Program Reviews

I was very hesitant to do Toucan Abroad, but let me be the one to tell you that this experience is an absolute must. Aside from the obvious benefits of doing this program (PT hours, a unique experience, and resume building), there are so many other benefits. I met the most amazing girls on my trip, had the best weekend trips ever, and felt connected to Costa Rica in a way I cannot even begin to describe. If you are even slightly considering this trip, DO IT! The physical therapists in Costa Rica showed me another side and way of PT that I had not yet experienced. They want you to have the best experience ever, and it truly is a program where what you put in is what you get out. Pura Vida!

This experience was so fun, rewarding, and unique! I gained 65 shadowing hours throughout my three weeks while also making amazing friends, surfing in the Pacific Ocean, ATVing in a rainforest, hiking an active volcano, kayaking in the Caribbean, and so much more! I will definitely talk about this trip for the rest of my life. Fernie and Miguel were great "guides" and taught us all how to live the pura vida life style. They planned almost everything for us, while giving us wiggle room to plan our own activities. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TRIP!

Being a part of Toucan Abroad was the best decision I ever made. I didn’t just grow professionally in the physical therapy clinics. I also improved my Spanish, gained a deeper understanding of other cultures, and learned so much about everyday life in Spain.

I got so close to everyone on the trip, and I truly believe those friendships are for life. The staff at Toucan Abroad were incredibly supportive and easy to reach, they answered every question and helped whenever we needed it, but also let us have independence so we could really experience exchange life.

I absolutely loved my time in Spain with Toucan Abroad and my whole group. If I ever had the chance to do it again, I definitely would.

Participating in this program was the best decision I’ve ever made. Being able to see how physical therapy is done in another country solidified my decision to peruse this career. All the staff at the clinics were eager to teach and share their knowledge in the field while wanted to learn from us. Outside of clinic there was plenty of time to explore the beauty of Sevilla and fully immerse yourself in the culture. I strongly recommend doing this program as it’s a once in a lifetime experience that you can’t pass up!

This program was amazing. Physical therapy has lots of differences overseas and it was an excellent experience to see how physical therapists in another country run their practice and it really offers a unique way to get your shadowing hours before PT school. It also will bring unique styles of therapy to the United States after people who have an experience like this graduate PT school and begin their practice. Additionally, the opportunity to see 3 different cities in Spain and learn so much about Spanish culture and history within just 2 weeks is amazing considering you also complete 40 hours of shadowing. The balance of all the experiences is amazing.

10/10 experience! Met so many great people and licensed PTs. The PTs are extremely knowledgeable and were willing to share their knowledge with me and walk me through different treatments and situations. The leaders, Miguel and Fernando, were both extremely helpful and personable. The excursions they took us in were one of a kind and showed us the beauty of Costa Rica. The PTs are very friendly and want you to succeed in physical therapy. They are also willing to do activities with you outside of the clinics if you ask them to. Absolutely would do this again in a heartbeat!

I went to Cartago, CR for the past two weeks and had the best time of my entire life. I applied on a whim back in September and got accepted, little did I know what this trip would bring me. We stayed in a hotel with all of the other students, 2 to a room. Every single day of the trip there is a group activity, whether it is dinner or hiking a volcano. Throughout the day you are scheduled at a clinic with another student and get to witness the pt’s of Cartago do their work. I got plenty of hands on experience with patients and even got to experience the treatments on myself. Over the weekend my group went to Puerto Viejo where we did a bunch of fun activities and we went to the beach. I never expected to connect so closely to the other people on the trip! This trip has truly changed me and my outlook on life. If I could I would redo the trip immediately. You truly get out what you put in!

My experience in Seville for the PT program was something that was so different yet so fun and interesting to me! I loved every bit of it. I enjoyed observing how physical therapists worked closely with patients in a different healthcare setting. Being in Seville made the experience even more engaging, since I was away from home. The energy of the city, the people, and the daily routines added a unique perspective that made learning feel exciting and memorable. I would recommend this program and trip to anyone and everyone who is interested in pursuing a PT career!

Toucan Abroad in Sevilla was one of the best experiences I have ever had. It was a great way to learn more about physical therapy and emerge yourself in a new culture. The PTs were all great, very welcoming, and eager to teach us. Sevilla is also a great city for new travelers. This was my first trip out of the country and the city was easy to navigate, safe, and pretty welcoming to tourists. I had so much fun exploring the city and bonding with the group. I would definitely go again and recommend it to other aspiring PT students.

This trip is worth it solely because of the friends you make! It is exactly what people tell you- a once in a lifetime experience. Is it 3 weeks full of new challenges, achievements, and memories! You learn useful techniques that will apply to your future in PT such as dry needling, sport massage, manual therapy & so much more. The hardest part about the trip is managing your finances over the course of your trip. It’s important to remember money returns and this opportunity won’t come by again. My advice is to try everything your heart desires- pura vida 🫶