BELIZE
Field Studies in Biology, Biology 250, or Ecological Reflection, English 230, The 2009 Belize trip is open to students of all majors and VWC alums. Earn "E" or "W" course credit! You may sign up for either course, and all students will share a common field experience. Biology students will focus more on coral reef organisms, tropical ecology and field research. English students will focus more on environmental literature, journal writing and essays or poetry reflecting on their experiences in the field. You must obtain a valid passport, a hepatitis a shot and medication to prevent malaria. A $1200 deposit will be due on Oct. 1, with the remainder due on Nov. 15. The price includes airfare, lodging, ground transportation, site admission, and all meals except during international travel. SCUBA diving costs are extra.
Observe Rainforest Animals, Visit Mayan Ruins, Snorkel the World's Second Longest Barrier Reef!
- Instructors: Drs. Schaus, Weinstein & Gonsalves-Jackson
- Dates: January 5-15, 2009
- Estimated Cost: $2400-$2600 (*There are many variables, so the exact cost will depend on your choices and the potential increase in the gas tax portion of the airfare - over which we have no control.)
- For more information, contact Dr. Schaus (dschaus@vwc.edu), Dr. Weinstein (jweinstein@vwc.edu), or Dr. Gonsalves-Jackson (dgonsalvesjackson@vwc.edu)
- Check out the following links to learn more about the country of Belize:
GHANA
AKWAABA! (Welcome!)
Service in a Global Context, Humanities 150, Students will spend three weeks in the Volta region of Ghana, West Africa, immersing themselves in the country's unique culture while working with children on an international service project. Students will have a variety of 
volunteer opportunities relating to their area of study and/or interest, taking into consideration the needs and wants of the community. In addition, students will visit Accra, Kumasi, and historic slaving castles on the Atlantic coast. They will also have opportunities to study the Ewe language, attend dancing and drumming performances, and visit natural wonders like waterfalls, caves and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Instructors: Dr. Carstens, Dr. Drees, and Ms. Johnson
- Dates: One day (TBA) during Finals Week in December 2008, plus January 2-23 2009
- Cost: $4500.00 (covers tuition, airfare, housing, food, excursions; There are many variables, so the exact cost will depend on your choices and the potential increase in the gas tax portion of the airfare - over which we have no control.)
- $275 non-refundable deposit required prior to August 31(call for details after this date)
- Additional cost to include immunizations and personal funds
- For more information, contact Ms. Johnson at ljohnson@vwc.edu or check out the following links to learn more about the country of Ghana:
INFORMATION SESSION on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 4:30pm in Clarke 118.
- We will discuss the itenerary and fundraising options. Contact Ms. Johnson in OIP if you cannot attend.
NEW ZEALAND
Travel Photography, ART 307, The 2009 New Zealand trip is open to VWC students, alums, faculty/staff. Travel dates: Jan 5-20, 2009. Itenerary includes Maori Cultural Dance performance, Ferry boat to Rangitoto Island (volcanic island) and hike to top, RocktheBoat tour w/ overnight stay, charter coach to Orakei Korako geothermal area with geysers, steam, and bubbling mud, Seal Coast Tour - travel by 4-wheel drive to coast & seal colony, cable car to botanical gardens, tour of Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, Otari-Wilton Bush Botanical Reserve, Harbor Wildlife Cruise (dolphins, penguins), Gondola ride for view of Lyttelton Harbor, nature walk in the Port Hills - rim of an extinct volcano, traditional Maori hangi dinner & dance performance, and much more!
Photos by Sharon Swift © 2008
Costs for VWC students, alums, and faculty/staff: $2225 - shared rooms, local transport, some meals; $2363 - airfare*; $22 - ISIC Card (provides discounts & insurance); $175 - Winter Session Fee (IF you want 3 hrs credit); $18 - book for the course (IF you want 3 hrs credit)
*There are many variables, so the exact cost will depend on your choices and the potential increase in the gas tax portion of the airfare - over which we have no control.
Other costs: $250 - other meals (your choices may cost more); $115 - passport (you may already have this); $60 - cell phone (optional)
For more information, contact Sharon Swift (sswift@vwc.edu or 455-3408).
INTEREST MEETING on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 4:30pm in Clarke 118.