Indigeneity, Sustainability and Food | Belize 2023

Indigeneity, Sustainability and Food:

Interdisciplinary perspective through field study with the Centre for Engaged Learning (CELA), Belize

Saturday, May 6 – Sunday, May 14, 2023 

Applications are due on Friday March 10, 2023.

Students in the Centre for Caribbean Studies, Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity, Human Biology, Indigenous Studies and FAS students from First Nations House have the opportunity to participate in the International Student Experience Program.

Overview

Students will participate in an experiential learning program on indigeneity, sustainability and food under the guidance of Dr. Filiberto Penados, faculty, Centre for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA), Belize. Activities will include visiting farms, community organizations, historical sites and attending talks to learn about sustainability issues related to indigeneity and food. On returning to U of T, students will work with a faculty advisor to plan a series of food events on themes covered in their CELA activities.  

Please note that this opportunity involves a commitment to attend an online orientation session designed to familiarize students with Belizean society and history, outline learning objectives for the trip and initiate student conversations across the participating units. The orientation will be scheduled in late April/early May. Students will also be required to attend a Safety Abroad session, prior to departure. All students must travel together, leaving Toronto Saturday May 6, returning Sunday May 14.

Deadline

Applications are due on Friday March 10, 2023.

Funding

The cost for airfare, housing, airport transportation, daily transportation, meals, internet access and administrative fee will be covered with support from New College, the Dean’s Fund for International and Indigenous Initiatives and a contribution from participating units. Students are required to contribute $200CAN from other sources such as college travel grants, student union awards and/or personal resources. Students are also responsible for costs related to VISAs, health insurance and vaccinations (if needed).

Student Selection

Students will be selected based on relevant course work and demonstrated interest and experience relevant to the program themes: indigeneity, sustainability and/or food.

How to Apply

Students in their 3rd or 4th year of study are eligible. Preference will be given to students returning to U of T for the Fall 2023 term. Priority will be given to students who have not received university funding for an international student experience. Selected students must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the departure date, May 6, 2023.

The CELA application consists of the following components: 

1. a cover letter that includes three statements: (a) why you are interested in participating in the program (150 words maximum); (b) your relevant background for the program (150 words maximum); (c) a statement confirming your commitment to activities prior to and following the CELA visit; 
2. a print-out of your ROSI Academic record; 
3. your student number; 
4. a resume;  
5. the names and email addresses of two academic referees; and 
6. if applicable, any previous funding you have received for an international student experience 

Students may be asked to participate in a brief interview, as part of the selection process.  

Applications with the subject heading, CELA 2023 Application, should be submitted by email to Nancy Dragicevic, New College Program Support Officer: nc.progsupport@utoronto.ca.