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UW Ceiba Rainforest and Coral Reefs FIG Field Expedition

Belize, Southwater Caye, UW Ceiba Rainforest and Coral Reefs FIG Field Expedition

This program has been approved to run for Winter Intersession (January) 2022.

Ceiba will require all students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for this Winter Intersession 2022 program. Review Ceiba’s Health and Safety page for more information. Any exception to Ceiba's policy would need to be requested and approved by Ceiba.

Belize, Glover's Reef

*This FIG program will be held in either Belize or Ecuador.

The UW Ceiba Rainforests & Coral Reefs FIG Field Expedition program provides a hands on experience in a marine coral reef environment to build on the introduction to oceanography, marine biology, and marine conservation covered in the fall FIG.

You will build upon what you have learned during the fall semester to carry out supervised marine biology research projects over the 10-day field experience. Group visits to the diverse marine habitats in the area will provide an intensive review of concepts learned in class in a real-world context. Belize provides an opportunity for you to be exposed to a rich and biologically diverse ecosystem unique to the world. 

The field component in Belize will include visits to both a tropical rainforest and a coral reef.  We will spend 4 nights at La Milpa field station where we will take forest hikes, and learn about Belizean flora, fauna and culture.  We’ll visit the Lamanai archeological site, and hike to other Maya ruins hidden deep  within the forest.  The rest of the trip takes place at the Glovers Reef Research Station on an idyllic island in the Glovers Reef Marine Reserve. Daily field work will be complemented by group discussions and presentations on marine conservation. Here, you will carry out a research project on the pristine patch reefs, mangroves, and sea grass beds that surround the island.

This program is offered in partnership with the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation, a non-profit organization offering field courses taught by highly experienced and knowledgeable staff. Their field courses provide quality education while taking you to some of the most remote and pristine ecosystems left on earth.

As swimming and snorkeling are an integral part of the program, you must be able to swim.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Summarize the main biogeographical regions of Belize
  • Design a research project that demonstrates appropriate principles of scientific investigation
  • Apply science process skills to formulate testable questions about rainforest and coral reef ecosystems
  • Engage with fellow UW students and faculty
  • Achieve personal development and the ability to adapt to a new culture

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

  • As swimming and snorkeling are an integral part of the program, you must be able to swim.

  • Enrollment in the Rainforests and Coral Reefs FIG is required in order to apply to and participate in the program.

  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Freshman
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • 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

Biological & physical science, environmental studies

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Field Research Station

Program Duration

Winter Intersession: Early January

Application Deadline(s)

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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I was able to directly apply the knowledge I gained from the semester to my field experience. We were able to encounter firsthand various themes and problems that we discussed in class. -Lauren D.

You will earn one credit of Botany 299: Directed Studies. Through the field experience you will be able to:

  • Describe the main characteristics of mangroves, sea grass beds, coral reefs and other marine ecosystems, their ecology and conservation.
  • Recall and activate your classroom knowledge about coral reefs to identify and elaborate upon elements of the reef community you see in person.
  • Identify and summarize key ecological concepts and scientific research elements in presentations given by professional field biologists.
  • Apply science process skills to formulate testable questions about coral reef ecosystems.
  • Design a research project that demonstrates appropriate principles of scientific investigation (e.g. sampling method, randomization, replication, control, etc).
  • Analyze and interpret scientific data through summary statistical and basic statistical tests.
  • Communicate scientific findings orally and in writing.
  • Critically analyze and review scientific information produced by your peers.

As swimming and snorkeling are an integral part of the program, you must be able to swim.

Affiliate Institution(s)

Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Program Leader

Dr. Catherine Woodward

Faculty Associate, Botany