LIFE AT WUHS

Overview

WUHS is a global institution where we strongly emphasize worldwide learning and wide-ranging experiences as a part of the campus culture. WUHS makes the students feel at home by building a community that is open to broad ideas, diverse cultures, and international perspectives.
WUHS is known for its outstanding academics as a part of a solid faculty-student collaboration. In addition, the WUHS campus's proximity to some of the country's finest national parks gives the students outdoor recreational opportunities.
WUHS is fostering an international campus, and we welcome you to apply!
Belize is a tropical country that lies west of the Caribbean coast, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, and is home to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. With over 40% of the country protected as parks and natural reserves, studying in Belize offers an educational experience with diverse adventure opportunities and intriguing experiences. When asked, repeated visitors generally say that they did not have enough time to do all they wanted to do on their first visit. If it is the third or fourth trip, the answer is the same, but with this addition, “it is the warmth and friendliness of the people” that keeps visitors returning year after year. The good news is that while this is all quite true, the country also offers fun places to visit and world-class restaurants. When you first come to Belize, you are a visitor, but you are a friend when you leave.

LANGUAGE

English is the official language and spoken widely; other languages include Spanish, Maya, Garifuna, and Mandarin. Belizeans also speak English-based Creole (Kriol).

TIME ZONE

US Central Standard Time is the norm except during Daylight Savings Time when Mountain Time Zone is applicable.

ELECTRICITY

Power is stable at 110 volts A.C.

HEALTH & SAFETY

There is a well-staffed hospital and several private doctors in Belize City and San Pedro. In addition, areas of Belize and San Pedro have hospitals or clinics. Potable water is available in most areas of Belize, but it is advisable to ask, and if in doubt, to drink boiled or bottled water. There are not severe epidemic diseases in Belize. We recommended anti-malaria tablets for extended stays in the jungle—no immunizations required at the time of entry. Crime is minimal in San Pedro Ambergris Caye. However, as with anywhere, individuals should be cautious walking alone at night.

CLIMATE

Belize is in a Subtropical region, which means its weather is primarily hot and humid. There are two seasons: Rainy Season (June to November) and Dry Season (December to May). There are brisk prevailing trade winds from the Caribbean Sea and an average temperature of 80 degrees F.https://ambergriscaye.com/pages/town/weather1.html

GOVERNMENT

Independent from Britain since 1981, Belize (formerly British Honduras) has a democratically elected parliamentary government and is a member of the British Commonwealth.

WATER

Belize tap water is treated in cities and towns and is safe to drink. Bottled water is also available for purchase throughout the country.

CLOTHING

Check with your travel representative about attire for adventure activities.

By Air:

International flights to Belize are via Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, or Miami, FL. The major airlines to Belize are:

Traveling from Canada? WestJet flights to Belize start October 29, 2016.Local airlines offer daily flights to different parts of Belize and to Las Flores, Guatemala, and Cancun, Mexico. These local airlines are:

Counseling
Counseling services are available through the Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs. The Guidance and Counseling Program is aimed at assisting students to take maximum advantage of the educational opportunities at WUHS (Belize), and to contribute to their success in their future professional goals.
Student Health Services
Students have access to medical facilities on San Pedro and Belize City. It is mandatory for every student to carry health insurance coverage.
Security on Campus
The WUHS (Belize) maintains private full-time security guards, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The security system includes identification badges for all students and employees. The most recently submitted Campus Crime Report documents no criminal activity on campus which is comparable to previous reports. This tends to confirm that all of the security provisions, security systems and personnel that are in place are adequate to provide a safe study and learning environment for students, staff, and faculty during and outside of regular duty and class hours on campus and at WUHS (Belize).
Extracurricular Activities
WUHS (Belize) believes that students should be encouraged to develop an interest towards culture and the arts. With this principle in mind, the Office of the Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs sponsors social and cultural activities for the student body.
Housing and Cafeteria Facilities
Housing facilities are available within walking distance of the WUHS campus. Students who may need housing facilities are encouraged to visit the vicinity adjacent to the WUHS (Belize) where numerous apartments are available for rent.
Student Government Association
The official body representing students at WUHS (Belize) is the Student Government Association. This Council is elected by the student body, as described in the General Student Rules and Regulations, with representation from all the academic programs. Any group of students from WUHS (Belize), has the right to constitute a student organization and be officially recognized. Any such organization may be of an academic, professional, cultural, recreational, social, athletic, or religious nature. Student organizations enrich WUHS (Belize) academic life and contribute to the achievement of academic and professional goals.WUHS encourages our undergraduate students who hope to practice in the USA to join SGA.
AMERICAN MEDICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION
The American Medical Students Association (AMSA) is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. The AMSA is a student-governed, national organization committed to representing the concerns of physicians-in-training.
With a membership of more than 67,000 medical students, pre-medical students, interns, residents and practicing physicians from across the country, AMSA is committed to improving medical training and the nation’s health.
Community Service
Involvement in the community is a key component of WUHS (Belize) mission. As a health sciences institution one of the WUHS (Belize) main concerns is the betterment of the community we serve. Students and faculty have designed and coordinated extensive volunteer services within the community. For instance, medical students conduct orientation classes on special preventive topics in public schools, carry out health clinics for the homeless, and participate in other health activities in the community.