What position do you hold at Study in Belize? What has been your career path so far?
Rhondine: I am the founder and executive director of Toucan Education Programs Limited (TEP). My career path over the last eight years has been in higher education. My love of working with students was first realized when I was employed as the assistant registrar at Galen University, which is located in Belize, Central America. I especially found my work in the international center to be very rewarding. Thus, I decided to start my own company in 2009. TEP was formally established in 2010 as a private, limited liability company operating in Belize.
Did YOU study abroad? If so, where did you go and what inspired you to go?!
Rhondine: I’ve been fortunate to travel to North America and other countries in Central America. Traveling, interacting with people, and sharing my country are a few of my life passions. I continue to be inspired by the transformational growth and development that students experience from studying abroad. I’ve personally observed tremendous growth in students with whom I’ve had the privilege to work with through participation in a semester abroad or Study in Belize program. In addition to being inspired, I am often humbled by the success of those students who overcame the challenges of being away from home, living in a different culture, to successfully completing a program. My greatest inspiration comes from the fact that the benefits of studying abroad keeps multiplying especially after students return home. The returns on a study abroad investment simply lasts a lifetime.
What does the future hold for Study in Belize - any new programs to share?
Rhondine: I see a bright future for TEP. There are many opportunities for Belize to become a top destination for international education. TEP plans to be a positive force in the shift from tourism to education. Tourism has served our country well; I believe international education is another growing industry in Belize. Belize is a great destination for introducing students to study abroad. There are no language barriers for English speakers and yet it’s an ideal destination to learn Spanish. It is this reason we have decided to launch an intensive Spanish Language and Culture program for the summer of 2013 term. This exciting new program weaves travel, cultural activities, writing, and speaking labs for a holistic learning experience. Deadline to apply is March 1, 2013.
Which study abroad destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?
Rhondine: Developing countries without the ‘wow’ or ‘exotic’ factor tend to be underrated, of which Belize is a good example. Many high school and undergraduate students study in Belize each year, but Belize has never made it on to the international education “radar” as a viable destination for students. I do not believe any destination is overrated; each region of the world has unique qualities of cultural and historical importance. Choosing a destination is an individual choice based on the learning needs and desired experiences of each student who studies abroad.