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Service that is ethical and reciprocal, Learning experiences that are innovative and intentional, Exploration that is environmentally and culturally responsible embedded in Every Study Abroad Program we offer.
serve, learn, explore in every study abroad program offered
Our Purpose
United in purpose, Toucan Education Programs shapes transformative study-abroad experiences, fostering mutual growth within students and host communities alike.
Our Core Values
Our Mission
Serve, Learn, Explore, Ethically, and Responsibly
Our Vision
We administer study abroad experiences that deepen personal growth, clarify professional aspirations, and build cross-cultural competency. Our programs are designed to foster meaningful connections between students and local communities, benefitting everyone involved.
Our Niche
We partner with curious learners to promote responsible and reciprocal relationships in environmental and intercultural learning.
is embedded in Toucan’s organizational culture and it remains consistent throughout your educational journey with us.
Ensuring transparency for effective learning and professional development, THE SLE Factor™ is responsible for maintaining accountability of our management and execution of each program.
We take pride in being a leading education abroad social enterprise that has a three - tier structure that does not only aim at making profits for itself.
We are socially, ethically, and environmentally aware of the role that we need to play and lay special emphasis on caring for our stakeholders.
Bringing transparency and accountability in everything we do, Toucan Education Programs is proud to present the impact that it has made with your assistance on the local economy and the community since 2018. Together we can do equally well on the environment.
Student study abroad programs open minds, build lifelong friendships, and create unforgettable experiences.
At Toucan Education Programs, we believe they should also nurture our planet. Through the Plant A Tree Reforestation Program, we ensure that for every student we guide through our educational adventure, two new trees take root.
Emerging from this unique initiative, our students not only take home exceptional memories and a world-class education; they leave a legacy of growth, resilience, and life on the Belizean earth.
Priced at just $8 per seedling, they make a small financial contribution that leads to substantial environmental reparation.
The seeds are carefully collected and cultivated by local farming families who receive essential training from FCD. They are not only transforming into land stewards within their communities but also becoming the vanguard against deforestation.
We're always reaching out to environmental visionaries worldwide to join this vibrant green movement. College students, educators, and responsible organizations – all are welcome to ply their environmental footprint into Belize's flourishing reforestation initiative.
Enroll, engage and enjoy the thriving Belizean ecosystem while knowing that you've contributed to its longevity. Tune into our commitment to turn every educational journey into one that echoes sustainability. Remember, every footprint matters, and together, we can morph them into a trail of thriving green landscapes.
Offset your environmental footprint. Foster the future with Toucan Education Programs.
Want to learn more?
In our quest to give back to the Belizean community and reciprocate the goodwill of the society, we dedicate 5% of profits from all our study abroad programs and our merchandise store to fund the Marilyn McElwain Scholarship Fund.
The fund is used to support Belizean high school students who are financially strained to pay their educational expenses.
We help college students and educators to discover their inner strengths and synergize their capabilities in a reciprocal relationship with the Belizean people.
Founder and CEO
Rhondine Petrof is a social entrepreneur with over 17 years in education abroad. Rhondine cares about her beloved country of Belize and enjoys the process of designing educational experiences that makes meaningful connections between students and the people, cultures, and the environment of Belize.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT
Chris Windsor is an environmental consultant with over 10 years of expertise in Environmental Planning and Design, Impact Assessments, Social Assessments, Data Management, and Analysis. Chris is a serial entrepreneur with her own consultancy firm. She loves the outdoors, travel, reading, and has a heart of service.
director for strategic partnership & student services
Yasel Acosta is an environmental advocate passionate about hands-on learning and diverse cultures. Yasel holds a Master of Arts degree in Sustainable Leisure Management from Vancouver Island University.
Her hometown is Orange Walk, which is in the north of Belize. In addition to having certification in TESOL and Standard First Aid and CPR, Yasel has worked extensively teaching ESL and as executive director of transitional home for young men.
Her heart of service keeps her connected to grassroots organizations with leadership roles in the Orange Walk Rotaract Club. She is also a member of the World Leisure Organization.
PROFESSOR AND CONSULTANT
Dr. Metzgen is an economist, educator, and entrepreneur with academic degrees in economics, finance, and public policy and has a proven track record in advancing policy initiatives and research agendas. She is certified in meditation and face yoga and is a human development coach.
Dr. Metzgen teaches in the Sustainable and Economic Community Development Education Abroad program.
ACADEMIC DIRECTOR, Internships, Service-learning, and Intercultural Learning Co-Curriculum. Professor and Culture Learning in Belize Instructor
Rebecca Friedel Juan is an expert in paleoethnobotany, the study of ancient human-plant relationships. She earned her MA and Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and has taught as a lecturer at UTSA and Northwest Vista Community College. She was also a Fulbright Scholar and taught at the University of Belize in 2021.
Education Abroad Program Coordinator
Misael (Misa) Canto infuses Toucan Education Programs with the vibrant spirit of Belizean hospitality and a deep commitment to cultural immersion. His passion for forging genuine connections between travelers and local communities makes him an invaluable asset to our team.
Executive Assistant
Bio for Marla - Marla Torres serves as the cornerstone of efficiency and support for the Toucan Education Programs founder and CEO. Leveraging her 14 years of diverse experience in corporate administration, Marla brings a strategic and meticulous approach to everything she does.
PROGRAM FIELD STAFF AND ENTREPRENEUR
Birding expert, sense of humor, traveled throughout Belize. Passionate about his family, community, and the students and educators we serve.
P.O. Box 178, San Ignacio Cayo District, Belize, Central America
Phone/Fax: 312-702-1256
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