12th Grade Cultural Immersion in Belize

Words by Megan and photos by Andy

This November, TEA’s 12th graders journeyed through Belize, from its coast to its rainforests, to delve into its governmental policies, international relations, and cultural history. They spent the weeks prior studying the Maya, Belize’s government, indigenous lifestyles, and biodiversity conservation. Education at TEA goes beyond the classroom, immersing students in real-life experiences.

Donning mosquito net hats and coated in layers of bug spray, the 12th graders began their adventure with a visit to the Baboon Community Sanctuary. There, they came across a troop of endangered black howler monkeys that are protected by the local community. Later that day, TEA took a night tour of the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. Upper school science teacher and trip leader Andy said the students were inspired by the call to adventure and his advice to stay curious. The experts they spoke to allowed them to do just that.

“The nice thing about this zoo was that they only took in animals that were sick [or] disabled and couldn’t fend for themselves in the wild. I really enjoyed hearing that, and I love the motivation for their organization. Unlike many zoos, the Belize Zoo actually seems to care about their animals more than their income. I’m really glad places like that exist,” 12th grader Annika said.

(c) Andy Giordano

Tropical Storm Sara made landfall shortly after TEA arrived, disrupting the itinerary and forcing trip leaders Andy and Grace to adapt. Despite flooded roads, heavy rainfall, and postponed scuba diving plans, the 12th graders remained resilient and positive.

“I went to bed that night much more grateful for the plan change,” said 12th grader Miles. 

The students showcased their adaptability and embraced adventure and the trip’s plethora of learning opportunities. They engaged in conversations with a Maya representative, a guide who experienced the Belize-Guatemala border dispute, the director of conservation at a sanctuary, and other locals.

(c) Andy Giordano

“We spoke to an active Maya personnel named Ernesto. Ernesto was part of the Mopan Maya and still practiced almost all the traditions his ancestors did. [From] going to shamans to eating only from what the forest provides,” said 12th grader Jahotzy.

The students explored several Maya ruins, hiking through them, and getting an up-close look at collapsed rooms and pyramids. 12th grader Philip commented on his interest in how civilizations in different parts of the world can create similar societal structures, and Callie was surprised they were allowed to walk on the ruins. 12th grader Evan said he gained respect for the Maya and their construction of an empire.

“This trip stood out not just because of the exceptional quality of the experiences we were able to participate in,” Andy said. “In fact, it was the exceptional number and exceptional quality of the experts we encountered during these experiences, and the insights into the culture of Belize, past and present, that they were able to offer.”

(c) Andy Giordano

TEA’s Belize fieldwork allowed students to contextualize their learning and witness firsthand the realities of life in the Global South. Andy noted that Belize exemplifies many complex issues such as indigenous rights, poverty, land-use, the rise and fall of civilizations, immigration, globalization, and governmental instability. 

The 12th graders’ trip culminated with a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification. Many of them were pushed further out of their comfort zones and embraced the challenge presented by scuba diving. Miles described getting comfortable with the uncertainty of the activity and Philip recalled the moment he saw a shark on the ocean floor.

“I will always remember this experience,” Miles said.