Students from The Centre for Caribbean Studies will join students from Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity, Human Biology, Indigenous Studies and the Community Engaged Learning Program at New College to participate in the International Student Experience Program:
INDIGENEITY, SUSTAINABILITY AND FOOD: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVE THROUGH FIELD STUDY WITH THE CENTRE FOR ENGAGED LEARNING ABROAD (CELA), BELIZE
SAT MAY 2 - SUN MAY 9, 2026
OVERVIEW:
Students will participate in an experiential learning program on indigeneity, sustainability and food under the guidance of Dr. Filiberto Penados, Faculty, Centre for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA), Belize. Activities will include visiting farms, community organizations, historical sites and attending talks to learn about sustainability issues related to indigeneity and food. On returning to UofT, students will work with a faculty advisor to plan food events on themes covered in their BELIZE activities.
Please note that this opportunity involves a commitment to attend an online orientation session designed to familiarize students with Belizean society and history, outline learning objectives for the trip and initiate student conversations across participating units. The orientation will be scheduled in April. Students will also be required to attend a Safety Abroad session, prior to departure. All students must travel together, leaving Toronto Saturday May 2, returning Saturday May 9.
FUNDING:
The cost for airfare, housing, airport transportation, daily transportation, meals, internet access and administrative fee will be covered by New College and a contribution from participating units. Students are required to contribute $200CAN from other sources such as college travel grants, student union awards and/or personal resources. Students are also responsible for costs related to VISAs, health insurance and vaccinations (if needed).
STUDENT SELECTION:
Students will be selected based on relevant course work and demonstrated interest and experience related to the program themes: indigeneity, sustainability and/or food.
TO APPLY:
Students in their 3rd or 4th year of study are eligible. Ideally, selected students will be returning to their UofT undergraduate studies in the fall 2026, although this is not a requirement. Priority will be given to students who have not previously received university funding for an international student experience. Selected students must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the departure date, May 2, 2026.
The CELA application consists of the following components:
1) a covering letter that includes three statements:
(a) why you are interested in participating in the program (150 words maximum)
(b) your relevant background for the program (150 words maximum)
(c) a statement confirming your commitment to activities prior to and following the CELA visit;
2) a completed online application form: (https://forms.office.com/r/t0RUgSPg8n);
3) a scanned photocopy of your passport information page (which includes your name, date of birth, nationality, etc.);
4) a print-out of your unofficial transcripts from ACORN;
5) a resume; and
6) the names and email addresses of two academic referees.
Students may be asked to participate in a brief interview, as part of the selection process.
Please submit applications with the subject heading: BELIZE 2026 Application, Your Name, Your Academic Program(s) by email to Nancy Dragicevic, New College Program Support Officer: nc.progsupport@utoronto.ca.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2026.