Name: Charles Cumberland
Major: Archaeology
Exchange: Ka 'Kabish Archeological Field School, Belize
Advice: “Before going on this exchange, I wish I knew more about the project itself and how the field school was supposed to run.”
QUESTIONS
Why did you decide to travel abroad?
I wanted to gain field experience while learning about a country and culture I’ve never experienced.
Why did you choose to study in Belize? How did you learn about it?
I chose Belize as it offered an interactive experience learning about the Maya while getting an introduction to archaeological field methodology. I learned about this from Dr. Haines, one of the archaeology professors and the head of this field school at Trent University.
What was your experience like? What are some of the differences & similarities with Trent?
Overall, my experience was good. Although I was not at another university, the learning experience was good, and it provided a wonderful opportunity to apply classroom methodology to the field. Resources were limited as we were in a jungle village, but facilities were good and creature comforts were plentiful.
What did you find was the most challenging while abroad?
The most challenging adaptation was the change in food for me. The food was very good, and I ate a lot better than I do in my normal student life, but there was a lot of fried food, chicken, and carbs. It was incredibly tasty but the change in diet and lack of variety for five weeks was difficult to adapt to.
In your opinion, what would you say are the benefits of studying abroad?
The biggest benefits to this study abroad were learning practical field techniques like excavation, mapping, and artifact cleaning.
What was one of your favourite memories from your time abroad?
One of my favourite moments was when Dr. Haines got a piñata for one of our last dinners and all of the people who had birthdays while were there had a chance to beat the candy out of it.
If someone told you they were thinking about studying abroad but weren’t convinced they should, what would you tell them?
It is a physically tough but wonderful experience, worth the sweat and at times the frustration. The people and places you experience are very unique and worth the trip. The practical methodology and field experience were wonderful, and I believe to be transferable.