MANSFIELD, PA— A year after traveling to Belize as part of the 
Mansfield University Political Science program’s short-term study abroad course, Sarah Estes, a Biology major and Political Science minor from York, PA, returned to intern at the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (MBWS) during the summer of 2015.
She first learned about MBWS and its mission to provide “academic, experiential learning, and service programs” to teachers and students from all over the world after spending some time there in 2014.
Estes, spoke extensively with MBWS Director Matt Miller as part of her field research investigating eco-tourism in Belize. She inquired about internship opportunities and Miller invited her to apply for the following summer. Less than a year later, she was packing her bags and returning to Belize for an entire summer.
MBWS is nestled on 2,250 acres of protected land about a 20-minute drive outside of Belmopan, the capital of Belize. In addition, there are two affiliated campus locations at Mountain Pine Ridge and South Water Marine Reserve at Tobacco Caye.
As an intern, Estes has been in charge of creating mini-courses on a wide range of topics, including geology, astronomy, botany, and meteorology to better train the guide staff. She also assists researchers and student groups that are gathering field research.
“On one particular trip, I had the opportunity to come face-to-face with a coral snake, one of the most venomous snakes in Belize,” Estes said. She added that she is particularly grateful for the knowledge she gained from the faculty in the MU Biology and Geosciences Departments in preparing her for this internship.
Estes soaking up some rich and unforgettable experiences, including earning her scuba diving certification off the shores of Caye Caulker. Earlier this summer, she briefly reunited with MU Professors Jeff Bosworth and Jonathan Rothermel and the second cohort of Mansfield students who were enrolled in PSC 3385 Field Research Abroad while they stayed at MBWS.
Through all her hard work and sacrifice, Estes feels personal satisfaction that she is giving back to the country that she has come to love.
“Belize is a perfect fit for Sarah’s inquisitive nature and her love of biology, and it would not surprise me to see her back in Belize a few years from now pursing graduate studies,” Rothermel said.
Of the 14 original MU students who went to Belize in 2014, three have already returned in 2015.
Estes will return to MU soon for the fall semester, working as a resident assistant in addition to her studies. She expects to graduate in May 2016.