Study Abroad 2025? Apply Now! Scholarship Raffle Info. Click Here!
Delivering THE SLE Factor™
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.
Meet Toucan Education Programs
Delivering THE SLE Factor™
serve, learn, explore in every study abroad program offered
Program Values
- Prioritize Health, Safety, and The Forum's Standards of Good Practice (6th ed., 2020) and Guiding Principles
- Stakeholder oriented: Student, Faculty, Institutions, Community Partners, Employees
- Socially and Environmentally Responsible
- Operate with Integrity
- Committed to intercultural learning
Program Delivery
- Focused on Health and Safety
- Empathetic and Practical Pre-departure and Onsite Support
- Committed to Learning Outcomes
- Respectful Intercultural Interactions
Post Program
- Re-entry Preparation and Support
- Alumni Remain Engaged
Relationships
- Prioritize Sustainable Partnerships
- Build and Maintain Mutual Respect and Value
Organizational Culture
THE SLE FACTOR™
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.
Social Responsibility
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.
Our Impact
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.
Trees Planted
350/1000
People Served
5000
Local Economy
$340,640
Tree Adopted by Individuals
0027
Trees Adopted by businesses
323
Plant a Tree Reforestation Program
Plant with Purpose: Turn Your Educational Journey into a Beacon for 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.
Partnering with Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), we are redefining the impact of education abroad.
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.
Quote: A Baby Tree Absorbs 5.9kg CO2 Per Year
Join the Plant A Tree Reforestation Program.
Offset your environmental footprint. Foster the future with Toucan Education Programs.
Want to learn more?
The Marilyn McElwain Scholarship Fund
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.
Unlock Your Full Potential
We help college students and educators to discover their inner strengths and synergize their capabilities in a reciprocal relationship with the Belizean people.
Meet Team Toucan
Rhondine Petrof
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.
Yasel Acosta
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.
Misael (Misa) Canto
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.
DR. YDAHLIA METZGEN
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.
Dr. Rebecca Friedel Juan
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.
Marla Torres
Executive Assistant
Marla C. Torres is an accomplished professional with 14 years of experience in corporate administration. Having worked in both the United States and Taiwan, she brings a strategic and detail-oriented approach to her work. Marla is proficient in Spanish, English, and Mandarin. In her role as Executive Assistant to the Founder and CEO, she plays a crucial part in supporting Toucan Education Programs. As she transitions to a function that includes Logistics and Ed Abroad Field Staff, Marla is poised to continue being a valuable asset to our team.
TED HOWE
PROGRAM FIELD STAFF
Tourism industry expert, loves a good question, calm under pressure. Passionate about serving students and educators.
Rene Mena
PROGRAM FIELD STAFF AND SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR
Mr. Rene Mena brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role as a field staff member at Toucan Education Programs. With seven years of experience as a licensed tour guide, he is well-versed in Maya archaeology, and birding, and serves as a naturalist guide. His professional background includes work in aquaculture, experience as an algae supervisor, and expertise in bird and plant identification. In addition to his extensive field experience, Mr. Mena has received training in human resource management and Maya cultures in Guatemala. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Yucatec Maya, Mr. Mena is a valuable asset to our team.
Helpful Links
Our Programs