2009 Press Releases
Seven Belizeans Depart for the U.S. on Two Educational Exchange Programs (July 22, 2009)
The United States Embassy is proud to announce the participation of seven Belizean students in two different education exchange programs to the United States. Three Belizeans will be studying in Amherst, Massachusetts as part of the five-week Study of the United States Institutions (SUSI) Student Leaders Program, while four others are preparing to depart on a year-long Community College Initiative program, both sponsored by the Embassy of the United States of America.
Chargé d’Affaires J.A. Diffily says, “I am so pleased that the Embassy was able to offer these educational opportunities this year. I have met these fine young Belizeans and am thrilled that they will be able to attend these programs, representing Belize. I am confident they will represent Belize well and return to make a positive and lasting influence back home. These students are the leaders of tomorrow.”
Study of the United States Institutions (SUSI) Student Leaders Program
Three Belizean student leaders -- Ted McKoy of Dangriga, Anya Moguel of Santa Elena, and Maggie Ruiz of Belmopan -- were selected to participate in this program.
This program selects twenty students from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama to strengthen their leadership skills and understanding of U.S. culture and society. The SUSI program takes place at St. Bonaventure University in Amherst, Massachusetts from July 12 to August 15, 2009.
The five-week program will conclude with a three-day program in Washington, D.C., where participants will have the opportunity to meet with other SUSI students.
Community College Initiative
Four Belizeans -- Brian Almendarez of Cayo, Dale McDougall of Belize City, Elzafania Bol of Toledo, and Latanya Gamboa of Belize City -- will depart for the U.S. in early August to attend a year-long international exchange program at a community college in order to develop professional skills.
Brian Almendarez and Dale McDougall will be studying Media at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida; Elzafania Bol will study Health Sciences at Greenville Technical College in South Carolina; and Latanya Gamboa will study Health Sciences at Gadsden State Community College in Alabama.
Students are expected to graduate with a certificate in their field of study or an Associate’s Degree. This opportunity also prepares candidates for future educational opportunities in the United States.