Toucan Abroad - Physical Therapy Programs

Toucan Abroad - Physical Therapy Programs Reviews

Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad - Greece

I found that this program was different than I expected and I loved every minute of it. I learned so many new techniques, modalities and concepts that differ from what I have learned in the States. I also enjoyed how the trip wasn't focused just on the clinics but majority of it was getting to see new places, try new things and connect with new people. This experience was amazing and I would highly recommend it anyone that asks me about it. The support from the directors was unmatched. They were always looking out for us, whether it was assisting us with directions or finding a fun thing to do as a group. They had a common goal for us to get the most out of the program and they succeeded.

What was your funniest moment?
I think the funniest moment that we talked about a few times on the trip was when we were all hanging out at a bar outside. We were chatting and just enjoying each other's company and a pigeon on a ledge above use pooped on one of the girl's head. So we ended up leaving and walking back to the hotel giggling in shock that that had just happened. On the way back another girl slipped off the curb and we were all giggling and laughing convinced that we had somehow gotten cursed.
Pros
  • Connections with professionals and others interested in the field
  • Get to live in and experience other cultures
  • Having freedom to do what we wanted and not having every second scheduled
What other participants should know
  • Be ready to spend a decent amount
  • Navigation can get tricky
Aubree
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Most amazing experience!

My three weeks in Greece with Toucan Abroad were truly the experience of a lifetime. I had the opportunity to observe physical therapists in a clinical setting, which gave me valuable hands-on insight and strengthened my passion for pursuing PT.
Beyond the internship, we explored so many incredible places throughout Greece and experienced the country’s amazing culture, history, and scenery. One of the best parts of the trip was the friendships I made with people from all over we created memories I’ll never forget.
The program directors were absolutely amazing and made the entire experience fun, organized, and stress-free. I couldn’t recommend Toucan Abroad more to anyone looking for an unforgettable study abroad experience filled with professional growth, adventure, and lifelong friendships.

Savannah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica with Toucan Abroad

Shadowing with Toucan Abroad in Costa Rica was an incredible and unforgettable experience that truly strengthened my passion for physical therapy. I had the opportunity to learn from skilled clinicians, experience healthcare in a different cultural setting, and grow both personally and professionally. The Toucan team was supportive, welcoming, and were our anchor during any time of stress or anxiety. I left with valuable knowledge, unforgettable memories, and lifelong friendships. I highly recommend this program to any student looking for a meaningful international clinical experience.

Lizbeth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of the best experiences ever!

If you have an hesitations about signing up here’s your sign to do it! Joining this program is one of the best things you can do not only because you get to experience a different part of the world but because you get to do it while shadowing amazing PTs, get hands on experience, and meeting amazing people that end up becoming family! I was definitely hesitant at first and skeptical of what this program could bring me but this was by far the highlight of my summer. You get to learn so much sooo just do it!!!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Come in with an open mind! Say “yes” to everything! Who would’ve know I was going to go bungee jumping, cliff jumping, learn hands on PT techniques if I didn’t say yes. You won’t regret it!!!
Hailey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience of a liftime

From being able to shadow physical therapists to doing group excursions every week I had an amazing time. Every clinic I went to was super kind and willing to teach us students. Group excursions were a great way to hang out with everyone in the group while exploring athens. The location of our stay allowed us to explore the city while still feeling safe. I learned so much on this trip and would highly recommend to others. I have made forever friends and memories on this trip. My favorite memory is when we decided to go bungee jumping after a weekend trip. Doing clinicals helped me know physical therapy is the future career I want to pursue.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I had a few nerve racking moments one was when we went bungee jumping. It was scary but having all of my friends supporting me it turned out to be an amazing experience and I would do it again. I was also nervous when I first started clinicals but having a parter with me every week helped break the ice with the physical therapists and help me learn even more.
Pros
  • Learned through hands on experience
  • Tried new things
  • Met new people and became friends
What other participants should know
  • The time zone difference can become difficult
  • Do not forget to save up money
Molly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Experience Ever!!!

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!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you choose to participate in this program, my most important piece of advice would be to say "yes" to everything. Three weeks go by too quickly, and you have to take full advantage of your time!
Maddie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Three Weeks Ever!!!

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!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I loved this trip so much I got a "pura vida" tattoo!
Anya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable Experiences

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.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
My most nerve wracking moment was in the clinics on the second week, our PTs did not speak a lot of English, and I did not speak a lot of Spanish. When we walked into the clinic we introduced our selves to the mom of the patient instead of the PT which was embarrassing. We later met the PT and introduced our selves to her, however we were very nervous to speak with them since we had made the mistake of assuming the mom of the patient was the PT. We overcame this though by using our phones to translate, asking questions about the patients and what techniques they were using.
Pros
  • Getting to live abroad.
  • Meeting so many amazing people
  • Taking in the culture of Spain
What other participants should know
  • Transport around for group trips to and from the train station from residence
  • More group activities would have been nice
  • More detail about the plans before the trip began
Erika
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad - Sevilla

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!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions in clinic. The therapists want to teach and give you the hands on experience with the different techniques. Your experience is truly up to you and how you interact with everyone!
Pros
  • Observing PT
  • Exploring a new country and learning its history
  • Making lifelong friends
What other participants should know
  • Paying for most transportation yourself
Henry
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience

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.