Spring Break in Belize

During this one-week program, students will experience:

• snorkeling in the coastal reef system of Belize

*These activities are subject to change based on availability when booking.

To apply: Please click on the “Apply Now” button in the overview section and fill out all of the information requested.

Application deadline: ​​​​​​​October 15th
Decision date: October 16th
Deposit: $575 (non-refundable) due by November 1st to hold your place in the program.
Final payment deadline: $2,725 by spring tuition and fees spring deadline

BIO 315 – Coral Reef Ecology

3 credit hours

Course Description

This course is a combination lecture and intensive field experiential course designed to familiarize
you with the Caribbean coral reef biome. You will learn:
1. How major ecosystems interact to sustain coral reefs
2. The essentials of cnidarian physiology and behavior
3. To identify many of the organisms that inhabit reef systems
4. The basic ecological principles that describe the operation of near-shore ecosystems
5. To plan, carry out, and report original research in coral reef ecology
6. An appreciation for the fragility and importance of this unique natural resource.

Enrollment

Students should be reading and writing at the college junior level, have a genuine interest in the biological sciences, a willingness to learn about other cultures and biomes, an acceptable level of physical fitness (including swimming ability which will be tested prior to enrollment), and permission of the instructor.

What is included in the program fee: 

• Airfare
• Meals
• Lodging
• Transportation in country
• Entry fees and required activities
• Study Abroad application fee
• International Insurance

What is not included in the program fee:

• Tuition*
• Souvenirs
• Snorkeling equipment
• Transportation to and from the ATL airport

*Tuition is dependent upon your current enrollment and your colleges tuition fees for the semester of your program. If you are enrolled as a traditional undergrad on the Macon campus, the 3 credits for this program will go towards your overall 12-18 credits for the semester and will not create an increase in tuition cost as long as your overall amount of credits (including this 3 credit course) does not go over 18 credits.

Scholarship opportunities:

• Gilman Scholarship*
• Global Leader Scholarship
• ​​​​​​​Fund for Education Abroad

*Please contact Emily Dunn, the Assistant Director of Global Education, before applying to the asterisked scholarship opportunities at dunn_ea@mercer.edu.