Immerse yourself in the culture of Belize while studying individuals with disabilities. Led by UW-Madison faculty in Rehabilitation Psychology & Special Education, this three-week, three-credit program is designed to expand the knowledge base of future educators, clinicians, and all society members to better understand and support the diverse needs and interests of individuals with disabilities in the United States and Belize.
Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of ability differences and exceptionality
Articulate knowledge of the specific disability categories designated by government laws and policies in the United States and in Belize
Summarize significant legislation and litigation that has affected the education, work, and lives of individuals with disabilities in the United States and in Belize
Identify barriers to full participation for individuals with disabilities and how certain practices and policies can help dismantle such barriers (e.g., Universal Design for Learning) in the United States and in Belize
Demonstrate knowledge of practices and interventions utilized by professionals who work with people with disabilities and/or children and youth who may develop disabilities in the United States and in Belize
Program Objectives
Explore the historical and cultural significance of ancient Maya civilizations by visiting archeological sites such as Xunantunich and Lamanai, and reflect on their enduring influence on contemporary Belizean society.
Engage with Belize’s multicultural heritage through experiencing a Garifuna celebration and engaging with the Ketchi and Mopan Maya communities, deepening understanding of Indigenous traditions, values, and ways of life.
Gain insight into local food systems and community interactions by participating in culturally authentic settings such as the San Ignacio Farmers Market, fostering appreciation for Belizean agriculture, cuisine, and small-scale commerce.
Develop cultural humility and cross-cultural communication skills through immersive visits and interactions with local individuals and communities, including students and educators at Stella Maris School.
Understand the interconnectedness of Belize’s natural environment and cultural identity through eco-cultural excursions, such as a boat river safari and snorkeling the Barrier Reef, and explore how local communities engage with and protect these resources. Develop community among this group of your UW-Madison peers.
Additionally, this course addresses the following UW-School of Education Foundational Knowledge Standards:
1.1. Learners differ in cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical development and ways of knowing at different life stages and have varying patterns of development and learning.
1.2. To thrive, learners need supportive, inclusive, and safe learning environments and activities that support development and learning by being responsive to each learner’s cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical needs.
5.5. Professional ethics; and state and federal law requirements, state and district policies and regulations that guide their interactions with and communications about students, colleagues, parents and communities, and their performances as teachers.
5.6. How institutional contexts, policies and practices influence inclusion and exclusion of some learners.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.
Sustainability
We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.
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Eligibility
Preference is given to students in the School of Education (all majors). Further preference is given to students with a declared RPSE major.
First-Year students must have 2 semesters completed by the time of participation (the preceding Fall and Spring semesters).
At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution
Advising Location
Program Structure
UW Signature
Subjects
Rehabilitation Psychology, Special Education, Disability Studies
This course will introduce you to the cross-cultural concepts of disability and inclusive education. We will examine the history of special education in both global contexts, including government-mandated programs designed to support individuals with disabilities in schools and in communities. We will examine the etiology and characteristics of specific categories of disability labels and explore barriers and policies and practices that support an inclusive society. Topics germane to the study of disability will be explored including inclusion, disability justice, diversity, accessibility and other current issues and trends.
A 25-hour international community-based learning (CBL) experience working with individuals with disabilities will be a vital component of this course. Students will complete their CBL experience likely in one of the following settings in Belmopan, Belize:
Garden City Primary School
Evergreen Primary School
Belmopan Comprehensive High School
Kuxlin Ha Government Primary School
Upon successful completion of the academic program, students will earn 3 credits of either RP & SE 274: UW Disability, Access, and Inclusion in Belize, or 3 credits of RP & SE 300: Individuals with Disabilities.
Belize is located on the eastern coast of Central America, bordered to the north by Mexico, south and west by Guatemala, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. The country is diverse in culture and language that reflects its rich history; while English is the official language, over half the population is multilingual.
This program is based in Belmopan, the capital of Belize, with a population of around 20,000. Belmopan is known as The Garden City and offers natural and cultural attractions, open-air markets, and more.
Cost of living varies widely by location. Be sure to consult a variety of resources when researching cost of living.
Housing
Participants will be housed together in a guesthouse in Belmopan such as KenMars B&B,Bullfrog Inn, or similar. Rooms are most commonly doubles or triples.
Daily breakfast is included, as well as a welcome dinner, three cultural lunches, and three other group dinners. Students are responsible for all additional meals during the program.
We typically place students in rooms with others of the same sex. In some locations, this is necessary for legal or cultural reasons. We understand that not all students may identify as female or male, and we want to create a welcoming environment for you while you are abroad. We are happy to work with students who identify as transgender, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and/or non-binary regarding life abroad. If you have questions or concerns regarding housing as it relates to your gender identity, please contact your Study Abroad Advisor.
Program Considerations
In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.
For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.
How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.
We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.
Excursions and Activities
Excursions and activities included in the program are likely to include:
Excursion to ancient Mayan historical sites, the San Ignacio Farmers Market, and to enjoy Mestizo cultural dishes
Excursion to northern Belize for a river safari and Lamanai Archeological Site tour
Visit to Museum of Belize and the Belize Zoo
Mopan Maya cultural excursion to the southern coast
Half-day snorkeling experience
Garifuna cultural dance presentation
On-Site Support
Your UW-Madison Program Leader(s) will provide onsite support for the duration of the program. Additionally, Toucan staff will work in collaboration with your Program Leaders to support the program.
Orientation
IAP expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an IAP program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
You will receive an orientation and introduction to the country of Belize, as well as site-specific expectations, upon arrival.
Visa
A visa is not required for US passport holders for this program. US citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. Non-US passport holders may have different visa requirements. Ask your Study Abroad Advisor if you have any questions.
Getting to Your Program
You are responsible for arranging round-trip transportation to Belize City based on the dates and arrival information provided. Travel in-country to Belmopan and excursion locations will be coordinated by Toucan (our onsite program provider) and includes airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
Insurance
You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.
If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.
All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.
Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business. All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.
UW–Madison students can typically use their financial aid on UW–Madison study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programs. You need to complete a FAFSA if you want to be eligible to receive federal and state financial aid.
Beginning in 2026-27, the Office of Student Financial Aid will require all incoming undergraduate students to submit a CSS profile.
This scholarship list includes scholarships we know are relevant to this program. It is not an exhaustive list of all available scholarship opportunities for study abroad. Although we make our best effort to ensure the list is up-to-date, this information changes frequently, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify information. For additional scholarship information, please visit our scholarship page.
Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.
Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.
This program is offered by International Academic Programs. We have a team that works with each program. Each member of this program team is able to help students with different kinds of questions. Visit the advising webpage to learn how to schedule an appointment.
Enrollment Manager
For questions on application advising, program eligibility, course equivalency request process, grade processing.
Description Each year, the L&S Honors Program supports Honors students intending to study abroad at a UW-Madison-approved academic study abroad program through the L&S Honors Study Abroad grants. Award Amount
$1250
Eligibility Criteria
L&S Honors student studying on an approved UW-Madison Study Abroad Program How to Apply Students can apply for this award at Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).
Lois E. Hack Study Abroad Scholarship
Description
Pending annual renewal, this scholarship is available to UW-Madison undergraduate students pursuing degrees in the School of Education who are studying abroad on an IAP program. Any School of Education undergraduate major is eligible to apply. Preference will be given to applicants for whom this would be their first study abroad experience, as well as for students on a program to Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
This award is made possible from alumni of the School of Education who share the school's value of international education.
Award Amount
$3,000
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available to UW-Madison undergraduate students pursuing degrees in the School of Education who are studying abroad on an IAP program. Any School of Education undergraduate, including students in "pre" status (e.g., pre-Elementary Education, pre-Kinesiology), or students earning the Certificate in Educational Policy Studies or the Certificate in Education and Educational Services are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to applicants for whom this would be their first study abroad experience, as well as for students on a program to Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
How to Apply
Students who are eligible are automatcially considered for this award.
Claire Shaffer Study Abroad Award
Description
Pending annual renewal, this scholarship is available to UW-Madison undergraduate students pursuing degrees in the School of Education who are studying abroad on an IAP program. Any School of Education undergraduate majors, including students in "pre" status (e.g., pre-Elementary Education, pre-Kinesiology) are eligible to apply. Certificate students are not eligible.
This award is made possible from Claire Shaffer who worked in the Dean's Office in the School of Education for 17 years. Claire believes that spending time overseas helps persons to more fully understand and appreciate the difference in our cultures and perspectives. Spending that much time involved in various capacities made her appreciate what UW-Madison stands for, and how it positively impacts the lives of all who study and work in the environment. She hopes that the recipient of the scholarship will fully embrace the experience the culture and opportunities that present themselves while overseas. And, hopefully, be able to travel, whenever, and wherever they get a chance.
Award Amount
$2,000
How to Apply
Students who are eligible are automatcially considered for this award.
Global Scholars Scholarship
Description
This scholarship is available to UW-Madison students participating in the following affiliated programs: Center for Educational Opportunity, Chancellor's & Powers Knapp Scholarship Program, First Wave, PEOPLE, or the Posse Program. The scholarship was designed to support Scholars who are engaging in study abroad or study away opportunities during the Winter Intersession and/or Summer; must be participating on an International Academic Programs (IAP) study abroad program, in partnership with CALS, Engineering, Business, & the International Internship Program (IIP).
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students participating on an IAP study abroad program in Latin America. Applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and demonstrate some financial need. Scholarships range from $500-2,000.
This award was established in 1975 with a bequest from the estate of Cyril Winton Nave, a 1918 UW-Madison business graduate, and is given to students studying abroad in Latin America. Mr. Nave was the founder and director of the Atlantic Refining Company and had many dealings in Latin America.
Award Amount
$500 - $2,000
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students participating on an IAP program in Latin America. Applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and demonstrate some financial need.
How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
IAP Gilman Incentive
Description
IAP will provide a guaranteed $1000 scholarship to students applying to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for the first time and meet the Gilman's scholarship eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Students can only receive the IAP Gilman Incentive one time in their academic career. No additional application to IAP is needed and our staff will notify recipients after the Gilman scholarship deadline. Award Amount
$1000
How to Apply
For more information and to apply, visit the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship website. No additional application is needed for the IAP Gilman Incentive award. Students can only receive the IAP Gilman Incentive one time.
IAP WISc Scholarship
Description
This scholarship was established by International Academic Programs (IAP) to assist undergraduate student participants in the Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program with building their global competence and citizenship skills, which is the core goal of the WISc Program. Each WISc Scholar is eligible to receive scholarships as follows:
1) 1 scholarship of $2500 toward participation on a short-term study abroad program duration (winter intersession, spring break, or summer), and
2) 1 scholarship of $4000 toward participation on a semester program OR 1 $6000 towards a year long program.
These scholarships can be used for students attending any approved UW-Madison study abroad program.
Award Amount
$2500-$6000
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible for student participants of the Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program at UW-Madison.
This competitive scholarship provides students with financial awards starting at $1,500 towards the eligible study abroad program of your choice, and the chance to share your experience with the UW-Madison community upon return. Students attending any program, except the funded Global Gateway programs, in IAP, CALS, ENGR, or WSB are encouraged to apply to become a Study Abroad Scholar. Please read full scholarship details, including eligibility requirements, and considerations on the Study Abroad Scholars page.
CALS majors must apply for Study Abroad Scholars to be considered for CALS donor scholarships. Award Amount
$1,500-$8,000
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be considered for the Study Abroad Scholars scholarship for this application round, an applicant must:
Be in the process of applying, or have already applied, to an IAP study abroad program (UW Global Gateway Programs are not eligible)
Be a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate UW-Madison student
Academic merit and financial need will be considered
Submit completed application materials online by the posted deadline
Undergraduate students who are part of a UW-Madison Promise Program (Bucky's Tuition Promise, Bucky's Pell Pathway, BANNER, Wisconsin Tribal Education Promise, and Badger Promise) are eligible for this scholarship of up to $6000 towards a faculty-led program during winter or summer. Review full eligibility on our Study Abroad Promise page.
Award Amount
$6000
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is open to undergraduate students who:
Will participate on a short-term faculty-led program*
Are part of a Promise Program (Bucky’s Tuition Promise, Bucky’s Pell Pathway, BANNER)
are full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students at UW-Madison.
Students participating on Global Gateway programs or have previously participated on any UW study abroad program are not eligible.
How to Apply
Eligible students will be automatically reviewed and notified of award amount prior to acceptance to program.
Morton and Lena Wax Scholarship
Description
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on an IAP program.
This scholarship is made possible through the generous donation of the children of Morton and Lena Wax as a tribute to their parents and to express their appreciation for the excellent education family members have received at UW-Madison.
Award Amount
$500
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarships is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison students studying abroad on an IAP program.
How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Bryan Davia Scholarship
Description
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on any UW-Madison study abroad program. Preferences for this scholarship include a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, financial need, first generation college student, and first time abroad.
The Bryan Davia Scholarship was created in his honor to commemorate his life and to continue to share his gift of enriching the lives of everyone around him. As someone who loved to explore the world and everything life had to offer, Bryan would want nothing more than to help others do the same. Bryan was a compassionate, outgoing, hard working alumni of UW-Madison who cherished his time studying abroad in Barcelona. During his time abroad, Bryan set out to discover everything his new home had to offer. Bryan possessed the ability to extract the energy of a city through the exploration of its music, nightlife, and food allowing him to fully integrate himself within his environment and it’s culture. Bryan understood the value of knowledge gained from experiences and social interactions, rather than just in a classroom. We hope the recipient of this scholarship shares his devotion to balancing hard work with an unrelenting desire to explore, discover, and enjoy every moment in their new city.
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison students participating on an IAP study abroad program. This award is made possible through generous donations from UW-Madison alumni and friends of study abroad programs. These donors value the benefits of study abroad and are committed to making this opportunity available to UW-Madison students.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison students participating on an IAP study abroad program.
How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
George and Lisa McReddie Scholarship
Description
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison students participating on an IAP program, in partnership with CALS, Engineering, and Business, to Latin America. This scholarship was established by George and Lisa McReddie to make it possible for students to study abroad in this region of the world.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison students participating on a study abroad program to Latin America.
How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Fund for Education Abroad
Description
The FEA is committed to increasing the opportunities for dedicated American students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships. This scholarship is great for students who are early in the planning process of their study abroad experience as the deadline is early.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
1. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. 2. Must plan to study abroad for a minimum of 4 weeks in country 3. Is committed to supporting education abroad in his/her campus community through work with the FEA and his/her campus education abroad staff upon return
How to Apply
For more information and to apply, visit the FEA website.
Benjamin A. Gilman Int'l Scholarship Prgm
Description
The U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman Internatonal Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness. The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.
Award Amount
Varies (up to $5,000)
Eligibility Criteria
Scholarships available for undergraduate students who receive federal Pell Grant funding. Scholarships up to $5,000 for a semester/year in addition to a possible $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement.
The Gilman Scholarship Program aims to support a diverse range of students who have been traditionally under-represented in study abroad, including but not limited to: 1. Students with high financial need 2. Students studying in non-traditional countries, especially those outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand (Note: Students may not study in a country currently on the Department of State's travel warning list) 3. Students with diverse ethnic backgrounds 4. All recipients are required to carry out a Follow-on Service Project that promotes international education and the Gilman Scholarship Program at the students' home institution or in their home community.
All applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Study Abroad Advisor for assistance with the application essays.
Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
Description
Young people deserve to experience the world beyond their college campuses, but not everyone can afford to travel, especially if you're on a student budget. The Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded biannually to passionate students who want to explore the world. At Tortuga Backpacks, our mission is to help people take amazing trips, including students studying abroad. When customers purchase luggage from us for their trips, they are "paying it forward" by funding scholarships for students like you.
Our mission at Going is to help people travel and experience the world. Since 2017, we've helped young travelers get out there and get going. Twice a year, two outstanding students will win $1500 towards their study abroad programs. Students must be U.S. citizens or residents enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning.
Award Amount
$1,500
Eligibility Criteria
Students must be U.S. citizens or residents enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning. How to Apply
Social, Environmental, and Economic Development (SEED) Scholarship
Description
SEED stands for Social, Environmental and Economic Development. The Authentica SEED Scholarship is a $1,500 study abroad sustainability scholarship — $1,200 toward your program cost and a further $300 once you submit a post-program report on your project — awarded twice a year to a student who turns a real observation abroad into a practical, SDG-aligned idea. It is open to students worldwide, with any program or provider — no application fee and no minimum GPA. Award Amount
$1500 $1,200 applied toward your program cost · $300 released once you submit your post-program repor
How to Apply
For more information and to apply, visit the scholarship website.
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