Marine Ecosystems in Florida Keys and Belize
The Florida Keys are a string of tropical islands stretching about 120 miles off the southern tip of the U.S. state of Florida, between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Key West, the last of the keys, is the southernmost point in the country. The Keys are an international destination for diving and other marine activities, and are located in a protected marine sanctuary.
The area is similar in many ways to the Cayes (Keys) of Belize, including Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, two of the most visited locations in Belize due to their abundance of marine life and international fame for diving and snorkeling.
In this weeklong virtual program, based in both the Florida Keys and in Belize, students will learn about the various marine ecosystems, their threats and efforts to protect and restore them. Students will be able to draw connections between the two locations separated by the expanse of the Caribbean Sea. The group will learn about coral research and restoration in both locations, hear from scientists and knowledgeable tour guides, and experience the underwater world through 360° 3D videos. Among many other activities, students will meet their Belizean peers to share culture and knowledge over two seminars.
Virtual Program Components
Sea turtles are found in both belize and florida waters
Module 1 - Introduction to Marine Ecosystems and Belize
Live conversation: Introduction to Belize by Belizean students
360° virtual dive and conversation with scuba guide in Belize
Cooking class to prepare a popular Belize dish
Module 2 - Coral Reefs
360° virtual dive into the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Live workshop on coral reef with Mote Marine Research Lab
Live presentation and discussion with staff at a coral restoration site in Belize
Module 3 - Mangroves and Seagrass Beds
Workshop on ocean acidification
Live conversations with a mangrove tour guide in Belize
Prerecorded, narrated 360° tour of mangroves and manatee habitat in Florida
Live conversations with a ranger protecting a manatee habitat in Belize
Coral gardens in the Belize Barrier Reef
Module 4 - Threats to Marine Ecosystems
Live presentations and discussions with staff from The American Crocodile Education Sanctuary in Belize
Virtual visit to the Turtle Hospital
Live discussion on environmental activism with Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development board member
Module 5 - Belize Culture and Course Overview Seminar
Virtual visit to NOAA Eco-discovery Center
Video tour and conversation with local guide on Mayan ruins
Workshop to share knowledge with Belizean students
Why Learn from Travel
Learn from Travel is a social enterprise study abroad provider with a mission to enrich the traveler and the host. We provide life-changing international experiences for students and a valuable source of income for host country partners. During our virtual international education programs, we arrange engaging discussions with community leaders, directors of nonprofit organizations, and other local experts from whom your students will gain invaluable insight, preparing them for careers and life in an increasingly interdependent world.
Learn from Travel will arrange and facilitate all of the activities listed above. We will provide live translation when necessary. The activities described above can be modified to meet specific learning objectives and preferences.
