University Communications 

11 Students Visit Belize for Study Abroad Trip

    ELEVEN STUDENTS from Missouri State University-West Plains traveled with Associate Professor of Geography/Geology John H. Fohn II and his wife, Nancy, a per course music instructor, to Belize for a study abroad trip during the 2008 Summer Intersession.  Students enrolled in Introduction to the Human and Physical Geography of Belize (GRY 297) and/or Music of Belize (MUS 197) to earn college credit for the tour.  The above photo, which is the property of John Fohn, was taken while the group visited the Lamanai Mayan Archeological Site in north-central Belize.  Partially viewable behind them is the Jaguar Temple, one of three major temples that have been excavated at the site.  Kneeling from left are students Rachel Malberg, Cabool; Alicia Hurtt, Thayer; Tara Atwood, Birch Tree; and Cecily Cotham, Thayer.  Standing:  Nancy Fohn; Tyler Landis, Birch Tree; Heather Ray, West Plains; John Fohn; Travis Dennis, Mtn. View; KayCee Stark, Peace Valley; and Brock James, Bethany Isham and Bronwyn Estes, all of West Plains.

 

     WEST PLAINS, Mo. – A group of 11 Missouri State University-West Plains students became the latest area residents to experience life in a developing country when they participated in a study abroad trip to Belize during the Summer 2008 Intersession.
    Led by Associate Professor of Geography/Geology John H. Fohn II and his wife, Nancy, a per course music instructor at the campus, the students hiked along city streets and dense forests, rode in boats and public buses, and visited in the home of a native Belize citizen as they learned about the history, culture and music of this Central American country.
    “Our intent is to get them into the culture as much as we can so they can see and truly understand the people who live there,” John Fohn said.  “They take field notes every day of the trip, including notes from interviews conducted with citizens of the country, and write a research paper when they return.  We also have designated class times during our tour.”
    Planning for the trip, which was the fourth conducted by the Fohns as part of the campus’ Summer Intersession course offerings, began in October 2007 when the opportunity was announced to students.  Those interested began meeting monthly with the Fohns to learn what would be expected of them during the trip, the practicalities of traveling in a developing country, and health and safety issues.  They also began the paperwork required for overseas travel, including applying for and obtaining passports.
    “To make this trip affordable, we do a lot of walking and we use a lot of public transportation,” Nancy Fohn explained.  “We encourage them all to invest in backpacks because we do so much walking.”
    As the departure date drew near, the Fohns and students began finalizing their plans, which for the students included in enrolling in Introduction to the Human and Physical Geography of Belize (GRY 297) and/or Music of Belize (MUS 197) so they could earn college credit for the trip.
    The group left Memphis International Airport on May 25 arriving several hours later at their destination.  Their first full day in country on May 26 included several stops in Belize City, the country’s largest city (pop. 70,000-plus) and former capital, including visits to the zoo, which is located in the middle of the jungle.
    From there the group went to San Ignacio in the west-central Cayo District near the Guatemalan border where they visited the Mayan Indian sites of Cahel Pech, which means “Place of Ticks,” and Barton Creek Cave.  To reach the latter site, the group had to take a two-mile canoe trip that, at one point, required them to negotiate under several low ceilings, John Fohn said.
    The group also visited Orange Walk Town, a small city of about 6,000 people in north-central Belize that is known for its sugar cane production.  The stop was an important part of the trip because the students could see an unfiltered view of the Belize culture in this area, the Fohns said.  Since the area is not on the beaten path of more traditional tourists to the country, the Spanish, Mayan, East Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Mennonite, African, British and other influences that make up the Belize culture are more prominent in this area, they explained.
    Orange Walk Town also was the starting point for the group’s visit to the Lamanai Mayan archeological site in north-central Belize.  One of the few Mayan sites that has maintained its original name, it was occupied continuously for over 3,000 years due in part to its remoteness.  And, unlike other Mayan ruins discovered over the years, the Lamanai ruins are built in layers, revealing the work of previous generations, John Fohn said.  It is believed many of Lamanai’s ruins still remain hidden in the surrounding jungle, but three of its most impressive temples have been excavated, including the Jaguar Temple, named for its decorations.
    As part of the nine-day trip, the group also visited the nation’s capitol, Belmopan, where they viewed government buildings and the university, and Caye Caulker, one of over 100 islands near the Central American barrier reef – the second largest reef in the world.  While in the cayes, the group listened to native music and visited the Hol Chan Marine Reserve where they were able to view a variety of aquatic life.
    They also felt the effects of Tropical Storm Arthur, which started as a hurricane in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Nicaragua but lost some of its intensity as it traveled northward across Central America to the Caribbean.  Although the storm dumped up to 15 inches in the area, the Fohns said the rains didn’t interrupt their trip.
    Because of his many trips to Belize, John Fohn was asked to write a national cultural profile of the country, including its people, traditions, etiquette and arts, for ABC-CLIO, a publisher of educational and reference products headquartered in Santa Barbara, Calif. The company focuses on history  and social studies resources for the scholar, student, teacher, and librarian in universities and secondary schools, according to its Web site.  Several of his photos from his trips will be used with the profile, as well, he said.
    The Belize study tour continues to be popular among Missouri State-West Plains students.  “We had several who couldn’t go this time ask when we’re going again,” Nancy Fohn said.