VIU chose to partner with the Commonwealth country of Belize because VIU’s region and Belize are facing similar challenges, circumstances and opportunities. The University of Belize (UB), the Government of Belize, municipalities, and many non-governmental organizations are as focused on coastal resilience issues as VIU is on Vancouver Island.
Belize is English-speaking and geographically and financially accessible to Canadian students, and VIU already has a broad and active network in Belize. Vancouver Island University and the University of Belize partnered to deliver a major fisheries project in 1999, and the relationship has broadened to include intercultural learning experiences, exchanges and collaboration.
Over the past 15 years, VIU Geography, Forestry, Education, Biology, Tourism, Physical Education, Geology Global Studies and Baking students have attended field schools or successfully completed valuable internships with local organizations in Belize. Two adjunct faculty in Belize fulfill a coordination and support role with students, faculty and interns.
Past VIU projects in Belize:
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