Study Abroad Programs in San Ignacio, Belize

Looking for a warm-weather getaway this Winter Break? Take your passion for landscape architecture to the tropics with a one-of-a-kind, 3-week internship in Belize! Co-led by two visionary architects, this immersive program offers a structured, hands-on learning experience focused on the design and construction of eco-conscious infrastructure. Explore modernized gabion architecture - an innovative take on ancient building techniques - adapted for sustainable, resilient structures in a changing climate. Set in Belize’s breathtaking natural environment, this internship blends creative design with real-world impact. Collaborate on live projects that balance form, function, and sustainability while gaining insight into traditional practices and contemporary ecological design. Perfect for students, recent grads, or emerging professionals, the program includes a curated itinerary, accommodation, airport pickup, 24/7 support, and a reference letter to support your future goals. 2025 Winter Break spots are strictly limited - don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable journey that bridges cultural heritage with forward-thinking design.

Enhance your chances for vet school with an intensive, hands-on, veterinary study program in Belize. Find yourself immersed in large animal veterinary practice techniques on farms and ranches (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs). Get amazing, real-life exposure and take your career potential to a new level through hands-on work in the field and laboratory. The classes are small, which ensures your interests are accommodated. In the Large Animal Veterinary Practices in the Tropics course, you learn firsthand examination techniques, animal agriculture and husbandry, and preventative medicine. Class time is spent in fieldwork involving a horse ranch and breeding facility; a sheep farm focusing on genetic breeding; and cattle (dairy and beef) and pig farms. Each of the field experiences provides general husbandry (shelter, nutrition, and waste management) and knowledge of large farm animals. Basic veterinary care is taught and more advanced veterinary practices such as preventive medicine, reproductive management, medicine, and surgery are observed. Fieldwork provides unique experiences to showcase on your application for vet school.

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 offers two weeks in Belize, learning about jaguar and primate research. It also includes opportunities to learn at different animal projects throughout the country. Plus, get a chance to explore beautiful natural areas—from beaches to rainforests. Highlights - Learn about jaguars and conservation from our experts. - Critical jaguar research: Learn and practice research methods, from HotSpotter training to camera traps to coprology. - Zoo classroom: Tour the Belize Zoo with an animal keeper and learn about jaguar behavior. - Work on the howler monkey release project, which includes monitoring and data collection. - Earn approximately 80 research hours and 10 exotic veterinary hours. - Explore the area and get to know Belize! - Trek to see spider monkeys in the wild. - Spend overnight deep in the jungle, at the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve. - Swim in the natural blue springs of the jungle. - Snorkel in the Caribbean Sea. - Explore Mayan ruins and ancient jaguar cave paintings. - Go on a cave tubing trip. College credit is available for this program.