Computer Science Semester In Belize 2014

This page provides information of a proposed semester abroad program for computer science Juniors and Seniors in Belize for the January and Spring terms of 2014.

General parameters

Dates

• Depart: January 2, 2014 (Early January Option, $300 extra)
• Depart: January 8, 2014
• Return: May 8, 2014

Flight

Carrier	Flight #	Departing	Arriving
American Airlines	3539	COLUMBUS OH THU 02JAN 6:35 AM	MIAMI INTERNTNL 9:30 AM
American Airlines	2454	MIAMI INTERNTNL THU 02JAN 10:20 AM	BELIZE CITY BZE 11:30 AM
American Airlines	1419	BELIZE CITY BZE THU 08MAY 01:45 PM	MIAMI INTERNTNL 05:45 PM
American Airlines	3462	MIAMI INTERNTNL THU 08MAY 08:10 PM	COLUMBUS OH 10:55 PM

Bus leaves at 3:15. Meet at Arena at 3:00 am sharp.

• Jim Skon -
• Luke Skon-
• Mike Ketchel -
• Jason Radcliffe -
• Josh Selle -
• Trent Porter -
• Qossay Alsattari -
• Jane Simonton -

Driving themselves

• Logan Mullet -
• Nick Norckauer -
• Joshua Aleshire -

Accommodations

• Jan 2-4: Nazarene Campgrounds in Succotz, Belize. Phone: (501)621-4670 (Paster Eris Reyes)
• Jan 5-8: Hotel Villa Del Lago in Flores, Gautemala. Phone: (502) 78675181, (502) 78675131, (502) 78675104
• Jan 9-10: Nazarene Campgrounds in Succotz, Belize. Phone: (501)621-4670 (Paster Eris Reyes)
• Jan 11-May 8: The Log Cab-Inn: http://www.logcabinns-belize.com/
  • Address:
  • Mile 68 Western Highway
  • San Ignacio
  • Cayo District
  • Belize - Central America
  • Telephone: +501 824 3367
  • Fax: +501 824 2289

Calling Information: When calling from the United States or Canada dial (011) followed by numbers above

School

Sacred Heart College: http://shc.edu.bz/

The early January options includes:

1. Jan 3 - Visit to Belize zoo
2. Jan 4 - Visit to Mountain Pine Ridge (Hiking, waterfalls, swimming in Rio Pools, into the Rio Frio Cave, Link
3. Jan 5 - Into Guatemala, Visit Tikal Mayan Ruins, Link
4. Jan 6-8 - Work in schools (with computers and internet) and homes (install safe stoves and water filtration) with Sewhope
5. Jan 9 - Return to Belize
6. Jan 10 - Arinal School Visit (Computer Labs)
7. Jan 11 - Move to Resort (where we will be living)

The later group will travel with the Education Group, Arriving on January 8. We will meet up on January 9th.

Packing List

• BelizePackingList

Travel forms:

• http://www.mvnu.edu/academics/off-campus-travel/
  

Required Preparation Meetings

With just this Group

• September 24, 7pm in Advanced Lab

These are required meets for all. Part of the course grade is based on attendance. If you MUST miss, you must make arrangemenst beforehand. Those missing must watch to the associated video, and turn in an outline of what was covered.

In CAMP 306 from 7-8 PM

• September 23
• October 14 - Video
• November 11 - In LLRC 38
• November 18
• December 2

Payment and commitment Deadlines

• $100 Application Fee due ASAP
• $750 Course Fee - Due by October 15
• Early January Option Decision - October 15
• $300 Early January option fee (optional) November 15
• Total Due is $850 for Jan 8 , $1,150 for Jan 2.

Courses offered

Because the program spans the January and Spring terms, studets will need to matriculate 17-19 hours while in Belize. The following courses will be available to students while in Belize.

• CSC4003 Computer and Information Security. Taught by Dr. James Skon at the University of Belize.
• CSC3024 Software and Systems Engineering. Taught by Dr. James Skon at the University of Belize.
• ITD3084 Seminar in International Development. Taught by Dr. James Skon. The course will include working with technology in schools around Belize and Guatemala.
• ITD5033 Senior Colloquium. Taught by Dr. James Skon.
• CSC4023 Survey and Organization of Programming Languages. Optional. Remotely taught by Dr. Robert Kasper at MVNU. A video link will allow student to remotely particiapite in the course.
• The option of taking a course of choice at University of Belize. The University of Belize is a complete degree granting university with programs in computer science, business, education, tourism, nursing, and more. Students may select a course at the UB to fill a requirement at MVNU or as an elective.

Text Books

• Software Engineering (9th Edition) Ian Sommerville (Author) Addison-Wesley; 9 edition ISBN-10: 0137035152
• Computer and Information Security Handbook (Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Security) John R. Vacca, Morgan Kaufmann; ISBN-10: 0123743540

University of Belize web LINK.

Lodging and Food

Students will live with Dr. Skon in a house in or near Belmopan, where the University of Belize is located, and the capital city of Belize. Belmopan is located in the center of Belize, and has about 10,000 people.

The group will, as part of the experience, participate in shopping, cooking and cleanup for all meals. (except when we eat out!)

Activities

In addition to travel throughout Belize and Guatemala to work in schools, the group will, mostly on the weekends, visit a varity of cultural, historical, and notible geographical sites in Belize and Guatemala. Included are:

• A varity of Mayan Ruins
• The historic Isle of Flores in Guatemala
• The cayes (islands) of Belize, along the great barrier reef. This will include snorkel trips to the reef.
• The Belize Zoo
• Visits to the rain forest and jungles of Belize
• Cave Tubing
• Churches in Belize
• Many others

Enrollment and Proposed Costs

The majority of the costs are paid for by using the funds normally used for room and board at MVNU. Some additional cost is for the plain tickets. All semester abroad programs require the following:

1. A $100 application fee
2. $850 course fee for the travel expenses
3. Normal room, board and tutition
4. Complete the study abroad application process

KS:

Mailing list

lmullet1; tporter1; jradcli2; jselle; mketchel

• Caves:
  

• Falls:
  

VehicleShipping

Ride!

• http://veloroutes.org/bikemaps/?route=107978