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Belize - Cultural and Natural Diversity
Belize is a peaceful and complex country rich with culture and stunning natural beauty, boasting miles of pristine beaches, endangered jaguars lurking in lush jungles, and a vast network of environmentally protected areas.
Only two hours away from the U.S., this English-speaking country offers authentic and unforgettable experiences due to its diverse blend of Maya, Garifuna, Creole, Mestizo, and Mennonite cultures.
Belize is on the Caribbean coast nestled between Mexico and Guatemala. This ideal location offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests, majestic mountains, mysterious Mayan temples, and excellent opportunities for diving and fishing.
In a single day you can go from deep jungle to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Come discover beautiful Belize, from the mystery of its Mayan ruins, the infamy of the "Blue Hole," and the unmistakable warmth of its people.
Social and Development Issues
In stark contrast to Belize's lush landscape, close to one third of the country's population lives below the poverty line. Today's population of 266,000 is a blend of Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Mennonite, and Garifuna.
Belize struggles to develop its natural resources in a sustainable way, given the complicated dynamic of vast natural resources, widespread poverty, and intense international pressure to exploit their resources.
Furthermore, limited education, inadequate health services, and a lack of productive job opportunities hinder Belizeans from escaping the challenges of a developing nation.
- Xunantunich and Mayan ruins
- Rainforest and cave exploration
- Remote community cultural events
- River canoeing and/or river tubing
- Community development projects
Mexico - Geographic and Cultural Diversity
The city of Oaxaca offers an extraordinary array of cultural activities and serves as a logistical base for international students and travelers. One look at the cobbled streets, shaded squares, colonial churches and busy markets and it is clear why UNESCO declared Oaxaca a World Heritage Site in 1987.
The city is in close proximity to some of Mexico's best preserved archaeological areas, and is surrounded by communities renowned for their cultural diversity and the quality of local crafts. The many indigenous groups in the area boast over 90 dialects in 14 distinct languages.
The state of Oaxaca has the greatest biodiversity and variety of natural terrain of any state in Mexico. Within a few hours, one can travel from the sandy beaches of the Pacific coastline to tropical jungles to thickly pine tree-forested mountains of over 10,000 feet.
Social and Development Issues
In 2002, half the population in Mexico was living in poverty and one fifth was living in extreme poverty. Oaxaca is one of the poorest states in Mexico with more than a third of its population living on less than three dollars a day.
According to government statistics, the literacy rate is 79% and about half of all children don't finish primary school, many dropping out to work alongside their parents.
The lack of productive jobs forces many families to depend on the income of their children. Access to medicine and health care is minimal with the state run health care attending to just 23% of the population.
These factors and many others combine to lock the people of Oaxaca in a continual struggle against poverty.
- Visits to Artisan communities of the Central Valleys where ancient traditions continue to produce stunning pottery, woodcarvings and weavings
- Visits to museums/art galleries and attendance at local cultural events
- Visits to Pre-Hispanic archaeological sites such as Monte Alban, Yagul and Mitla
- Community development projects
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