Many students begin planning their April vacations months in advance. However, not everyone gets the opportunity to spend that long- waited for week on the warm, sandy beaches of Belize.

Interested students at Woodland Regional High School will embark on a week long tropical marine field study in April of 2015 along with Jill Blasi, trip advisor and science teacher.

And students will be everything but bored on this trip. They will study tropical coral reefs as well as keep a journal of their observations each day. Some activities will include snorkeling, boat outings, and lessons on many marine topics at night. A scientist will also teach about ecology and some of his own research.

Students will have an opportunity to experience that life firsthand.

“For many kids it is a life changer,” said Blasi. “It really opens their eyes to travel and to different cultures.”

Belize is not just a trip, however. It is offered as a half credit course. Students will have to give a presentation and write a report upon their return to receive this credit. The trip costs approximately $2000. About five students are seriously interested, but the course will be open until early October.

Blasi has traveled to Belize with students in 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2007. Belize was chosen as the destination because it has the second largest barrier reef in the world and is a spot without as much human impact.Blasi remembers waking up on the island that first day and feeling as though she was living her dream.

“Teaching is an extremely rewarding career,” said Blasi,”but being able to bring students right into the enviroments you are talking about and are so passionate about is indescribable.”

Photo Credit: Jill Blasi