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Where
is Belize and what's the weather like?
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Belize is on the Yucatan peninsula,
which protrudes into the Gulf of Mexico. It is bounded by Mexico on the north,
Guatemala on the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea on the east. Since
the prevailing winds are from the southeast, the coast is cooled by a sea
breeze. It always feels tropical. Daytime temperatures average in the high
80s to upper 90s, and it gets cool enough for a light blanket at night.
Although we travel there during the rainy season, we have had trips with
lots of rain and trips with no rain.
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What are the
prerequisites for the class?
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International Programs requires a 3.0
average; a 2.5 average is acceptable with faculty references. Prereqs
include one or more of the following: ANTH 213 Intro to Archaeology,
ANTH 250 Latin American Archaeology, ANTH 374 The Maya, or consent of
Instructor (see below).
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Where will we stay?
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You will share a tent or a room in a
dorm building with your one or three of your colleagues, respectively.
Tents are on small platforms beneath zinc roofs. Other buildings include a
shared outhouse and a shower building (with refreshingly cool showers) for
our use. These are all part of a larger field camp that includes an indoor
lab and a dining hall.
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How do we travel
around?
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We
will go to the field in pickup trucks. When going from camp to the airport
or vice-versa, or on the trip to Tikal, we will be in a big yellow school
bus.
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What language do
Belizeans speak?
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The
official language is English, but as many immigrants from other Central
American countries arrive, the use of Spanish is increasing. The Maya in
this area speak Yucatec
and Spanish and many speak English. Most Belizeans speak Creole, which
sounds like a very fast colloquial English. Mennonites in the area also
speak Low German.
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What is a typical
day like?
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We
get up early in the morning, have breakfast by 6:00, leave for the field at
7:00, and get back at about 4:00. Dinner is at 6:00 pm and lights out is at
9:00 pm. During the day we are hiking, excavating, mapping, interacting
with native Belizean workers, and discovering new aspects of ancient Maya
life. We will work six days per week, with one free day to visit a nearby
general store to call home and buy the all-important salty snacks.
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What is the food
like?
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Typical
includes stewed chicken, rice and beans, plantains, and garnachas for lunch and dinner, accompanied by cole slaw and/or potato salad. Breakfast often consists of
scrambled eggs, beans, oatmeal, fruit, and marvelous local biscuits. A
vegetarian option is always provided.
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Is it safe to eat
the food and drink the water?
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The
food you will be served is safe to eat. When shopping in local markets,
avoid all foods you cannot peel. Our drinking water comes from a local well
and is chlorinated and filtered. Kool-Aid is also available, as are sodas
and the local Belikin beer. Though water and Kool-Aid are gratis, sodas and beer
are not.
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What are the
academic requirements?
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There
will be one or two classes before and one class after the trip (May 17 and June
28), plus a textbook on field techniques and a minimal list of required
personal excavation equipment.
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Do
I need immunizations?
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Talk
to your doctor. Usually they recommend immunizations for Hepatitis A,
up-to-date tetanus shots, and anti-malarial pills, but you should clear
these with your doctor. We recommend chloraquine-based
malarial prophylaxis such as Aralen.
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Is
Belize a safe country?
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The
people are extremely friendly and love Americans. A large number of Belizeans
have been to the US or have family members living here.
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What
does it cost?
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Projected
costs are $2650 for the field trip, including all pre-arranged travel, room
and board in Belize. This also covers transportation to and from Tikal,
water taxi to the cayes,
and your entrance fee to all sites. You will be responsible for your own
room and board at Tikal, but the most expensive hotel room there goes for
the equivalent of US$40 per night. Field trip is May 19 - June 16, 2011.
In addition to the travel cost, resident tuition is $1872.90 for the
course. Financial Aid applies to this class; please visit the
Financial Aid office for more information.
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How do I apply?
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Contact Dr. Jon Hageman,
the instructor, ASAP in SCI 136, ph. 773-442-5863 , or jhageman@neiu.edu,
to let him know of your interest by February 15. An International
Programs application and a non-refundable deposit of $500 are due to
International Programs by Mar. 15.
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Why should I consider this class?
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Because it is the experience of
a lifetime!
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