URI students to study in Belize
Unique summer program to focus on culture,
history, environment

KINGSTON, R.I. -- May 22, 2000 -- Nine University of Rhode Island students will spend the month of June in Belize participating in a unique study-abroad program in collaboration with the University College of Belize.

Arranged through the URI Feinstein College of Continuing Education and the URI Student Affairs Office, students will live with host families in Belize City. The program includes both classroom study and excursions and side trips around the country.

"This program is designed for students who want to study abroad, but prefer to study in Third World countries," explains John H. McCray, Jr., vice president for student affairs. "It offers an opportunity to explore, study and conduct research in an environmentally and culturally varied country."

Led by faculty from both URI and Belize, students will study the history, people and culture of Belize, with an emphasis on the country's African roots. URI's Diversity Initiatives Fund provided scholarships for many of the students.

Participating students are: Mayerlin Caridad of Providence; Nzingha Blackman of Uniondale, N.Y.; Maxford Foster of Pawtucket; Meghan Gombos of Harwinton, Conn.; Barry O'Connor of Providence; Derek Rezendes of Providence; Ana Semedo of Providence; Braddock Spear of Whitehall, Penn.; and Reuben Tillman of East Providence.

The URI Diversity Initiatives Fund is also providing scholarships to students participating in two additional study-abroad programs this summer: a five-week program in Cape Verde and a ten-day conference on peace and non-violence in South Africa.

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For Information: Todd McLeish 874-7892