***COURSE ADVERTISEMENT*** George Mason University's Belize Ridges to Reefs study abroad course, now in its 4th season, is set to run 7-20 January 2014. The Belize Ridges to Reef Program offers students a once-in-a-lifetime experience where students will have the opportunity to live on one of Belize’s most pristine offshore cayes, Half Moone Caye; have access to an archaeological cave system; explore the Sibun river; and form lasting friendships with the people they meet on their adventure. Students will explore special places where only few travelers go, such as the Actun Tunichil Muknal, a sacred Mayan sacrificial site, and the infamous Blue Hole that Jacques-Yves Cousteau made famous in 1972. This course will focus heavily upon tropical marine and rainforest ecosystems. We will have the opportunity to sea kayak, snorkel, hike, go caving and more! There will also be a heavy cultural component embedded within the course as we will also learn about, interact with, and participate in cultural events of the Maya, Garifuna, and Creole peoples. Students will earn three undergraduate-level upper division elective college in biology (BIOL), environmental science (EVPP), or interdisciplinary studies (NCLC). Three credits of graduate level biology (BIOL) and environmental science (EVPP) coursework are also available. Course credits in other departments can be earned as well, but it is up to the student to seek necessary approval from his/her department. The program fee ($4,530) includes tuition and program expenses. International airfare and personal expenses are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the participant.For more information, please go to the course website or contact the course instructor directly (Katheryn Patterson, kpatter3@gmu.edu). http://globaled.gmu.edu/programs/facultyled/winterstudy/belize.html The course is already over halfway full so if you don't want to be left out, don't forget to fill out your application today! Best, Katheryn Katheryn W. Patterson Environmental Science and Policy Dept. George Mason University Fairfax, VA