Study Abroad Programs in Rural Areas, Belize

Toucan Education Programs (TOUCAN) is a social enterprise that collaborates with mission-driven colleges and universities to create custom, faculty-directed education abroad programs. We offer ethical, experiential, and intercultural learning opportunities that align with institutional goals of service, global awareness, and community engagement. As an active member of The Forum on Education Abroad, TOUCAN ensures that each program meets the Standards of Good Practice, prioritizing safe, ethical, and sustainable outcomes for all involved. Our dedicated team works closely with faculty directors and administrators, allowing educators to focus on academic content and student mentorship while we manage all logistical aspects for smooth program operation. Belize serves as an ideal "living laboratory," offering rich cultural diversity for impactful experiential and intercultural learning. Faculty can utilize Toucan’s Intercultural Learning Co-Curriculum (ILC) to enhance students' intercultural development. TOUCAN is committed to faculty success through community-engaged learning and rigorous adherence to best practices in health, safety, and security.

This program provides an exciting opportunity to assist the Ya’axché Conservation Trust and work with Belize’s indigenous communities to preserve the Maya Golden Landscape. Operating out of field research camps, students will work alongside Ya’axché rangers and scientists conducting long-term ecological monitoring and habitat restoration efforts. Round River operates in the Maya Golden Landscape of southern Belize, an ancient socio-ecological system that harbors many of the region’s iconic species such as jaguar and Harpy Eagle. Ya’axché co-manages three protected areas, including Bladen Nature Reserve, one of the wildest forest tracts in Mesoamerica, Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve, and Golden Stream Corridor Preserve. Students will support Ya’axché with diverse conservation initiatives, from scientific research and monitoring to agroforestry production to environmental education in local Mayan communities. Join us in Belize to significantly contribute to conservation efforts in improving jaguar/human conflict, sustainable agroforestry as a buffer zone near core protected areas, and taste authentic Mayan chocolate.