Upper School Intensive Learning Spotlight: Belize

A group of Upper School students enjoyed a week of service and adventure, while learning about the native culture, during a trip to Belize during Intensive Learning. 

The trip kicked off with a tour of the Maya Ruins of Lamanai where students learned about the history and culture of the Mayans. Later on in the trip, they also visited the Xunantunich Maya ruins – one of the largest Maya sites in the Belize River Valley. 

The group also went snorkeling along the Hol Chan Marine Reserve – the second largest barrier reef in the world. Here, students swam with all types of marine life including sharks! 

Each day included time for fun and relaxation which varied from time exploring the history of Belize to hiking to sightseeing and games. Meals were also an opportunity for the group to discuss goals at the beginning of the trip and to discuss progress and learn more about each other.

You can read more about this experience at the 2024 MFS Intensive Learning blog, where you can also read about all other Intensive Learning trips and experiences. 

This is one in a series of 2024 Intensive Learning Spotlights. For one week each March, regular classes are suspended for “Intensive Learning,” when Middle and Upper School students and teachers engage in an in-depth study of a specific subject, often involving off-campus research. This long-standing MFS tradition – which dates back to the mid 1970s – allows teachers and students to break out of the structure of formal class periods and traditional study for a time of experiential learning. Both students and teachers are encouraged to view themselves as life-long learners and students of the world around them.