Toucan and Shenandoah: School of Record Partnership

Rhondine Petrof • October 24, 2025
Banana Trees in the Maya Mountains of Belize

Empowering Global Learning Opportunities

Bird in its natural habitat in Belize

For Higher Education Professionals and Aspiring Global Learners

We are pleased to announce a significant advancement that will enhance global learning opportunities for students and institutions. 


Toucan Education Programs is honored to introduce our Strategic School of Record partnership with Shenandoah University, a private institution. The university was established 150 years ago in Virginia, USA. 


This partnership integrates our immersive, summer field-intensive programs abroad in Belize with the academic accreditation of a leading U.S. university.

Benefits for University Students and Education Abroad Professionals

This collaboration addresses the critical need for seamless academic credit transfer, an increasingly important requirement for both students who aim to maintain a graduation timeline and sending institutions. 


By partnering with Shenandoah University, a U.S.-accredited institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and renowned for its dedication to student success, we offer visiting students from U.S. or international Higher Education institutions (HEIs) to:

Students conducting bird surveys in the Belizean rainforest

Earn U.S. Accredited Transferable Academic Credit

Students participating in Toucan’s summer programs in Belize will now receive three (3) transferable U.S. academic credits in prominent fields such as 

This ensures their valuable international learning experience directly contributes to their degree requirements.

Simplify Credit Transfer

The partnership streamlines the often-complex process of credit transfer. Shenandoah University's established academic standing provides institutions with the confidence to recognize and apply these credits, making global education more accessible and beneficial for their students.

Credibility and Recognition

Affiliation with Shenandoah University enhances the academic integrity and recognition of Toucan's programs, providing students with a distinguished transcript that strengthens their academic and professional profiles.

Expanding Opportunities: Internships and Service-Learning

Building on this solid foundation, we are excited to announce that beginning Summer 2026, Shenandoah University will also transcript academic credit for international internships and service-learning programs offered through Toucan Education Programs. 



This expansion will further enrich the practical and professional development aspects of our global learning experiences offered in Belize and other countries, as Toucan expands its program offerings.

Bird release after student survey

Academic Excellence in Experiential Learning

Toucan Education Programs offers experiential learning opportunities in Belize. These programs connect theoretical knowledge with practical engagement in ecosystems and a multicultural society. 


Students participate in community-integrated learning, service-learning, and workplace projects, engaging directly with local communities.



They contribute to conservation, social, historical, and development initiatives while experiencing the region's cultural diversity, traditions, and languages.

Shenandoah University's Role: Ensuring Quality and Standards

Shenandoah University's partnership as a School of Record reinforces our commitment to providing the highest quality study abroad experiences by ensuring:

Academic Integrity

Shenandoah University oversight ensures Toucan’s short-term education abroad programs meet academic rigor and intended learning outcomes.

Benefiting Students' Home Institutions

Our collaboration ensures that our programs seamlessly integrate with the standards and requirements of students' home institutions, facilitating the recognition and transfer of academic credits.

Adherence to Industry Best Practices

As a member of The Forum on Education Abroad, Toucan Education Programs adheres to their Standards of Good Practice (6th edition). 

This partnership with Shenandoah University directly supports our commitment to these guidelines, particularly those related to School of Record relationships and its immense benefit for visiting students.

Resources for Students and Institutions

To provide detailed information that facilitates a smooth process, we have created a comprehensive School of Record informational document. This resource outlines:

The distinct benefits of our credit-bearing short-term programs for students.

A clear and straightforward explanation of the credit approval and transcript process through Shenandoah University (SU).


Students will learn about the procedures involved in enrollment and transcript processing for programs that offer transfer credits from SU. 

Download the Comprehensive School of Record Information for Visiting College and University Students here. For answers to common questions about academic credit transfer, please visit our FAQ section.

Discover the Transformative Power of Learning in Belize

Toucan Education Programs offer field-intensive summer courses that grant academic credit. These programs present invaluable opportunities for students to study the diverse biodiversity and rich cultural heritage of Belize.

Participants engage in underwater explorations within the Belize Barrier Reef, immersive experiences in rainforests, and meaningful interactions with host communities.

The programs promote student learning and development, enhancing intercultural competency, personal growth, and professional advancement. This fosters an openness to understanding different perspectives, cultivates global citizenship, and prepares future heart-centered leaders.

Empowering Students with Global Learning!

For Students: Take the next step in your academic journey and explore the incredible opportunities awaiting you in Belize! Visit our website to learn more about our summer field intensive short-term programs and eligibility criteria.

Students learning about flora and fauna in Belize

Education Abroad Offices

Discover how a Toucan partnership can enhance your global learning offerings and provide your students with high-quality, accredited international experiences. 


For more information about our program offerings and collaboration opportunities, please contact us.



The formal announcement detailing the partnership between Shenandoah University and Toucan Education Programs is accessible via the provided direct link.

CONTACT US TODAY
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