Belize

By: Nevaeh Schiffhauer

Have you ever heard of the country Belize? If you have not, you should look into it, as well as the Program for Belize, offered to first-year students here at Defiance College. Belize is a beautiful country full of wildlife and exotic plants and animals that we do not have here in the U.S.. The Program for Belize that is offered to first-year students is an amazing program that not only allows students the opportunity to experience a different country and its cultures, but also gives back to the community and the wildlife of the Rio Bravo located in Belize. On September 24, Nicole Hoffman, the director of the Program for Belize, held an informational session explaining the program, as well as the benefits, opportunities and potential experiences the program has to offer.

During this session, Nicole Hoffman and Robin Otey shared their roles within the program and offered first-year students the opportunity to sign up for a potential spot on the trip. During this trip, it was mentioned that it is an amazing opportunity for students to gain knowledge about the country of Belize, its culture, everyday activities, and overall environment. It was also mentioned that the main goal of this trip is to work with a local school within the Orange Walk district of Belize and create projects that address specific concerns regarding the students. The trip to Belize takes place in the month of May and is an extended trip offered to gain the real experience of another country, much different than the one in which we live. Students that have previously been accepted into the Program for Belize were offered the
opportunity to join this session and share their favorite experiences from their trip to Belize.

Being one of the students that previously attended this trip, it is definitely a great opportunity to experience a different culture and every-day ways of life and to gain a better understanding of cultural differences and concerns. It is a highly recommended trip to first-year students, as it is an opportunity to not only expand knowledge of different areas of the world, but also to work with great teachers and students in making a difference within a community. For more information, Nicole Hoffman is available in Admissions to answer any questions or concerns about the trip to Belize and encourages students to broaden their knowledge and skills with working with people from a different country. Belize is a great environment that has much to offer. It is a safe and very well-planned trip that can be very beneficial to students here at Defiance College.