Social Work Internships in Belize

I am a first-generation college student, and going to Belize was an experience I will always carry with me. At first, I was afraid that I wouldn't make an impact at my internship or that I would get homesick more than a thousand miles away from home. In the end, I made great friendships and discovered some of my passions in life. The experiences were so pure that I grew in many ways. As soon as I stepped into the warm blanket that is the Belizean weather, I felt attended to. Our driver, Mr. Roberto, welcomed us with a warm smile and took us to our destination in San Ignacio, Belize. The program staff was always attentive to our needs and gave us all of the necessary tools to grow professionally and personally. That is exactly what happened to me and reciprocity played a huge role. I was able to conduct presentations for surrounding schools in the town of Santa Elena. I interned in the Santa Elena Public Library and had great support from my supervisors. I worked both independently and in groups with the staff as well as with people of the community. This made the experience so much more rewarding. The daily face to face contact was something I still keep close to my heart. One of the most memorable moments was swimming in the Carribean Sea. I was also able to cook alongside Mayan women and prepare a traditional meal with the Garifuna people on their island, in South Belize. These immersive experiences definitely were some of my most memorable. Reading about a culture in a history textbook is one thing, but tasting the culture is something I will certainly never forget. TEP played a major role in my success in the program and I will be eternally grateful. Oh yeah, and how can I forget, I climbed to the top of the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.

Toucan Education Programs (TOUCAN) responded to this reviewDecember 05, 2019

Dear Jessica,<br/><br/>Huge thanks for your lovely review. You did an awesome job immersing yourself not only in your internship but also in your host community. <br/><br/>Again, huge thanks!<br/>Rhondine

From beginning to the end the experience went well. I especially was impressed with the level of engagement by the administrators. They kept me informed every step of the way. This program exceeded my expectations.

The Toucan Education Program (TEP) helped me to connect to organizations in Belize where I could share my own expertise in a reciprocal learning environment. I learned more about the Belizean education and culture from the two organizations that hosted me, than they probably learned from me. The TEP organizers arranged for all meetings, transportation, and events during my stay. They checked in on all of the members of our group on a daily basis . . . always making sure we were enjoying our experience and having our needs met. I made connections that I hope will last for a lifetime, and I'm already planning to go back!

Toucan Education Programs (TOUCAN) responded to this reviewApril 03, 2018

We are very grateful for your review and for your work in Belize.

TEP was absolutely excellent!! Everything was well-planned, there was never a time where you questioned where your transportation was or where you were supposed to be next. All of the staff were extremely helpful and always quick to help or respond to any question or concern you had! I would HIGHLY recommend utilizing TEP for your travel abroad experiences!

Toucan Education Programs (TOUCAN) responded to this reviewApril 03, 2018

Huge thanks for your feedback. We are equally grateful to Dr. Beitman and Jim who remain passionate about their service in Belize.

The time I spent in Belize working with Toucan Education Programs (TEP) was a truly immersive experience and one that I would recommend to any motivated student who is looking for a highly individualized yet community oriented opportunity. This program, created by founder/CEO Rhondine Petrof, not only allows for exponential growth in an academic sense but also works to challenge currently held positionalities that contribute to an individual's identity. This intentional reciprocity between student and study creates space for the practice of introspection. Correspondingly the development of self-confidence is later met when planning, conducting and presenting exploratory research. I am forever grateful for the efforts of TEP and to the individuals I have had the privilege to share these memories with. The experience has allowed me a deeper grasp of varying intersectionalities within public health and gender roles, comfortability in realizing that as I continuously face new situations, I will be discovering new facets of who I am, and to above all else trust that I am capable. Also important to mention, the staff of TEP including Rhondine was there for me when I was experiencing health concerns. This comfort and commitment to ensuring I was okay for the remainder of the trip truly helped me feel safe, secure, and relaxed. Their actions helped me overcome small challenges that allowed me to quickly bounce back and enjoy the experience.

Toucan Education Programs (TOUCAN) responded to this reviewSeptember 22, 2017

Hello Sara,<br/><br/>Huge thanks for your review. We value your feedback and support.<br/>

I cannot say enough great things about my experience with TEP in Belize! Rhodine is amazing! The people of Belize are warm and welcoming. It was well organized, immersive and a great cultural opportunity to make an impact and Belize made a beautiful impact on me!

Toucan Education Programs (TOUCAN) responded to this reviewSeptember 20, 2017

Hello Sydney,<br/><br/>We are so grateful for your awesome review. Huge thanks and hope you are well!<br/><br/>Your humble TEP team!

Amazing experience all around. I had a great time. I will never forget my time in Belize. I will definitely come back. I would recommend this program to others. TEP staff and the people of Belize have been so kind to me.

Our volunteer experience with TEP was excellent. What stood out the most was the breadth of experiences we had - we would never have been able to organise many of these encounters ourselves. Collaborating with someone local allowed us to meet and speak with a huge range of people that would have otherwise been difficult to contact. Likewise, the social and cultural activities were excellent and not necessarily something I would have thought to organise myself. I appreciated the contrast provided by working in both a public and private setting.

My experience in Belize was great. The program offered cultral experiences, excursions. It was well organized and i always felt safe. This was my first time abroad and I had a great experience and will definately come back to Belize to visit or maybe even do some mision work within the country. The Toucan Education Program is well crafted and enriching for students looking for a great study abroad experience in an english speaking country. I was able to adapt well and it was not too big of a culture shock.