Experiences Abroad: Belize
Julia Johannesen, Nutrition/Dietetics
Oct. 14, 2009

Bumpers College students at work in Belize are (from left) Chad Thurman, Julia Johannesen, Jordan Steinhaus, Zoe Teague and Andrew Childress.

“In just four weeks, I was able to travel all over the country, build relationships with the locals and learn about agriculture and community development,” said Julia Johannesen, who participated in a service learning community development program in Belize.

A senior majoring in nutrition and dietetics in the School of Human Environmental Sciences, Johannesen completed in a four-week community service project in Belize.
The project had three primary objectives, according to Dr. Jennie Popp, associate professor in the department of agricultural economics and agribusiness and one of the leaders of the community project in Belize.

The objectives were to increase the diversification of the crops produced at St. Matthew’s school garden, conduct a feasibility study for a community garden in Dangriga on the Caribbean coast and expand interest in agricultural careers at a local high school.

“Our students planted five crops in St. Matthew’s garden and provided vegetable production and marketing education in the classroom,” Popp said. “We worked with a neighborhood in Dangriga to start a small community garden and held a career day at the high school.”

Studying abroad, Johannesen said, made her feel as though her college career was truly worthwhile. She said the hands-on experience was extremely valuable. She said she spent practically all of her time outside, walking around town, traveling the country or working in the garden.

“I learned how to weed, plant and care for gardens, stand in front of a classroom full of students and teach information from a curriculum that I created,” Johannesen said. “The experience was rewarding and life changing.”

Johannesen was one of five students who participated in the community service project at St. Matthew's, under the direction of Dr. Popp and Dr. Nilda Burgos, associate professor in the department of crop, soil and environmental sciences. Other Bumpers College students included environmental science major Zoe Teague, agribusiness major Jordan Steinhams and Fulbright College students Chad Thurman and Andrew Childress.

Global Studies Program
Dr. Raymond W. Barclay, Director
425 Hotz Hall, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701
479-575-6727 • rbarclay@uark.edu