Travel Program for Teachers Considers Ancient and Contemporary Belize

January 9, 2015

The Latin American and Iberian Institute (LAII) announces a new opportunity for New Mexico K-12 educators to explore the historical riches and contemporary biocultural diversity of Belize.

The LAII is excited to make this opportunity available through a partnership with GEEO (Global Exploration for Educators Organization), and with the Latin American, Caribbean & Iberian Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Chicago.

Founded in 2007, GEEO is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging and assisting as many teachers as possible to travel abroad and then share their experiences with students upon their return to the classroom. Students look to their teachers for knowledge about a world that is not yet part of their own lived experience. By spending time abroad, educators gain fresh perspectives that deeply enrich their students' learning and cultural competency.

The program will take place from July 12-26, 2015. Program participants receive professional development credits and can also earn 3 graduate school credits. Educational materials and guidance are provided to support teachers as they integrate the materials into their classroom upon return. In addition to local guides arranged by GEEO, participants will be accompanied by an academic representative from one of the sponsoring institutions who will help strengthen the experience by contextualizing it within the sociocultural backdrop of Belize and Tikal (Guatemala).

To learn more, visit the GEEO website.