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Toucan Abroad

Why choose Toucan Abroad?

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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Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience in Costa Rica

I absolutely loved my time in Cartago this January. The directors were friendly and supportive, I became close with many of my peers on the trip, and I was able to learn so much about both physical therapy and the Costa Rican culture. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a way to get out of their comfort zone, but still be in a safe and supportive environment. The experiences I had in Costa Rica are truly unforgettable and I look forward to an opportunity to go back some day!

What would you improve about this program?
I would improve the communication of information before the trip departure to include more details and be relayed further in advance, but once I was there everything worked out wonderfully.
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Ranetta
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Pura Vida

My 2 week experience has definitely been more impactful and meaningful than the last few years of my undergraduate career has been. I’m very glad I embarked on this journey and would do it 10x over. I was nervous at first and came in with 0 expectations, and I left with so much admiration from all the peers I met and for the PTs I got to shadow. It was amazing learning the parallel between the US and Costa Rica and how I can bring their culture and world view I my campus. I loved my time there and wish I could stay longer PURA VIDA

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Seeing a sloth at dinner, seeing whales, and hiking a volcano.
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Lani
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience

Toucan Abroad was an experience of a lifetime. It really helped me grow my love for becoming a Physical therapist by allowing me to be more hands-on in the clinics. The PTs you shadow are amazing, answer any questions you have, and will try their best to include you in every patient visit. The vacation side of Toucan Abroad is fantastic, Costa Rica is a beautiful country to explore and the directors really try to plan so much so that you get the best experience and see everything. You also meet students all over the U.S. and grow relationships that will last a lifetime in just a short period.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don’t let the traveling abroad by yourself scare you, it truly is an experience of a lifetime and there was never a time that I felt uncomfortable or unsafe the whole 2 weeks I was there!
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Isabel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad January 2025

I had an amazing experience traveling to Costa Rica. I was initially nervous about traveling alone but the moment I stepped onto the bus both the directors and students on the trip made me feel right at home. My days were constantly packed with activities to do and the physical therapists we shadowed truly went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and teach us new things. Shadowing at the neurological clinic during my time there inspired me to apply to do neurological research this summer! I grew so much both personally and professionally over the two weeks and this is truly a trip I will remember forever.

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Erika Jean
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience

This program was the best thing I could have ever done! Not only am I learning and getting hands on experience in Physical Therapy settings but I also get the opportunity to immerse in a different culture. I got to create meaningful connections and memories. The directors made this experience 10 times better. The activities were amazing experiences. I literally got to do over 5 different excursions. They offer so many opportunities to explore and see different parts of Costa Rica. I think there was a good balance of work and free time.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Choose the 3 week session instead of 2 weeks!!!!
Pros
  • Learning opportunities
  • Amazing culture and food
  • Meet new friends

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.