The international field experience to Belize is well underway! The students (and instructors) have settled into their modest accommodations at Pedro’s Inn. They have had ample opportunity to get acclimated to both the geography of the island and the cultural differences they see on a daily basis. It is interesting to watch the students negotiate their fear of the unknown when visiting and interacting within a foreign land. For instance, observing students intellectually deal with the monetary change in currency when paying for food or purchasing supplies always makes me smile. The weekend has been quite uneventful. After Friday’s visit to each of the partner schools, students had the opportunity to talk about their initial impressions and share their excitements 
and concerns at our breakout session. While all have said they are genuinely excited (you can tell by the smiles when they reflect out load), some are concerned with the methodological differences that they have seen so far. Other students have concerns about a student need to constantly touch the teacher. While others are amazed at the class sizes they will encounter at San Pedro Roman Catholic and San Pedro High School. The next breakout session will be Monday after school.
and concerns at our breakout session. While all have said they are genuinely excited (you can tell by the smiles when they reflect out load), some are concerned with the methodological differences that they have seen so far. Other students have concerns about a student need to constantly touch the teacher. While others are amazed at the class sizes they will encounter at San Pedro Roman Catholic and San Pedro High School. The next breakout session will be Monday after school. 
Our UNCW students took the weekend to explore the island, eat at different locations, and even snorkel or dive for the first time. Peter, owner of Pedro’s Inn, hosted an inexpensive pizza reception for the students on Thursday evening. Paul and Sarah, owners of the Belizean restaurant and coffee house Sarah’s Kitchen, hosted the students for a $5.00 Sunday Brunch. Wow…what a deal! This was the most filling and inexpensive brunch I’ve ever had! We thank 
them for their kindness and hospitality.
them for their kindness and hospitality. Some of our motivated students already began to complete their 20 required hours of community service. They walked the homeless dogs at Saga Humane 
Society…many of which have never been on a leash before! See the posted pictures.
Society…many of which have never been on a leash before! See the posted pictures.Lastly, we will spend Sunday evening resting for the first day of school tomorrow. Many of the students have to be up early and arrive at their schools between 7:30 AM and 8:15 AM. Susan and I will accompany different groups to start the morning. I will lead the six high school students at 7:30 AM and Susan will get the six Isla Bonita students started. We will meet the last six UNCW student teachers at San Pedro R.C. together as this is the first year of our working relationship. We are beginning the field experience on as ‘firm of footing’ as I’ve ever experienced so far. Can’t wait for tomorrow!
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