Central America
(July 28-August 18, 2009)

This course (LEAD 350 - Leadership Study Abroad; 3 credit hours) will examine leadership in the areas of ecology and conservation in Central America.  

Students will go to Guatemala and Belize, visit the Mayan ruins and examine the environmental demise of the Mayan Empire, snorkel in the Barrier Reef off the coast of Belize, and study with present leaders seeking to protect the ecosystems in this part of the world.

The course will also include a service project designed to meet and work along side indigenous people.

Program cost of $ 1,950 includes round trip airfare from Columbus (or Pittsburgh if that turns out to be the cheapest way to go), ground transportation in Guatemala and Belize, room and board (3 meals a day), excursions, entrance fees and departure taxes. The only item not covered by the program costs is the 3 credit hours of Marietta College tuition.

Contact Dr. David Brown at david.brown@marietta.edu or Dr. Robert McManus at robert.mcmanus@marietta.edu for more information.

"I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything."
- Bill Bryson

Central American Photos
Trip Description Printable Format



Download forms for classes and civic engagement, review online syllabi and more
   

Learn about the McDonough Leadership Program, opportunities, professors, and coursework
   

Learn more about the Bernard P. McDonough Center and its relationships with businesses and other partners
   

McDonough alumni forums, announcements, Homecoming updates, and more
 

Tentative Itinerary

Day 1           Arrive in Guatemala City

Day 2-5        Travel to Coban and attend festival and local market

Day 6-9        Travel to Antigua, the old Spanish Colonial Capital of
                    Guatemala, and visit Pacaya volcano

Day 10-12     Travel to Flores and visit Mayan Ruins at Tikal

Days 13-14    Travel to Belmopan, Belize, visit with national officials
                     and the University of Belize

Days 15-20    Travel to and work in Caye Caulker and Caye Ambergris,
                     swim in coastal reef and visit Shark Ray Alley

Day 21          Travel back to United States

Potential Speakers Include:
The Nature Conservancy
Conservation International
Professors from the University of Belize
Government Officials
Local Leaders in Environmental Conservation
Eco-Conscientious Developers

Potential Service Learning Opportunities Include:
Developing Websites for Eco-Conscientious Local Businesses
Working with Local Children to Create Dioramas of the Belizian Reef
Conducting Attitudinal Surveys Regarding Conservation
Developing Marketing Plans for Non-Profit Organizations
Translating local folklore from Spanish into English

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” 
-  St. Augustine

Central American Photos
Trip Description Printable Format


McDonough Center, 215 Fifth Street, Marietta, OH 45750, Phone: 740.376.4760, Fax: 740.376.4763, E-mail: lead@marietta.edu Terms and Conditions