This summer 45 U. Arkansas students are spending time in Belize doing humanitarian work as part of a university-wide service project. Students from many areas have gone to Belize to work in engineering, business and marketing, social work and agriculture.

“Students are developing and running projects, and while the students come from different areas, their work cross-pollinates. There are not too many times when students get to plan and execute projects to the degree that these students do,” said Jennie Popp, associate professor for agricultural economics and agribusiness.

The projects that these students work on throughout the summer often have lasting impacts in the community.

“This summer the business students are working to create a business plan to get a restaurant that burned in a fire back on the ground and running. It’s a very ambitious plan, with a chance that it won’t work, but the students have decided to through with the project and try to bring the restaurant back and make it successful,” said Javier Reyes, associate professor in economics.

“The business students are doing business plans in environments very different from what they are used to, but they are making a bigger impact than they realize,” Reyes said.

The experience that the students are gaining while in Belize has truly been eye-opening for some of the students.

“I’m having the chance to work with the women’s group here on some backyard gardens and improving their design for their beds. These women have five or six children and multiple jobs and still have time to give back to their community. They are incredible,” said junior Madalyn Watkins, who is studying agriculture in Belize.

While gaining experience in Belize, Popp hopes the students bring their new-found knowledge back to the UA.

“Students often come back with improved communication skills, and are able to think on their feet more. I hope students come back realizing that what they learn at the UA has real world value,” said Popp. “And most importantly, I hope they realize while cultures make us different, people are still people. A mother is going to want to kiss her children goodnight no matter where you are in the world.”