Location
  • Costa Rica
    • Cartago
Term
Fall, Spring, Spring Break, Summer, Winter
Subject Areas
Physical Therapy

Program Details

Program Type
Direct Enrollment
Housing
Dormitory

Pricing

Starting Price
$2,499 USD
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Some Meals Transportation Travel Insurance Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare
Dec 19, 2019
Feb 07, 2020

About Program

Join Toucan Abroad and other students from around the US in this highly enriching program. We aim to expand your perspective and grow into future leaders in the field of physical therapy through exposure to the work of licensed PT specialists. You’ll shadow them while they provide expert patient care. Evolve by developing a more holistic view of yourself, your future profession, and the world through immersion into a different society.
For two weeks, you’ll engage in 40 to 60 clinical observation hours in different PT specialties. You’ll also have time to bask in the breathtaking natural beauty of Costa Rica and experience its rich culture.

Toucan Abroad gives you the opportunity to stand out among other PT school applicants through a unique, unparalleled experience abroad through this program.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Accumulate 40 or 60 hours of clinical observation in different PT specialties, allowing you to gain real practice alongside other undergraduates and licensed therapists.
  • Improve and practice Spanish in the professional health setting.
  • Create meaningful friendships with other students who share your dream of attending a Physical Therapy School.
  • Embark on planned excursions to a stunning rainforest, to beaches, and volcanoes as well as other beautiful places!
  • Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and learn about the 'pura vida'.

Program Reviews

10 Rating
based on 23 reviews
  • 9-10 rating 100%
  • 7-8 rating 0%
  • 5-6 rating 0%
  • 3-4 rating 0%
  • 1-2 rating 0%
  • Academics 9.7
  • Support 10
  • Fun 10
  • Housing 9.8
  • Safety 9.9
Showing 1 - 8 of 23 reviews
Default avatar
Sarah
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Physical Therapy Abroad

Going on Toucan Abroad was one of the best decisions that I have made. It is such a unique experience that allows you to get hands on experience while exploring Costa Rica at the same time. All of the physical therapists are so welcoming and make sure you get the most out of your time in their clinics. Not only did I walk away from this experience with a much deeper knowledge of physical therapy I also met such amazing people along the way. I recommend it his program to anyone who is interested in PT

5 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ananda
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience!

Applying to Toucan Abroad was a big step outside my comfort zone. I did not know what to expect. However, I’m so happy I decided to go. Toucan Abroad was an amazing experience and opportunity. I received hand on experience at different physical therapy clinics and learned different techniques that’s not very common in the States. I also developed real genuine bonds with the other members and physical therapists while having so much fun living in the Costa Rican culture . I would 110% recommend!
#safe #structured #lifelongbonds

6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Juan Paulo
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Best study abroad experience

Toucan Abroad is an incredible program that not only offers you hours of observation in physical therapy, but also allows you to enjoy an incredible country and meet amazing people. Therapists are the best, they will always be willing to teach you and make you feel like home. They are excited to meet new people, people who are passionate about physical therapy as much as they are. Before this trip, I never imagined the impact that this country and these people would have on my life. I take with me a lot of knowledge and incredible memories, but above all, friendships that I hope to keep the rest of my life. Thanks to the people I met and the therapists I worked with, I came back home more inspired than ever, willing to continue studying and become a great physical therapist. If you applied to this program and were lucky enough to be chosen, do not think about it to much and take the opportunity, it will be an experience that you will never forget.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most amazing thing I did during this trip was parasailing in a beautiful beach and jumping from a boat into the ocean.
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lindsey
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Mighty Toucans

This program is so much more than just physical therapy shadowing, it is a life-changing experience both professionally and personally. At the beginning of the program, I was very apprehensive, nervous, and extremely out of my comfort zone, but that completely changed after the first day of the trip when we all immediately bonded and it felt like we had all known each other for years! From a professional/academic standpoint, ToucanAbroad allowed me to learn more in ten days of shadowing with physical therapists than I would learn in an entire semester studying in college. The hands-on, patient-centered experience outweighs anything you can learn sitting in a lecture and the physical therapists truly want to share their knowledge and education with you. This experience opened my eyes to so many different treatment techniques that I have never seen in the states and that will influence my future career when I become a physical therapist. Outside of shadowing, we explored Costa Rica and created memories that will last a lifetime! Phil and Fernando made sure we all felt comfortable and safe throughout the trip and if any issue arose, they knew how to handle it. They always gave us recommendations of places to eat/things to do which really helped us make every second of the trip memorable! This program exceeded my expectations and I will highly recommend it to anyone who is interested! Costa Rica will always have a place in my heart and so will the people who I shared this amazing experience with! Pura Vida!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I could do this trip all over again, I would pick a three-week trip, not just a two-week trip! Outside of that, I would not change anything because the trip was so perfect!
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Veronica
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

An experience like no other!!

Toucan Abroad was by far one of the best study abroad programs I have done! I’ve studied abroad before but those experiences do not compare to the experience I had in Costa Rica. The physical therapy shadowing was excellent and very interactive. We were able to work one on one with patients and learn about different modalities that aren’t used in the US! In addition to the shadowing, the overall experience in Costa Rica was so fulfilling. The program directors Phil and Fernando helped us immerse ourselves into the culture and get the most of this amazing experience. They were always giving us recommendations and always ensured we were safe and comfortable. At the end of the two weeks we all became a family and can’t wait to reunite one day! I’m forever grateful for Toucan Abroad.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I went out of my comfort zone and went parasailing on our long weekend trip! I am terrified of heights but my friends in the program were so encouraging and helped me get over my fear! It was definitely one of the top experiences of my life!!
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Joseph
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

GREATEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE

Toucan Abroad was my first experience studying overseas. In the beginning before I even got there I was completely nervous about all of it, about being afraid I’d do too little because I was either afraid or just shy. But once I got there everything changed just meeting Philip alone, I knew that this trip was going to amazing and it was. Never have I thought I would have such amazing experiences and meet such amazing people. I came to learn about physical therapy in a different setting with a different culture and That’s exactly what I did. The therapists welcome you with open arms and take their time teaching you all the amazing ways to be able to help people. Shoutout to Philip, luisda, and of course Fernando for making this happen. Best experience of my life. Out of 5 star rating I’m giving it 1000% because that’s how sure I am of seeing bioluminescent

What would you improve about this program?
The only thing I would want is for I to have been longer
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Madison
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience ever!

Shadowing out of the country with Toucan Abroad was one of the best and most rewarding experiences! I learned so much being able to work with the Physical Therapists there by getting to practice new techniques that I've never seen before. And the new relationships I made while I was in Costa Rica are unforgettable and I definitely suggest applying for this opportunity! The two weeks I spent there were filled with excursions and fun things to do, so you get the most out of every minute that you're there since there is always another student to do things with!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I loved seeing the wild monkeys & being able to parasail over the beaches in Costa Rica!
5 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Diana
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience of my life so far!

Toucan Abroad was my first out of the country experience. I can without a doubt say that this was an unforgettable experience. From getting to immerse yourself in the culture, to learning so many different techniques in physical therapy that are not practiced in the United States. Not only do you learn a lot, but you also build amazing relationships with your group members, directors, and physical therapists. If I could rate this from a 1-10 I would rate it 100! If you do get the chance to be a part of this do not doubt it! It is something I will forever cherish in my heart!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't go expecting anything! Always be open to adventures and go out of your comfort zone all the time! And remember your anatomy!
8 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers