Belize nice might be nicer than Iowa nice

MT. PLEASANT — Six Iowa Wesleyan students and three staff members participated in a unique opportunity to spend 16 days of learning in Belize.

“This study abroad trip to Belize gave me more hands on opportunities then I would ever get from a textbook and allowed me to get multiple perspectives from people within the culture,” Iowa Wesleyan student Josie McClellan said.

“I now have more drive to do service in these areas and learn about other cultures in the future,” she said.

The students had the opportunity to learn and experience the different cultures of Belize, including Creole, Garifuna, Mayan, and Mestizos.

While students did learn in some traditional lecture settings, the lecturers were actually world-class experts.

Additionally, students were afforded the opportunity to visit important sites and locations.

Senior Allison Craff made memories to last a lifetime, including eating termites.

She says that this is information she will pack away in case she ever gets lost and needs food.

As a nature and animal lover Craff particularly enjoyed the zoo.

“It is different than here,” she said. “They build the habitats around animals in need of rehabilitation instead of putting them into made up ones.”

Students engaged with the culture in unplanned times, as well.

During moments of free time, students explored their surroundings.

Craff was surprised to find how inexpensive fresh food was compared to junk food.

“In one convenience store there was a bag of Doritos that cost 17 U.S. Dollars because it was imported,” Craff said. “But a mango was only like 25 cents.”

Opportunities to fully immerse oneself were around every corner with local cuisine and street musicians.

“I was thoroughly impressed with our students who participated in our Belize study abroad program,” University Provost Dr. DeWayne Frazier said. “The students engaged in the program and were able to learn about the many cultures and ideologies of Belize.”

One of Craff’s favorite experience was the planned experience of climbing the Mayan temples.

“I think they’re one of the last cultures to let people go there,” she said. “We saw where they gave sacrifices and everything.”

“Iowa Wesleyan University has given me the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and obtain experiences I never would have had otherwise,” Craff said.

“The days I spent in Belize were packed with fun and informative activities and events that have expanded my knowledge and understanding of the world as it is,” she said. “I can't recommend going to study abroad enough!”

“They learned about themselves; the students who participated in the program have an entirely new perspective after these two weeks,” Frazier said.

“Study abroad will change your perspective on life,” Junior Digital Media Design Student Delaney Adams said.

“It will open you up to new friendships you never expect and cultures you never knew about,” she said. “Best of all, it will leave you with an open mind and the urge to expand your worldview.”

This past semester, Iowa Wesleyan had two Belize students on campus, but hope to expand cultural diversity in the future.

The university is excited to welcome greater diversity on campus with an emphasis on globalization and study abroad opportunities for students.

These college years are the time for learning about oneself, pushing comfort zones, growing, and creating memories.

As for Belize, Craff could not get enough.

“We have Iowa Nice, but over there Iowa Nice doesn’t even feel nice,” she said. “Everyone is so open and immediately wants to be your friend.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com