Marine Science in Belize 2023

This trip is currently full. If you are still interested, contact Instructor Trish Finerty directly at tfinerty@midmich.edu.

Don't miss this amazing opportunity to study on-site at St. George's Caye in Belize!

This course is based at the Ecomar Research Station and focuses on the marine life present in Belize and the ecosystems that help them thrive. Major topics include coral reef, conch, manatee, sea turtle, and dolphin surveys, as well as research and lectures focused on conservation. A typical day includes snorkeling excursions to various ecosystems, lab activities, eco-tours, discussions, and lectures.

• 2 credit hours/2 contact hours (lecture/lab)

Who should take this course?

• This course is an elective biology course and provides an introduction to marine biology. This course is open to any student but is best suited for students pursuing a Math & Science Studies Transfer or Liberal Studies Transfer Associate Degree at Mid. It is especially suited for those students planning to specialize in the biology field.

Course Schedule

• 6pm-8pm Wednesday, March 15 | Pre-Trip Meeting on the Mt. Pleasant Campus
• Monday, April 3 - Tuesday, May 23 | Online Coursework
• Monday, May 15 - Monday, May 22 | Trip to Belize

Course Cost & Financial Aid

• TRAVEL FEES Approximately $2,795 per student
  • The travel fee is based on a minimum of 9 students in the course. The travel fee will increase slightly with less than 9 students enrolled and decrease slightly with more than 9 students enrolled. The final travel fee will be based on actual enrollment.
• TUITION & FEES Approximately $400 per in-district student and $600 per out-district student.
• FINANCIAL AID Contact Financial Aid prior to making a deposit for this course to determine if financial aid will be available to cover a portion of your tuition and fees.
  • Email finaid@midmich.edu | Call (989) 386-6664 | Schedule an appointment.

Important Dates & Next Steps

• AS SOON AS POSSIBLE A passport is required. If you do not currently have a US passport that is good for at least 6 months after May 2023 you should apply for one or renew yours now. Passports can take 12-16 weeks to process.
• JANUARY 31 Complete the Reserve My Spot Form, which also requires the payment of a non-refundable $500 deposit. The deposit is non-refundable and is applied toward the travel fee. The remaining travel fee balance will be billed with Summer 2023 semester tuition.
• FEBRUARY Secure travel insurance. Travel insurance is required and you should plan on booking travel insurance for the duration of the trip that will cover your travel costs and also any associated medical costs. The price of these plans varies based on travel dates, country of travel, age, etc. Once you have booked your policy you will need to submit confirmation of that policy.
  • There are many travel insurance options available for short-term travel and your needs will vary based on your own medical insurance and other insurance coverage you already have. Here are links to a few companies that offer travel insurance for short-term travel.
    
    • World Nomads (promoters and supporters of ethical and sustainable travel)
    • Squaremouth (will compare travel insurance rates and policies from several companies)
    • Allianz Travel
• APRIL 3 When Summer 2023 registration opens on April 3, you will be auto-enrolled in this course.
• MAY 5 All Courses | Tuition Due by 4pm (Make payments on campus or via myMid) Students with unpaid tuition will be de-registered from their courses.
• MAY 22 Summer courses begin.
• MAY 26 All Courses | Tuition Due by 4pm (Make payments on campus or via myMid) Students with unpaid tuition will be de-registered from their courses.
• MAY 15-22 Travel to Belize

What else will I need for this trip?

• Money for personal items, meals on travel days (all meals at St. George are included), and souvenirs
• Snorkel gear (mask, fins, and snorkel, can bring own or rent at the dive shop)
  • Please note that if you wear glasses you may want prescription goggles
• Marine life guidebooks
• Underwater digital camera, underwater case for cell phone, and/or “Go-pro” style camera
• Transportation to/from DTW or parking at DTW
• Personal medical insurance

Course Scholarships

• The Mid Michigan College Foundation is generously offering one $2,500 scholarship for a student who enrolls in this course.
• In addition to the support from the Mid Foundation, there is additional funding available to help support students in paying for the travel costs associated with this course. Thanks to a generous grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation additional scholarships will be awarded to Mid students to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for ocean literacy educational experiences.
• The application deadline has passed. Scholarship notifications will be sent soon. Any students who submitted an application will be considered for all available scholarships.