Q. What does the program offer, and what will I study?

The Geography of Ancient Maya Caves offers the opportunity to do original and important fieldwork on all aspects of Maya interaction with caves. What did these people believe about caves? What religious, ritual and practical activities did they do in caves? To address these questions, you will learn much about the Maya culture in general and Maya worldview and religion in particular. You will probably explore "new" caves used by the ancient Maya, and work in older known caves, mapping the cave features and Maya artifacts and probably excavating some cave sites. You will have the opportunity to learn or improve your knowledge of GIS (Geographic Information Systems), a valuable skill that is in great demand today's job market.

Q. What is it like there?

Belize is a developing country that has a vibrant mix of Native American, Hispanic, Creole and European cultures. Belize was formerly a British colony, and English is widely spoken. Nature conservation is an important priority for Belize, and much of the country is cloaked in undisturbed tropical rain forest. You will spend most of your time in (and under) that forest.

Q. When is the program?

The program will be for four weeks each June or July. Exact dates are to be announced. You may come earlier or stay later to explore Belize or neighboring countries.

Q. Where will I live?

The program will begin in the western Belize town of San Ignacio with an in-depth introduction to Maya culture and archaeology. While in San Ignacio you will stay in a comfortable hotel, and take meals there. On weekdays you will camp in a tent in the rain forest near the caves. Conditions are rustic, but you will have three good meals a day, and there will be electric light for evening activities. On weekends you will be back at the hotel in San Ignacio. There is a single three day weekend when you are on your own to explore Belize or neighboring countries.

Q. Will I get academic credit?

The basic program offers four semester hours of graduate or undergraduate credit. You may also enroll for up to four hours of additional credit after you return to MU. That additional credit would require a research paper on a topic agreed upon between you and the instructor.

Q. How much will it cost?

The estimated costs are $3464, based on program fees of $2250, tuition of $614, the MU Study Abroad fee of $50, and airfare of $550. Tuition is based on four hours of undergraduate credit, calculating MU summer 2002 fees, which are subject to increase. Graduate tuition is somewhat higher. Please note that these are estimated expenses. Additional expenses may be incurred for such things as passport application, field gear and personal travel.

Q. Can I get financial aid?

Loans may be available to offset some of the program costs. MU's International Center has limited financial aid; applications are included in the MU Study Abroad application.

Q. Am I eligible?

You may participate if you are accepted both by the MU Study Abroad program and the Western Belize Regional Cave Project (WBRCP). The program is demanding both physically and mentally, and the WBRCP will ask a lot of questions about your ability to handle these challenges.

Q. How do I apply?

You should submit a fully completed MU Study Abroad application in paper form to Professor Hobbs by the deadline in February (his address is Department of Geography, 8 Stewart Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211). The application is available online at: The MU International Center Study Abroad Programs

You should read and fill out the sections marked "MU Programs." Also by that date you should send an email to Professor Hobbs saying that you intend to apply. Professor Hobbs will email you the WBRCP application.

Q. Where can I find out more?

Your main instructor in Belize will be MU Geography professor Joe Hobbs. The best way to get detailed information about the program is to see him in his office (5 Stewart Hall), phone him (at 573-882-0586), email him (HobbsJ@missouri.edu) or consult the information on the Belize program at his web site (linked below).

You may also contact the MU International Center at (573) 882-6007.

The Western Belize Regional Cave Project