Tuesday, March 19, 2024

University of North Georgia students interact with Belizean students

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A group of students from the University of North Georgia, USAwere in Belize conducting several activities. It is a part of the university’s Students Study Abroad program and while in the country, were working in two municipalities. The students were scheduled to work in schools in Belize City and in San Pedro Town where they had the opportunity to do some hands-on work.

On the night of Saturday May 11th, the students had the unique opportunity to meet other students from the University of West Indies (UWI), Belize Campus. During a meet and greet, the US students enjoyed the Garifuna Culture through drumming and various dances. The foreign students were introduced to the dances and all were excited to try it. They also interacted and participated in various games and even sang during the karaoke sessions.

The following day, on Sunday May 12th, the university students traveled to the Lamanai Maya Site in the Orange Walk District, one of the main sites in the country and the largest in northern Belize. There, the North Georgia students were met by students of Sacred Heart Junior College (SHJC) from the Cayo District. Speaking to The San Pedro Sun, Vicky Novelo, Director of Student Services at SHJC, explained the purpose of the interaction between the two groups of students. “Our students usually partner with other students from the US while here in Belize on different projects, mainly in the Cayo area. The trip to Lamanai was more recreational and mainly to allow interaction and an exchange. The interaction gives our students some exposure as to what other students from the US come to do in Belize. It exposes them to doing more than just the academics and so it gets them involved in extracurricular activities that hopefully they can develop later on when they graduate,” explained Novelo.

The US students had the opportunity to tour the ruins together as well as enjoy a typical Sunday lunch under a huge thatched-roof gazebo surrounded by lush sub-topical green forest filled with flora and fauna.

On Wednesday May 15th, the students were involved in a similar activity in San Pedro Town. At a social function they had the opportunity to meet with some members of the faculty and student body of San Pedro Junior College. Held at the Lions Den, the students enjoyed island treats such as conch and chicken ceviche as well as other island food. They also enjoyed the island’s music of Rompe Raja during the course of the night.

The group, consisting of 13 students, was led by Carlise Womack Wynne, the Associate Director, Center for Global Engagement at the University of North Georgia. The students left the country on Saturday May 18th.

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