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Toucan Abroad

About

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 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.

Reviews

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Maggie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad

This program was an experience I will never forget. I made amazing friends, ate amazing food, learned so much about Physical Therapy, and got to do fun activities. It not only pushed me more to re learn Spanish but pushed myself to keep focusing on me and my schooling. I never thought I would experience something like this and I’m so glad I did. I will truly never forget the two weeks I spent in Costa Rica. The physical therapists were so helpful and so were our instructors! I’m going to miss it all!

Pros
  • Learned about Physical Therapy techniques
  • Made amazing friends
  • Gained knowledge about the culture
Cons
  • A little pricey
  • Wish more things would have been included
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Maria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad — Physical Therapy Shadowing

The two weeks that I spent in Costa Rica with Toucan Abroad were absolutely life changing. Not only did I learn a plethora of knowledge from licensed physical therapists from several of the surrounding clinics, but I also was able to grow immensely as a person. Experiencing the vibrancy and unknown of a new culture allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, see life from a different perspective, and grow more compassionate towards others. I am incredibly grateful for the lifelong friendships I was able to make with other students in the program and all of the breathtaking adventures we had the opportunity to experience together. Hiking Volcán Turrialba was one of my favorite excursions that I had the opportunity to go on! This program does a wonderful job at making everyone feel like family. I look forward to carrying all of the knowledge and experiences with me as I pursue a career in physical therapy!

Pros
  • Safe area
  • Affordable meals/transportation
  • Supportive/Friendly environment
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Jadyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad

While in Costa Rica we learned how to do dry needling, electro therapy, ultrasound, different massage and kinesiotape techniques, shock wave therapy, passive gymnastics, cupping, and so much more. I have met so many amazing people from all over the country and have learned so many lessons from them. Costa Rica taught me to have patience in myself and the world around me. They live such a simple life there and just take one day at a time which I think we all can learn from. This trip has made me even more passionate about physical therapy because I can see how much it can help a person. I can be the one to help their legs move to take them places around the world that I am lucky enough to experience. The world is so beautiful not to be experienced.

Pros
  • Get to try techniques that we wouldn’t be able to do in the United States
  • Very unique opportunity to add to your resume
  • Gained personal independence
Cons
  • Price
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Alec
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A great experience

I loved my experience in Costa Rica with toucan abroad. I had the best time of my life and also learned a lot. It was a great mix of fun and learning. I definitely recommend it. I spent 2 weeks in Costa Rica and I got to observe 2 different physical therapist. I got to do a lot of hands on stuff like cupping, dry needling, and a ton of different type of therapies. I also enjoyed the weekend trip to the beach. It was super nice and an overall great time. I never once was bored throughout the whole trip because we were always doing something.

Pros
  • Great hands on learning in the clinics
  • Lots of time for fun activities
  • Lots of hours for pt school
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Reece
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad Winter 2022/23

I highly recommend toucan abroad for anyone wanting to get observational hours for physical therapy! I learned so many useful techniques that I can now apply to my life back at home. I got to do a lot of hands on learning that one might not get the opportunity to back in the states due to all the regulations and guidelines. While studying was my main focus, I also had one of the most fun 2 weeks of my life! So many excursions and adventures made the 2 weeks fly by. The relationships you build with the physical therapists and other participants is also a huge perk to this trip. If you are questioning taking a trip with toucan I highly suggest you do it!

Pros
  • Hands on Experience
  • Adventure
  • Connections

Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Ashleigh Lenick

Job Title
Social Media Manager
Ashleigh is the Social Media Manager for Toucan Abroad. Not only does she work for the company, but she also participated in the program in the Summer of 2019.
Ashleigh Lenick

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my favorite travel memories was during a spontaneous trip to a waterfall in Costa Rica.

I remember driving through the Costa Rican jungle thinking “Wow I’m really out here in Costa Rica living my best life with such amazing people.” My pure joy overcame me at that moment. When have I ever before just decided to go to a random waterfall that turned out to be so beautiful?

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Since working for Toucan Abroad, I’ve grown a stronger interest in the field of physical therapy. Toucan Abroad has made me have a better appreciation for physical therapy techniques and the ability to share my love for becoming a PT will fellow students who have the same passion.

I love being able to share my love online and connect with so many people.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

My favorite story from a returning student would have to be from all the amazing friendships made during the sessions. So many people who meet in Costa Rica continue their friendships after the program whether it be in the same hospital shadowing other PTs or visiting each other all over the country. I personally have had the honor to meet so many people through this program from all over North America.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I may be biased but the summer programs that are 3 weeks long were some of the best days I’ve ever had. Three weeks in a foreign country sounds intimidating, but those 3 weeks flew by so quickly. The weather in Costa Rica is amazing during the months of May-August.

The larger programs are so much fun because everyone gets involved as a group to have a blast at shadowing or during the travel weekend trips.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I love that this program is specifically designed for gaining hours toward your PTCAS application. That is something that no other program I’ve found to offer for students wanting to pursue a DPT degree. But also allows travel time for the participants. The program gives everyone just enough guidance and freedom to learn, explore and have fun!

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I think the biggest factor in the success of the company would have to be how every person who goes on the trip has the time of their lives, then tell their friends who apply for the next trip. Many of our participants applied because of recommendations from previous students. That speaks volumes for the integrity and excitement our company offers.