belize’s famous Zoo, “the greatest little zoo in the world”. You’ll see a variety of birds, butterflies and mammals as you hike or ride horseback through the forest, or canoe, kayak, or tube down the rivers.

Belize is a country of great adventures and activities. When your studies permit, you can chose from an amazing number of activities, such as:

• Diving or snorkeling along the barrier reef
• Canoeing, kayaking, or tubing on the rivers
• Climbing and exploring ancient Mayan temples/Ruins
• Trekking through tropical forests
• Exploring caves filled with stalagmites, stalactites, and Mayan artifacts
• Visiting the Belize Zoo, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the Community Baboon Sanctuary or the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
• Swimming under the waterfalls in the Mountain Pine Ridge
• Enjoying the magic of the Belize Botanical Gardens, the Janus Foundation medicine and herb trail or Godoy’s Orchid Garden
• Seeing dozens of types of butterflies at Tropical Wings butterfly house, or Chaa Creek Blue Morpho Butterfly Breeding Centre
• Pampering yourself at one of the many spas and resorts which range from budget to exclusive

Belize is an ideal location to complete all or part of your studies. It is fastly becoming a significant financial center with a growing offshore industry, has well developed agriculture and ecotourism industries, and is easily accessible as a travel destination. Its heritage and diverse ecosystems provide ample opportunities for field studies and experiences for a number of courses (archeology, ecology, marine biology, botany, biology, zoology, conservation). The bilingual nature of the Cayo District allows you to practice your English or Spanish outside the classroom, and the peaceful and safe environment allows you to focus on your studies.