Author: Brooke Williard | Major: Accounting | Semester: Summer 2024
At the end of our internship, we helped organize and host a “Tourism Means Business” forum, where we had an excellent turnout. At this forum, we presented a needs assessment that we had been working on throughout the semester.
Spelunking through caves full of Mayan artifacts, climbing a waterfall during an eight-hour hike, and petting both a shark and a stingray: all things I never imagined doing while studying abroad. The uniqueness of my experience abroad in Belize does not stop there. While most study abroad programs involve taking classes, my experience allowed me to get hands-on experience in community development. That is exactly why I decided to do Special Projects in Belize with Dr. Farmer.
When deciding where to study abroad, I knew I desired to participate in a program that provided an unforgettable experience. Dr. Farmer presented the possibility to live in Belize for eight weeks over the summer, and I realized it had everything I was looking for. I knew this was a unique opportunity to make a difference in an international community while also having immense support from established organizations. While it is a faculty-led program, it was marketed as “faculty-supported.” This is because you are living alone with eight other University of Arkansas students, which teaches you independence and problem-solving skills. Any major problems that arose would be solved by the help of a nonprofit organization and Dr. Farmer, as she lives only an hour away from where we stayed in Dangriga. Because Belize is an English-speaking country, I never felt a language barrier as I was integrated into the community and working alongside local businesses. Furthermore, the program allowed me to do research and complete my thesis requirements for the Honors College. I knew this was a program that was not only one of a kind, but also had everything I was looking for. As I completed my program, it was affirmed that this was the best program for me.
While living in Dangriga, the Cultural Capital of Belize, I got to experience the beach, the rich Garifuna culture, and the jungle. What stuck out the most were the people: both those in the community and those who participated in the program. While in Dangriga, I interned with the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA). Our group of four interns was given two main projects for the summer: to develop a membership campaign and conduct a needs assessment. To tackle these tasks, we held meetings with about 20 local businesses and artisans. The meetings allowed us to build relationships with community members while also letting them share their perspective to add to our needs assessment. These meetings led to a great turnout of 33 business owners at the forum we held to educate residents of the plans the Belize government has regarding tourism development. This forum also encouraged businesses to join the BTIA, which provides businesses with an immense number of resources. Through our membership campaign efforts, we increased membership by 50%. At the end of our internship, we presented our needs assessment to the area representative and mayor, which led to both wanting to present at a follow-up forum.
Not only did I build strong relationships with community members, but this program allowed me to build strong friendships that I will continue in Fayetteville. I spent every day with eight other University of Arkansas students and traveled with them every weekend. We experienced exciting adventures together while also bonding over the fact that we were all experiencing something new and sometimes challenging. As I reflect over my favorite memories with the group, they involve seeing each person explore their passions while abroad. For some, it was finding new species of birds to add to their list of life sitings. For others, it was swimming with sharks, their favorite animal. For me, it was exploring the career path of working with small businesses and nonprofits.
My favorite excursion was to Caye Caulker, where we celebrated the start of lobster season. Booths of local artisans and people grilling lobster lined the streets, and the water directly behind them was the most beautiful turquoise blue. During this weekend getaway, we went on a snorkeling trip, where we saw animals I have dreamed of seeing since I was a child: a sea turtle, two manatees, three spotted eagle rays, and too many sharks to count. While the weekend was full of adventure, it also allowed our group to relax. When we arrived at the island, we learned the motto for Caye Caulker is “go slow.” This is something I struggle with in my day-to-day life because there always seems to be something on my to do list. However, while I was in Belize, I learned that you need to slow down to enjoy life in the moment. Many experiences are fleeting, and if you do not take the time to cherish them, they will be over without warning.
My study abroad experience was not traditional, which at first scared me. However, I know it is the best thing I could have done because I have learned how to enjoy every moment, even when things may be stressful. My advice to any student wanting to study abroad is to explore every option possible. I was 95% certain I would be spending my summer in Italy because that is what all my friends were doing. While they all had an amazing experience, I am glad I decided to go a different direction. Study abroad is not only about the country you will travel to. It involves the type of classes you will be taking, how structured it is, how closely affiliated it is with the University of Arkansas, and if you will receive experiences that will further you in your academic career. Everyone will have different preferences on what they want their experience to be, but I would encourage any student to take a risk and try something that seems out of their comfort zone. I was nervous to go to Belize, as the program encourages independence, but this was the best choice I have ever made. I am so excited to one day return to Belize, a place that I have completely fallen in love with.