CANTON MO – Center of Engaged Learning Abroad (C.E.L.A) in Belize is proud to announce its partnership with Culver-Stockton College, which has joined C.E.L.A Belize as its new U.S. School of Record. This collaboration will enable students to learn animal science, veterinary medicine, and human health courses through unique study abroad and internship opportunities available with C.E.L.A. This partnership is a perfect fit for C.E.L.A Belize’s commitment to offering an innovative, global, and socially responsible learning experience for students, aligning closely with Culver-Stockton College’s focus on an education dedicated to excellence in teaching and freedom of inquiry.
The variety of programs offered by C.E.L.A. in Belize allows students to get hands-on, practical experience through unique shadowing opportunities where they can assist veterinary and human health professionals and learn from them one-on-one. Students also get a global perspective through these opportunities as the main focus is experiential learning. It allows them to immerse themselves in Belizean
culture while contributing to local health initiatives.
As a part of their program syllabi, the C.E.L.A and Culver-Stockton College partnership provides courses in Large Animal Practice in the Tropics, Tropical Marine Ecology, Wildlife Health and Conservation, One Health: Public Health in the Tropics, Global Perspectives in Health, and an internship module. Students participating in CELA's programs in Belize can earn college credit from Culver-Stockton College.
Jane Stine, the managing director of C.E.L.A., expressed her enthusiasm about the new partnership: “We are so excited to have Culver- Stockton College as the US School of Record for the Center for Engaged Learning Abroad. With health and nursing programs among its most popular majors, Culver-Stockton College is a great fit for CELA’s commitment to One Health, public health, and global health
programming. We work hard to deliver excellent short-term study abroad programming for our students across disciplines, and we are proud to be able to offer them credit options from Culver-Stockton College.” Students who have previously volunteered in similar programs through C.E.L.A. have continually shared their positive experiences and how transformative it has been for their personal and professional development.
Ellison Mallico shared, “After spending two weeks studying abroad in Belize, I feel extremely prepared to attend vet school and continue my career path. Belize is a beautiful country and getting to help this community was one of the most gratifying experiences I have ever had! I encourage anyone interested in a career in veterinary medicine, or any career with animals, to consider coming to Belize and taking part
in such an amazing opportunity.” Ellison, 19, of Greenville, SC, is an Animal Bioscience major at the University of Georgia at Athens, GA, and was a part of C.E.L.A.’s Large Animals Veterinary Practice in the Tropics Program in Belize.
Another student from the same program, Julia Rolleri, noted, “The Large Animals Veterinary Practice program was such an outstanding experience for me. Not only was I able to apply copious veterinary skills outside of the classroom, but I was met with some of the most immense kindness I have ever experienced. Belize is a beautiful and welcoming country with many opportunities for you to get practical experience and put all of your knowledge to good use. The setting heightens your ability to learn new things and apply them.” Julia, 19, of Queens, NY, is a Junior majoring in Animal Science at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
As a part of the Large Animals Veterinary Practice in the Tropics Program in Belize, Julia and Ellison got
the chance to gain hands-on experience with veterinary examination techniques at working ranches and
farms while exploring large animal agriculture in Belize, including laboratory specimen analysis. Their
lectures covered topics such as the selection, nutrition, reproduction, and management of horses, beef
cattle, goats, swine, and sheep.
ABOUT CULVER-STOCKTON COLLEGE
Culver-Stockton College is a liberal arts college dedicated to providing a supportive learning community founded on faith and human values. The College emphasizes experiential learning through internships, study abroad opportunities, and community service projects.
Founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church, Culver-Stockton College has a rich history of over 160 years. Located atop “the Hill” in Canton, Missouri, the college offers over 80 majors and minors, and students can create their unique degree paths. The College’s innovative 12+3 academic semester calendar allows students to focus on one subject during an intensive three-week session, providing hands-on opportunities in creative expression, service learning, research, and professional development.
ABOUT C.E.L.A.
C.E.L.A. offers a variety of programs in Belize and Thailand, including animal science, veterinary medicine, and human health courses for undergraduate and pre-veterinary students. They also provide internship opportunities throughout the country. Programs are available during summer and winter sessions, ranging from one to four weeks in duration. Interested participants can find more information or apply at www.celabelize.com. C.E.L.A. also collaborates with professors and teachers who wish to bring student groups to Belize, connecting them with local conservation projects, schools, development initiatives, and service-learning opportunities. C.E.L.A.’s approach emphasizes a study abroad model rather than voluntourism, focusing on educating students to make meaningful contributions. Students learn from experienced local Belizean staff and work with established local organizations, ensuring their efforts contribute to long-term improvements in the country. With over a decade of experience in Belize, C.E.L.A. continues to support important sustainability and development projects with the help of students like Ellison and Julia.
Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office, at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000 ext. 6728 for more information.
NOTE: A number that appears immediately after a person’s name (i.e. Jane Doe ’18) is a reference to the year that person earned their bachelor’s degree from Culver-Stockton.