WILDLIFE HEALTH, ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION

This 2-week course is designed for undergraduate students with an interest in wildlife health from a pre-veterinary, biology or conservation perspective. Through a combination of classroom lectures, field trips and practicums, students will be introduced to tropical ecology, local conservation efforts, Belizean wildlife, veterinary practices and wildlife research techniques. This intensive, introductory course will help students understand the many factors that affect the management, conservation, habitat and health of wild animals.

STUDY WILDLIFE HEALTH AT THE WORLD RENOWNED BELIZE ZOO AND THE REMOTE RUNAWAY CREEK NATURE RESERVE

The focus of the course is on wildlife veterinary practices, conservation and research methods. Species specific focus will include the research and conservation of the Jaguars, Tapirs, Howler and Spider Monkeys, Crocodiles, and various Raptor species. Students will gain insight on several field research techniques including behavioral data collection, snare traps, GPS and VHF tracking, camera trapping, chemical immobilization and remote drug delivery, avian mist netting, bird banding, and crocodile nest surveys. Students will also get the opportunity to observe and collect data on captive and wild animals.

Students will be based at the Tropical Education Center, located at Mile 29 on the George Price Highway, across the road from the Belize Zoo. There they will have the opportunity to work alongside zookeepers in the world-renowned Belize Zoo. The central focus of the course is on wildlife conservation and research methods. The course will travel to Runaway Creek Nature Reserve to experience field research conditions. Students will have the opportunity to observe and collect data on both captive and wild animals. The course will learn about current wildlife research in Belize, conservation challenges, as well as rehabilitation and education efforts.

WILDLIFE HEALTH PROGRAM DATES

JANUARY 2024

January 1 – January 14, 2024

SUMMER 2024

May 25 – June 8, 2024

June 8 – June 22, 2024

SUBJECTS COVERED FOR WILDLIFE HEALTH COURSE

Vet intern and Tapir

Captive Animal Care

Baboon hanging on a tree

Primatology

Jaguar captured by a surveillance camera

Human – Wildlife Conflict

Vet intern holding a surveillance camera

Field Research Methods

Vet intern holding a frog

Reptile and Amphibian Research

Vet students with Plumbeous kite bird resting on her hand

Raptor Rehabilitation

PROGRAM TUITION

Tuition

Program tuition is $3,180, not including international airfare.

Interest-free payment plans are available. Current college students may be able to use federal financial aid toward their tuition.

The first $500 of your tuition (your program deposit) holds your space in the course. This deposit is non-refundable. All prices are in US dollars.

Want to stay for a whole month? Combine 2 courses!

Tuition for 2 programs is $6,360 Only $5900 – SAVE $460 on your month of adventures in Belize!

Included:

  • Course
  • Housing
  • Airport pickup
  • Class excursions
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • Orientation

Not included:

  • $30 Application fee
  • Transcript
  • Personal budget for meals, tours, laundry, evening activities, souvenirs, etc
  • Airfare
  • Medical insurance (required)

SCHOLARSHIP AND FUNDING IDEAS

Want to study abroad but not sure if you can afford it? You are not alone! While studying abroad gives you an appreciation for the world outside of your home country, grows your character and confidence, and gives you great opportunities, many still worry about paying off student debt in the future. Thankfully, you can pursue a couple of options that may make that trip of a lifetime a little bit more affordable.

The Gilman Scholarship offers awards of $5000 for undergraduate study abroad for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university. Talk to us about applying!

Crowdfunding

Hand painting with a dollar sign
Many of our alumni have been successful raising money from friends, family, and community through crowdfunding. Tell your story, share your passion, and people may want to be a part of your adventure and growth!
The Gilman-McCain Scholarship is open to US citizen undergraduate students who are child dependents of active duty service members and receiving any type of Title IV federal financial aid to participate in study abroad programs worldwide.
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