Belize Trip
Study Abroad Adventure in Belize
In January 2024, 14 Loyola students embarked on an unforgettable study abroad journey to Belize, immersing themselves in the lush tropical ecosystems of Central America. Led by Father Stephen Mitten, SJ, MS, the trip promised a blend of academic exploration and personal growth against the natural beauty of the diverse Belizean ecosystems. Father Mitten, who lived in Belize for ten years and is passionate about ecology, has been sharing his knowledge and love for the country with Loyola students since 2012.
Students explored cave systems at St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park.
During an interview with Emma McBride, one of the students who attended this year's trip, she expressed her excitement at the prospect of connecting with her peers and delving into the field with Father Mitten, renowned for his ornithology expertise. For her, the trip was an academic endeavor, a chance to explore her passion for birdwatching, and an opportunity to form lasting friendships.
The trip lasted ten days, from January 3 to the 12. During that time, the students enjoyed various experiences that left a lasting impact. Highlights included birdwatching excursions through the Belizean savanna, where the students marveled at the diverse array of avian species inhabiting the region. Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Sibun River provided a refreshing relief from the tropical heat, and a thrilling five-hour night canoe trip offered a unique opportunity to observe crocodiles in their natural habitat under the moonlit sky.
The group also had the opportunity to delve into the cultural and botanical riches of Belize, learning about creole ethnobotany at the Community Baboon Sanctuary and exploring cave systems at St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, where they swam near cascading waterfalls and marveled at the natural wonders concealed within the subterranean depths.
Guided hikes, nature walks, and birding excursions led by local experts provided invaluable insights into Belize's rich biodiversity, with the students spotting over 240 bird species, including the iconic Toucan, by the end of the trip. Hiking through the tropical rainforest, they encountered tarantulas, snakes, and leaf-cutter ants up close. They gained a newfound appreciation for the intricate web of life that thrives within Belize's ecological tapestry.
In addition to their academic pursuits, the students gained firsthand knowledge of the socio-ecologic challenges facing Belize. The learned about the impacts of shrimp and cacao farming on local ecosystems and participated in sustainability efforts aimed at preserving the region's natural heritage. They even had the opportunity to make Mayan chocolate, immersing themselves in the culinary traditions of Central America.
The adventure culminated in a visit to Tobacco Caye, where the students snorkeled among the world's second-largest barrier reef, explored mangrove forests, and swam in seagrass beds teeming with marine life. For student Ashley De La Rosa, witnessing the environmental impact of unregulated tourism served as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and ecological preservation.
Despite facing a few unexpected challenges, such as encounters with army ants and jellyfish stings, the students emerged from the trip with a newfound appreciation for the power of experiential learning and the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone.
As they return home, these students offered words of encouragement to others who crave adventure and yearn to broaden their horizons. For Emma, the trip was an opportunity for academic growth and a chance to forge lifelong friendships and gain valuable insights into potential career paths. For Ashley, the journey was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of exploration and the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.
In an interview with Father Mitten, he encapsulated the essence of the trip by emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of our actions. He discussed the importance of students returning home with a deeper understanding of global interconnectedness and how their choices in Chicago can directly impact beautiful and fragile ecosystems like those in Belize.
-- Story by Jorge Haddad
-- Photos provided by student trip participants
During an interview with Emma McBride, one of the students who attended this year's trip, she expressed her excitement at the prospect of connecting with her peers and delving into the field with Father Mitten, renowned for his ornithology expertise. For her, the trip was an academic endeavor, a chance to explore her passion for birdwatching, and an opportunity to form lasting friendships.
The trip lasted ten days, from January 3 to the 12. During that time, the students enjoyed various experiences that left a lasting impact. Highlights included birdwatching excursions through the Belizean savanna, where the students marveled at the diverse array of avian species inhabiting the region. Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Sibun River provided a refreshing relief from the tropical heat, and a thrilling five-hour night canoe trip offered a unique opportunity to observe crocodiles in their natural habitat under the moonlit sky.
The group also had the opportunity to delve into the cultural and botanical riches of Belize, learning about creole ethnobotany at the Community Baboon Sanctuary and exploring cave systems at St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, where they swam near cascading waterfalls and marveled at the natural wonders concealed within the subterranean depths.
Guided hikes, nature walks, and birding excursions led by local experts provided invaluable insights into Belize's rich biodiversity, with the students spotting over 240 bird species, including the iconic Toucan, by the end of the trip. Hiking through the tropical rainforest, they encountered tarantulas, snakes, and leaf-cutter ants up close. They gained a newfound appreciation for the intricate web of life that thrives within Belize's ecological tapestry.
In addition to their academic pursuits, the students gained firsthand knowledge of the socio-ecologic challenges facing Belize. The learned about the impacts of shrimp and cacao farming on local ecosystems and participated in sustainability efforts aimed at preserving the region's natural heritage. They even had the opportunity to make Mayan chocolate, immersing themselves in the culinary traditions of Central America.
The adventure culminated in a visit to Tobacco Caye, where the students snorkeled among the world's second-largest barrier reef, explored mangrove forests, and swam in seagrass beds teeming with marine life. For student Ashley De La Rosa, witnessing the environmental impact of unregulated tourism served as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and ecological preservation.
Despite facing a few unexpected challenges, such as encounters with army ants and jellyfish stings, the students emerged from the trip with a newfound appreciation for the power of experiential learning and the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone.
As they return home, these students offered words of encouragement to others who crave adventure and yearn to broaden their horizons. For Emma, the trip was an opportunity for academic growth and a chance to forge lifelong friendships and gain valuable insights into potential career paths. For Ashley, the journey was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of exploration and the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.
In an interview with Father Mitten, he encapsulated the essence of the trip by emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of our actions. He discussed the importance of students returning home with a deeper understanding of global interconnectedness and how their choices in Chicago can directly impact beautiful and fragile ecosystems like those in Belize.
-- Story by Jorge Haddad
-- Photos provided by student trip participants