Toucan Abroad

Program Reviews

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Kristen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad in Sevilla, Spain

This experience in Sevilla, Spain was one of the most rewarding experiences as a pre-PT student that I have ever done. It was definitely a step out of my comfort zone to travel with completely new people who I’ve never met before and being in a country that I’ve never been in with a language that I can’t speak, but I think getting such an amazing experience out of it despite coming into the trip with all of these unfamiliarities was the best part of Toucan Abroad. I learned so much from the PT clinics in Spain, and not only learned a lot about their work style and culture, but also their social culture and lifestyles of people that live there. The people I traveled with were so fun and kind, and everyone was in the same boat of being out of their comfort zone so it was a great time!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Definitely the most nerve-racking moment was having to communicate with the people there since I didn’t know any Spanish, but I tried my best to communicate with Google Translate, body language, and context clues and people were very reciprocative!
Pros
  • Meeting new people with similar career aspirations
  • New experiences in a foreign country
  • Insight into how the same career works in other countries
Cons
  • Homesickness is a possibility
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Caleb
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica Summer Session

The trip is not only filled with rich shadowing experience, but also includes fun activities that foster cultural immersion as well as connections with your peers and life long friends. Don't be afraid to spend money because it truly adds to the experience the more you partake in. When shadowing try to speak to the other Physical Therapists in Spanish because it adds to the experience and helps you gain more from the trip. Make sure to always Work hard and Play hard. Not only will this trip help you satisfy some PT hours and boost your resume, it also will give you a more positive outlook on life and show you what all life has to offer beyond the US.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make the most of the experience and be involved. Break out of your shell and do things you normally wouldn't.
Pros
  • Shadowing hours
  • Cultural immersion
  • Life long friends
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Gabriel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad - Seville Experience

My experience in Seville through Toucan Abroad was truly something unforgettable. Not only was everyone very inclusive and kind from the moment we all met, but the personal and professional memories made alongside each and every one of them made it even more special. For anyone wanting to explore the physical therapy profession while also being immersed into a new culture abroad, I highly recommend embarking on this journey with Toucan Abroad. It truly makes a difference being with like-minded individuals who are pursuing the same career. Without question, this program solidified my focus and confirmed my decision to pursue physical therapy as a career.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Whatever may be inducing any second thoughts about joining the program, ignore it and just join! It is one of the best investments you will ever make as a pre-pt student who is still gaining experience and exploring the profession! Doing this abroad is definitely a plus when it comes to being included and getting involved with hands-on experiences.
Pros
  • The excellent, super chill directors.
  • The group members you learn and adventure with.
  • The opportunity to immerse yourself in an unfamiliar environment for personal and professional growth.
Cons
  • No
  • Cons
  • Whatsoever
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Josephine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Unforgettable Toucan Abroad Experience

Participating in the Toucan Abroad program was truly the best experience ever. Not only did I gain an incredible amount of knowledge and insight into the field of physical therapy, but I also made unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships. From hands on learning opportunities to immersive cultural experiences, every moment was filled with growth and excitement. I had the chance to observe and engage with professionals in real clinical settings, which deepened my understanding of physical therapy far beyond what I could learn in a classroom. But what truly made this journey special were the people I met along the way. The friendships I formed during this trip are ones I’ll cherish forever we laughed, learned, explored, and supported each other through every new adventure. If you’re considering Toucan Abroad, do it. It’s more than just a program t’s an experience that will shape your personal and professional life in the best way possible.

What was your funniest moment?
A few of us decided to go on a joke and went off the trail! Unfortunately, this was very dangerous but we all made it through and made the best memories, the funniest jokes were founded and i would not have changed it for the world!
Pros
  • the Spanish culture
  • Seeing physical therapy from a different perspective
  • The people
Cons
  • a very big group: feel pressure to do everything together
  • not as much independent explore time as i had hoped
  • spent a LOT of money
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sophia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spain 2025 Summer (Sesson 1)

This experience was by far the most career-solidifying physical-therapy experience I have ever had. Being able to be culturally-immersed in a Spanish-speaking country for 3 weeks while constantly learning new things about physical therapy (manual manipulation, technology, techniques) was the coolest experience of my life. Amazing staff/director; put together an extremely fun, yet organized program. If I could do it again I would every time, given the opportunity. Thank you Toucan Abroad & Staff ! #T4L

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do everything. You can only get out of this trip what you put in, so make sure to try and see everything, taste everything, ask as many questions as you can, and learn as much as you can. This is an incredible opportunity! Don't leave anything on the table!!
Pros
  • Meeting New People
  • Spanish Immersion
  • Physical-Therapy Education
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Eldon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

From Curiosity to Life-Changing Adventure: My Unforgettable Toucan Abroad Experience

I never imagined that a simple Instagram ad would lead to one of the most life-changing experiences of my life. Out of curiosity, I applied to Toucan Abroad, not knowing that this one decision—at the perfect time—would set me on a path to meeting some of the greatest and most amazing people in this world.

This internship was more than just an opportunity to shadow incredible physical therapists and learn fascinating techniques across different clinics—it was an adventure, an experience that shaped me in ways I never expected. I never thought I’d make lifelong friends while halfway across the world, but that’s exactly what happened. The memories we made together, the laughter, the late-night talks, the shared awe of experiencing a new culture—it’s something I’ll cherish forever.

Meeting and getting to know Phil was an absolute privilege. He had this way of always keeping the mood light, making us laugh, and somehow always knowing exactly what to say. Whether he realized it or not, his words inspired me and pushed me to be the best version of myself. I’ll always look up to him for that.

Writing this review took me a while because putting these thoughts into words makes it feel like this experience, those moments, and all of our adventures together are now officially just memories. And while I constantly look back at photos and videos, trying to relive every second, I am beyond grateful that I took this leap. Toucan Abroad changed my life, and if you’re ready to take that same leap of curiosity, I know it will change yours too.

What was your funniest moment?
All the stories Phil told us about his past adventures! If you wanna know them you'll have to go on this trip to find out!!
Pros
  • The people
  • The city
  • The planned events/trips
Cons
  • Jet-lag
  • leaving and saying goodbye to everyone
  • not going for longer
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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.