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 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.

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.

Faculty Director:
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.

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 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 – $2,470
Airfare (estimated) – $1,000
Personal Expenses (estimated) – $1,415
Estimated total cost – $4,885

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

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.

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