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Toucan Abroad

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54 reviews
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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.

Website
www.toucanabroad.com

Community Photos

Bowling night in San Jose!
Learning physical therapy techniques!
Catamaran cruise!
Certificates received at the end of the interactive seminar!
Learning physical therapy techniques
A picture of the toucan abroad family on a catamaran!
Parasailing in Manuel Antonio
Bowling in San Jose
Got to do what we love and help patients
Went to a volcano
The clinics had us over for dinner
Toucan Abroad
Helping at the children’s clinic!
Visiting volcán Irazu!
Hands on practice!

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Community Awards

  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award

Reviews

Default avatar
Ashleigh
23
Female
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Physical Therapy Shadowing in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta PT Shadowing

Sep 6, 2022

This was the most incredible experience. It had the perfect work/fun balance. I learned so much about PT & I experienced so much culture. It was a beautiful trip. If I had it my way, I would live like that. My only advice is to save up as much as you can to take with you. There will be so much shopping & food that you will want to partake in! It was incredibly safe, the hotel was clean & the Blaze staff is so helpful & sweet. Go into it with an open mind & be brave. Speak the language even if you can’t, be nice, be humble & patient. Dive head first & enjoy it. 3 weeks was not enough. I could go on forever.

Pros
  • Food
  • People
  • Ambiguity
Cons
  • Expensive
Hiking up the stairs to the scenic overlook
Default avatar
serena
25
Female
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Physical Therapy Shadowing in Puerto Vallarta

Once in a lifetime

Aug 8, 2022

There’s so many things that could be said about this program. It is honestly life changing.
It was such an experience being able to learn Physical Therapy Techniques in a different country. I was able to bring back new information to share with therapists in the states.
I also met some of the most genuine and amazing people that I wouldn’t have crossed paths if it wasn’t for this program. 💛
I am forever thankful for Phil & Fernando for being superb leaders and organizing such a great experience.
11/10 reccomend

Pros
  • People
  • Food
  • Safe Environment
Cons
  • Linen was reused the entire trip
From strangers to fam(ily)
Default avatar
Paola
26
Female
United States
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Physical Therapy Shadowing in Puerto Vallarta

Toucan Abroad

Jul 29, 2022

Ohh my gosh!! I don’t even know where to begin!! The clinic settings were all very different and the PT’s were wonderful, they explained everything they were doing with their patients and even let us be really hands on! Felipe and Fernie were absolutely amazing and had the best adventures for us when we were not in the clinics! The group I was with got along insanely quick! As well as the hotel staff that did an exceptional job at taking care of us all🫶 It was one of the best times of my life!! P.S first time traveling internationally by myself!! Will definitely do that a lot more!!❣️

Pros
  • Amazing culture
  • Stunning views
  • Wonderful adventure
Ziplining
Amazing views
Group shenanigans
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Nyah
21
Female
United States
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Physical Therapy Shadowing in Puerto Vallarta

Experience of a Lifetime with Toucan Abroad

Jul 26, 2022

I was super hesitant to go on this trip. I had never flown by myself let alone go out of the country. However, I decided to take a chance and I am so glad I did. Not only did I learn a lot from the therapist I shadowed but I created friendships that will last forever. I got to explore Puerto Vallarta in such a unique way and the locals were so sweet and amazing which makes the experience even better. If you’re having doubts, this is your sign to go. This was uncharted territory for me but now I have found people I can turn to no matter what, reach out to physical therapist in other countries, and have the urge to travel more overseas now that I have done this trip.

Pros
  • Food
  • Friendship
  • Observation hours
Cons
  • Money for Ubers
Default avatar
John
26
Male
United States
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Physical Therapy Shadowing in Puerto Vallarta

Completely Exceeded my expectations, incredible experience from an incredible company!

Jul 26, 2022

Incredibly organized and well thought-out, Phil and Fernando do an excellent job of making everyone feel welcome and safe while also connecting us to excellent healthcare providers to learn Physical Therapy in a unique, fun, and challenging setting. During my time with Toucan Abroad I have learned how to provide healthcare in multiple settings including sports, pediatrics, geriatrics, and neurology while learning the Spanish language through communicating with patients and the professionals I worked under.

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Programs

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Staff Interviews

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

Ashleigh Lenick

Program
Physical Therapy Shadowing in Costa Rica
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.