Location
  • Mexico
    • Puerto Vallarta
Term
Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Subject Areas
Physical Therapy

Program Details

Program Type
Direct Enrollment
Housing
Dormitory

Pricing

Starting Price
$2,995 USD
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Classes Some Meals Transportation Travel Insurance Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare
Jul 06, 2021
Jul 29, 2021

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 Mexico 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, beaches, as well as other beautiful places!
  • Immerse yourself in Mexican culture, art, food, music, and more!

Program Reviews

10 Rating
based on 16 reviews
  • 9-10 rating 100%
  • 7-8 rating 0%
  • 5-6 rating 0%
  • 3-4 rating 0%
  • 1-2 rating 0%
  • Academics 9
  • Support 10
  • Fun 10
  • Housing 9.9
  • Safety 9.9
Showing 9 - 16 of 16 reviews
Default avatar
Madison
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience

Toucan Abroad is the perfect amount of education and fun. Although it was quite an investment before grad school, I would definitely recommend it. I applied and attended during my gap year. Even though I am accepted into PT school, you can never have too many shadowing hours and I knew this would be great. I worked with pediatrics for the first time on this trip. Such a great way to immerse yourself in a different language and culture, while being surrounded by like-minded individuals who quickly become friends. This was an experience of a lifetime.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Ride horses on the beach! Ask the PTs lots of questions, they like to share their wisdom.
4 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ramon
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Best decision i could have made

This was my first time i ever went abroad alone and i am so happy i decided to go. Starting off with the main reason were here all the physical therapist were great we got to learn so many new techniques and get hands on experience which was somethingwe don'tget to do in the United States, i loved it !! Then i got to meet so many cool people who i got to bond and feel like family with which is what i am going to miss the most . This overall trip was also full of excursions and cool things to do by our hotel so we never had any dull moments . I honestly feel like everyone who participated in this program had a fun time . I 10/10 would recommend.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open to trying new things and be ready to get out of your comfort zone!
3 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Venisse
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Sounds too good to be true, but it’s REAL!

I found Toucan Abroad through an Instagram ad, and applying + choosing to go is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. I was granted the opportunity to shadow so many physical therapists at three separate clinics in Puerto Vallarta. You not only observe, but learn and practice hands-on treatments that you wouldn’t be able to do until you are in PT school in the US. In the clinics, I loved witnessing the close doctor-to-patient interactions and was able to form relationships/connections with the most kind and welcoming therapists! I practiced electrotherapy, laser therapy, ultrasound, and massage on patients.
For safety, I always felt comfortable with my group or clinic partner during Uber trips/walking around Puerto Vallarta. Phil and Fernando always offer recommendations and assistance, and make sure that safety is a priority throughout the program’s duration.
With Toucan, you will form friendships, grow out of your comfort zone, cross off things from your bucket list, and learn about other cultures - all while gaining observation hours! I would do it all again in a heartbeat!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
As an introvert, I would change my attitude and embrace every opportunity in those 3 weeks. It is a once in a lifetime experience!
3 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Brianna
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad was a life changing experience

I am incredibly grateful I decided to go on this trip. I was able to immerse myself not only into another culture, but also physical therapy in another culture! The therapists taught me so much about what they do and they were so excited to have us. I was also able to be hands on with the patients, which is something you can’t do in the US! Puerto Vallarta was a beautiful city to explore in Mexico and I got to try so many new things I had not done before. Not to mention forming a whole new group of friends who feel like family now. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything! It has impacted me in so many ways and it makes me so excited to start my own physical therapy journey! If you get the chance to go with toucan abroad, do it! You won’t regret it. You’ll grow in ways you never thought you could.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I was pretty nervous about traveling internationally by myself to a group of people I had never even met. However, this experience grew me in ways I never dreamed I would! These people feel like family now and I was able to conquer some fears.
2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kimberly
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

An experience of a lifetime

I wouldn’t trade my experience with Toucan Abroad for anything. They provide the opportunity to shadow hands on with a vast variety of clinics ranging from pediatrics, orthopedics, neurological, sports rehab, and geriatrics. When you’re not shadowing you get the chance to explore the beautiful country. From activities from horseback riding, zip lining, surfing to relaxing on a beautiful ranging of beaches there is truly something for everyone. As cheesy as it sounds, I truly made some lifelong friends! Phil and Fernando have created such a phenomenal program that helps people grow both personally and professionally. If you’re on the fence, this is your sign!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
It was incredible to be surrounded by so many likeminded individuals. When you group a bunch of pre-PT students together, it just felt as though everyone meshed together perfectly. Once a Toucan, always a Toucan
2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Katy
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad

Joining this program was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! In three short weeks I learned so much about physical therapy, experienced life in a whole new way, and formed many new friendships. Shadowing PT in Puerto Vallarta is very hands-on and immersive. The therapists were so kind, caring, and eager to share their knowledge with us. The program directors worked hard to ensure that we all had a great time and were able to experience as many new things as possible. Some of the greatest people you’ll ever meet are pre-pt and together we made this an experience of a lifetime! Once a Toucan, always a Toucan!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I tried so many new foods! Just a few examples: Thai food, empanadas, mussels and even octopus!
2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Olivia
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad- Puerto Vallarta

I enjoyed the balance between educational experiences and the time to explore a new country. The program directors do an exceptional job finding ways to give us an unforgettable experience by planning excursions and group dinners. In addition, the physical therapy clinics I had the opportunity to shadow at were absolutely amazing and made me fall in love with the career even more. The experience as a whole exceeded my expectations and I will be forever grateful for Toucan Abroad and the friends I made through the trip.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Going to shadowing the first day because I am not the best at speaking Spanish but the therapists were so understanding and the language barrier got easier.
1 person found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ellie
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

A once in a lifetime trip

Going on this trip with Toucan Abroad has changed my life for the better. It gave me the opportunity to learn about physical therapy hands on with likeminded people who have the same career path. Additionally, the adventures we took such as zip lining, boating, surfing, and 4 wheeling are memories that will never be forgotten. The staff running this program are amazing and encourage so much learning and exploring. If I could go on this trip every year I would, and if you are debating going on a Toucan Abroad trip, I would highly recommend it!

What was your funniest moment?
One of the funniest moments I had while in Mexico had to be when we were all zip lining and someone’s flip flop fell off and a worker had to hike into the jungle to find it.
2 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers