Program Reviews

Toucan Abroad was such an amazing experience! When I first saw the ad on facebook I thought it was too good to be true, but it was even better than I expected. I went on the trip to Cartago, Costa Rica and I learned so much about physical therapy and the country itself. The directors make sure to plan out your 3 weeks with lots of fun activities and weekend trips. They take care of so much for you and are the best people!! Phil and Fern make sure everyone is having a good time whether that’s getting dinner and drinks or playing board games on a rainy day. If you’re thinking about applying and are the fence, trust me you aren’t alone, everyone in my group pretty much felt the same way but we all came out of this experience with new friendships and memories that we’ll never forget. Take the risk and go on a Toucan Abroad trip I promise you won’t regret it!

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.

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

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!!❣️

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.

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.

This trip lingered in my thoughts for years prior to me signing up and joining. As I began my gap year between undergraduate and graduate school, I saw the perfect opportunity to join Toucan Abroad and open my mind. With all the nerves that come with traveling alone to a foreign country, obviously there was a little bit of hesitation when signing up. My piece of advice would be to take the jump! I met some of the greatest people on this trip and experienced life in ways I will never be able to vocalize. There is a fantastic balance between learning hands on techniques in the clinics and immersing yourself in foreign culture like never before. I am forever grateful for the people I was lucky enough to meet on this trip, and will never forget my first experiences with manual techniques while abroad! Not only did I grow as a physical therapy student while on this adventure, I grew so much as a person. I could not recommend this trip enough. Take the jump!

I loved this program so much. I never expected for it to impact my life the way it has and I am forced grateful. Phil is an amazing director, person and friend. He created a very special and unique program that I would recommend to any Pre-PT student.

I feel like I learned so much about physical therapy, but also so much about myself. The clinical experience was the perfect way to confirm that this is my future career! I made amazing friendships and I would go again in a heartbeat. Part of my heart is in Costa Rica forever.

Toucan Abroad was truly a life changing experience! I had such an amazing 3 weeks. I gained insight about aspects of physical therapy, the culture of Costa Rica, and specifics of the career I want to pursue. Everything about it was perfect! I recommend it to anyone interested in physical therapy! I’ll never forget all of the friends I made along the way. It was great being in an environment where others had similar interests. The physical therapists and directors were very understanding and ensured that we had an amazing experience. Pura Vida!

I went into this experience not knowing what to expect. I ended up having some of the best 3 weeks I've ever had and learned so much I can take with me through my career. Between ziplining, party boats, and waterfalls on the weekends and weekdays full of PT shadowing, this trip was filled with educational and adventurous opportunities and had a great balance. Heading into the trip not knowing anyone was intimidating but it got me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to prove to myself what I am capable of. I am so glad I had the opportunity to join Toucan Abroad; it will impact me for many years.