What is your favorite travel memory?
Stepping out of one's comfort zone starts with a single memory. For me, it was an unforgettable trip from Belize to New York City. From boarding a plane to navigating a foreign city, my first trip abroad was full of new experiences.
As educators and mentors, we empathize with students embarking on a journey beyond their home country. Our commitment to being a guiding presence inspires us to encourage transformative experiences.
These memorable moments foster intercultural learning and enrich both students and the communities they engage with during their educational sojourn.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I feel that I have learned a great deal since working with Toucan Education Programs.
It is incredibly fulfilling to be able to assist students in their personal and professional growth.
I appreciate how you are consistently searching for new and innovative ways to engage with students, our community, and our team, who all play a critical role in making our work possible.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
One of our returning students shared with me an amazing story that left a deep impression on me.
A few years ago, a member of our alumni community reached out to us for support for her organization, which provides services to several countries. She mentioned that her study abroad experience in Belize with Toucan inspired her to pursue her current line of work. This is a common theme among students who have studied abroad in Belize.
They often share stories of changing or reconfirming their majors or finding work abroad as a result of their experience with us.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
The Sustainable Economic and Community Development Summer Program is my top choice from the Toucan Education Programs.
The program focuses on Sustainable Development Goals and provides educational insights into Belize's economic sectors.
During the program, you can enjoy activities like bird-watching, soccer, and cultural experiences such as making corn tortillas. You can also participate in exhilarating adventures like zip-lining and snorkeling in Belize's barrier reef.
The program offers a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in sustainable development and make a positive impact on local communities.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Our team of Belizeans is dedicated to creating high-quality study abroad experiences that promote experiential and intercultural learning opportunities for our students.
We take pride in our commitment to community development and connecting students to projects that nurture their growth. This reflects Toucan Education Programs' core values of trust, safety, and academic rigor.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Toucan Education Programs takes pride in delivering a comprehensive and immersive intercultural learning experience to students from diverse backgrounds. Our programs are designed not only to deliver academic excellence but also to promote inclusivity and sustainable development.
We firmly believe in investing in the host communities where our programs are based to ensure that they benefit from our presence. Our partnerships with local organizations provide enriching experiences that promote cultural exchange and understanding.
We are committed to building bridges that connect people from different cultures and backgrounds. Our goal is to create an environment that fosters mutual respect and understanding, and promotes global citizenship.
At Toucan Education Programs, we understand the significance of providing a safe and supportive environment for our students. We strive to make our programs accessible to everyone, irrespective of their background or circumstances.
In summary, our approach is centered around intercultural learning, academic excellence, inclusivity, and sustainable development. We believe that these values are crucial to creating a better and more connected world.