In this writing-intensive course we will closely examine the intricate social, historical, economic, and environmental issues affecting the coral reef ecosystem of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, located 50 miles off the coast of Belize. With snorkeling and scuba gear in tow, we will spend spring break at the Atoll, studying these complex forces in person. Some highlights include, scuba diving at one of the world’s premier dive sites, accommodations at a beach front eco-resort on Long Caye, and a scuba dive adventure in the Great Blue Hole. 

Belize portion of course – Spring Break 2025: March 8th – 16th, 2025

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.

ENV 302: Conservation Writing, Lighthouse Reef Atoll
·There are no prerequisites for this course. Students who are not scuba certified will obtain certification prior to the trip. 
·As a student In this course, you will develop essential skills such as team-based problem-solving, critical thinking, and advanced writing techniques. Through reflective practices, you will deepen your understanding of the complex challenges facing coral reefs, both in the Atoll and beyond. Together, we will explore the interconnectedness of human activities and marine ecosystems, and learn how to articulate these issues compellingly and effectively for a broad audience. Collaborative projects, field research, and immersive experiences will challenge students to think critically and work cohesively as a team.
·My goal is to equip you with the tools to become thoughtful, informed, and impactful environmental writers who can contribute meaningfully to global efforts of conservation and sustainability. As we navigate this course, expect to grow both intellectually and personally, gaining insights that will shape your future endeavors in environmental advocacy and beyond.

Faculty Director:
Eric Stottlemyer                      
Teaching Professor of English and Associate Dean for the Engaged Liberal Arts                       
stottlem@wfu.edu
336-758-4169

Students stay at Itza Lodge (http://www.itzalodge.com), an eco-lodge on Long Caye. Beach level rooms include two queen sized beds, a private bath, a private deck, and beach views, and will accommodate two students (two students to a room). 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.

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. Eric Stottlemyer. Decisions will be made before the start of the Spring semester.

The total cost of a spring short-term study abroad program can be broken down into three categories:

Program Fee – Usually covers room, in-country travel, excursions, some meals and other costs associated with the program. 
Airfare (estimated) – Varies per location. Students are responsible for their own airfare unless otherwise noted.
Personal Expenses (estimated) – These will vary depending on the students’ spending habits, cost of living in the destination country, and the number of meals included in the program fee. This may also include visa fees, vaccinations, academic supplies/books and other miscellaneous daily expenses.

Program Fee (Estimated) – $2,425
Airfare (estimated) – $1,000
Personal Expenses (estimated) – $1,415
Estimated total cost – $4,840

Estimated breakdown of out of pocket personal expenses: 
– Scuba Certification (if needed): $565
– Snorkel gear (if needed): $300
– Optional Dive Scuba rental gear ($10 per optional dive): $60
– Optional Dive Itza Resort Dive Fee ($35 per optional dive): $210
– Local Transportation not included in fee: $90
– Miscellaneous daily expenses: $90
– Personal emergency fund: $100

*Final program fee is dependent on total number of program participants.

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

Passport Information
Students need to check their passport’s expiration date and ensure that it will be valid for at least 6 months after the program’s end date.

Students going on a spring short-term program need to make sure their passport is valid through at least late November of the same year.

US passport holders who need to renew their passport should visit the U.S. Department of State’s passport website for information on this process.

Non-US passport holders who need to renew their passport should refer to their home country’s passport office.

Visa Information
If you are a US citizen, you most likely will not require a visa for your spring short-term abroad program. If you do, details will be shared with you by GPS. Non-US passport holders should check with their host country’s embassy or consulate to find out if a visa is required for their program or not.

Eric Stottlemyer                      
Teaching Professor of English and Associate Dean for the Engaged Liberal Arts                       
stottlem@wfu.edu
336-758-4169

Tyler Favale 
Study Abroad Advisor
Center for Global Programs and Studies
336-758-4072
favalet@wfu.edu