Wake Forest University Belize: Ecology of Lighthouse Reef
Discover Belize: Explore the Ecology of Lighthouse Reef
Students take BIO 311A/611A (4hrs): Ecology and Conservation of Coral Reefs, over the Spring semester with a week long visit to Belize over Spring Break. While in Belize, students will visit Lighthouse Reef Atoll, approximately 50 miles off the Belizean coast. Lighthouse Reef is one of the most isolated and pristine coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea, and is home to both the Great Blue Hole, made famous by the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, and Half Moon Caye, a UNESCO World Heritage site containing the only Red-Footed Booby colony on the Atlantic side of Central/South America as well as highly protected coral reefs.Dates and Deadlines
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Program Description
Need Help? Get an advisor at 1-336-758-5938
Students take BIO 311A/611A (4hrs): Ecology and Conservation of Coral Reefs over the Spring semester with a week long visit to Belize over Spring Break. While in Belize, students will visit Lighthouse Reef Atoll, approximately 50 miles off the Belizean coast. Lighthouse Reef is one of the most isolated and pristine coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea, and is home to both the Great Blue Hole, made famous by the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, and Half Moon Caye, a UNESCO World Heritage site containing the only Red-Footed Booby colony on the Atlantic side of Central/South America as well as highly protected coral reefs.
Belize portion of course - Spring Break 2023, exact dates TBD.
Belize portion of course - Spring Break 2023, exact dates TBD.
The class flies into Belize City, and takes a 2.5 hour boat trip to their home base for the week, Itza Lodge (http://www.itzalodge.com) on Long Caye, one of the southern cayes in the 25-mile long Lighthouse Reef. Students will visit all five of the cayes on Lighthouse Reef, and snorkel multiple sites, including the Great Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye. Scuba certification at the level of Open Water or Advanced is also available as a course option, with certification dives performed during the trip.
BIO 311A/611A (4hrs): Ecology and Conservation of Coral Reefs
In-depth study of the various biotic and abiotic components that come together to structure ecosystem function and biodiversity at all spatial scales in one of Earth’s most productive and diverse environments, yet one most threatened by human use and climate change. Lab component is a one-week field trip over spring break. This program will take place over the 2023 Spring Break.
In-depth study of the various biotic and abiotic components that come together to structure ecosystem function and biodiversity at all spatial scales in one of Earth’s most productive and diverse environments, yet one most threatened by human use and climate change. Lab component is a one-week field trip over spring break. This program will take place over the 2023 Spring Break.
Faculty Director:
Miles Silman
Professor of Biology
silmanmr@wfu.edu
Sheri Floge
Professor of Biology
floges@wfu.edu
Miles Silman
Professor of Biology
silmanmr@wfu.edu
Sheri Floge
Professor of Biology
floges@wfu.edu
Students stay at Itza Lodge (http://www.itzalodge.com), an eco-lodge on Long Caye. All meals are provided during the stay on Lighthouse Reef.
NOTE: All students participating in the WFU Belize program are required to live in program-provided housing. Housing accommodations you may have on campus do not automatically transfer to abroad and certain housing accommodations (single rooms and private bathrooms, for example) may not be available.
NOTE: All students participating in the WFU Belize program are required to live in program-provided housing. Housing accommodations you may have on campus do not automatically transfer to abroad and certain housing accommodations (single rooms and private bathrooms, for example) may not be available.
Students will visit all five of the cayes on Lighthouse Reef, and snorkel multiple sites, including the Great Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye. Students will collect field data on biodiversity as part of the excursions. Scuba certification at the level of Open Water or Advanced is also available as a course option, with certification dives performed during the trip.
Student selection will be done by Dr. Miles Silman. Decisions will be made before the start of the Spring semester.
The 2023 program fee for the Spring Break portion of this program in Belize is $2,550. It covers your flight, housing and program related expenses while in Belize. You will be responsible for some of your meals and any personal expenses.
There are a limited amount of need based scholarships for this program. Scholarships are available through the Center for Global Programs and Studies.
Sullivan Scholarships may be available for students participating on this program. Awards up to $2,500. To apply go here
Sullivan Scholarships may be available for students participating on this program. Awards up to $2,500. To apply go here
Miles Silman
Professor of Biology
Telephone: (336) 758-5996
Email: silmanmr@wfu.edu
Sheri Floge
Professor of Biology
floges@wfu.edu
Tyler Favale
Study Abroad Advisor
Center for Global Programs and Studies
336-758-4072
favalet@wfu.edu
Professor of Biology
Telephone: (336) 758-5996
Email: silmanmr@wfu.edu
Sheri Floge
Professor of Biology
floges@wfu.edu
Tyler Favale
Study Abroad Advisor
Center for Global Programs and Studies
336-758-4072
favalet@wfu.edu