Experiential Learning Leads to Richer Discourse

A North Carolina A&T student spends time with some local wildlife during the group’s travels through Belize

An excellent three-week visit from students from the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University provided an opportunity for genuine field studies. As their faculty director Dr. Shirlene Smith -Augustine observed, “experiential learning leads to richer discourse.”

The group of seven master’s program students and two professors from the School of Counseling and School of Education had a diverse and enriching experience while in Belize. They spent a little over a week based in the western town of San Ignacio, but traveled the short distance to San Jose Succotz Village each day to work with students and teachers at the Succotz R.C. School. There, they interacted with the teachers to exchange knowledge and experiences. The students found that while there were far fewer resources at the school than at most schools they are familiar with, the welcoming spirit shown by all of those at the school from the principal and teachers to the students provided a great sense of warmth and community.

North Carolina A&T students ride the ferry to the Mayan archaeological site Xunantunich

Over the weekend, the students had the chance to visit the famous Xunantunich Mayan archeological site, zip-line through the forest canopy, and explore Bega One Cave which boasts displays of 5 million year old crystal formations. They also tried some hands-on pottery making. Everywhere they visited, they were impressed by the friendly nature of all the Belizean people they met. One evening, some of the group members made a trip to Meluchi’s Pub and Restaurant, a favorite local place to socialize with a unique view of the town graveyard!

Taking the potter’s wheel for a spin

After their week inland, the group traveled to Seine Bight Village on the coast. Seine Bight is one of the coastal areas that is home to the unique Garifuna community. The Garifuna people still keep their traditions alive and their food local. A welcome swim in the warm Caribbean Sea refreshed the bodies and minds of the students.

The perfect spot to soak up the scenery in Seine Bight

After leaving Siene Bight, the group had a chance to visit the University of Belize to hear how the National University is organized, how it runs, and what facilities it has. The three-week program ended with a few days in Belize City, the largest city in the country. Life in the big city was an exciting change of pace from the previous two weeks. The city bustles with activity, and both people and vehicles are constantly trying to navigate around the busy streets and numerous road improvement projects.

After visiting three of the six districts in the country, ranging from the interior hills to the beach village close to the famous Belize Barrier Reef to the vibrant city, the North Carolina A&T students truly had a chance to experience the diverse cultural and physical landscape that Belize has to offer. These exciting educational experiences will serve to enhance their future discourse and worldview upon returning home to Greensboro, North Carolina.