Spring Break in Belize

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Spring Break in Belize

Belize| Field Studies in Biology

Dates: February 28 – March 7, 2026
Location: San Pedro, Belize
Cost: $3,300
Included: airfare, accommodations, in-country transportation, meals, program events and activities, and study abroad fee
Not Included: snorkeling equipment
Application deadline: October 15th
Deposit: $575 November 1st (non-refundable)
Final payment deadline: $2,725 with spring tuition and fees deadline
Course information: BIO 315 – Field Studies in Biology

Requirements: In order to attend a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program, students must have a 2.5 or higher GPA. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to Emily Dunn (dunn_ea@mercer.edu). Students in this program must also demonstrate swimming ability in a swim test prior to enrollment in the program.

Embark on an unforgettable faculty-led study abroad program combining on-campus classes with immersive field experience in Belize. Learn about the reef’s history and unique ecology through snorkeling adventures in the Mesoamerican Reef System. Enjoy accommodations at the Belize Tropical Research and Education Center. Gain hands-on learning in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural laboratories, deepening your understanding and appreciation of this fragile and vital ecosystem.

For more information about this program please contact Dr. Troy Nash (nash_tr@mercer.edu, 478-301-2892) or the Study Abroad Office (studyabroad@mercer.edu, 478-301-4444).

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.