Description

Explore international business practiced from the perspective of a small but developing Central American country - Belize. Emerging International Business: Case Studies in Belize will focus on public policy and business models for sustainable tourism as represented in the country of Belize. The course will explore this subject on-site in San Ignacio, Belize where students will consult with organizations involved in conservation and eco or adventure tourism or environmental business organizations, some owned and operated by local and indigenous operators, thereby maintaining and preserving local identity and culture.

Students will visit businesses and organizations such as:

* Chaa Creek Eco-Lodge, an award winning environmental resort;
* duPlooy's Jungle Resort, an eco-resort using solar energy and housing the Belize Botanic Gardens
* The Belize Tourism Board, the Belize Tourism Industry Association, Belize Cruise Ship Association and other industry organizations
* Various eco-resorts representing the range from high end to backpacker;
* Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT)
* Representative of government ministries related to tourism and the environment
* Tour operators and organizations that run and manage archaeological ruins, national parks, adventure tourism and marine tourism

Students will have the opportunity to take advantage of the rich natural and touristic resources that abound in Belize. The country is increasingly known for abundant eco-diversity as well as for its efforts to create and encourage sustainable economic development. Our study will utilize a sustainable business models' approach for making on-the-ground, first-hand observations of business activity in Belize. Students will examine the cultural and language plurality of the country that is a unique characteristic of the Belizean identity. All instruction will be conducted in English, the official language.