Program Reviews

The two weeks that I spent in Costa Rica with Toucan Abroad were absolutely life changing. Not only did I learn a plethora of knowledge from licensed physical therapists from several of the surrounding clinics, but I also was able to grow immensely as a person. Experiencing the vibrancy and unknown of a new culture allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, see life from a different perspective, and grow more compassionate towards others. I am incredibly grateful for the lifelong friendships I was able to make with other students in the program and all of the breathtaking adventures we had the opportunity to experience together. Hiking Volcán Turrialba was one of my favorite excursions that I had the opportunity to go on! This program does a wonderful job at making everyone feel like family. I look forward to carrying all of the knowledge and experiences with me as I pursue a career in physical therapy!

While in Costa Rica we learned how to do dry needling, electro therapy, ultrasound, different massage and kinesiotape techniques, shock wave therapy, passive gymnastics, cupping, and so much more. I have met so many amazing people from all over the country and have learned so many lessons from them. Costa Rica taught me to have patience in myself and the world around me. They live such a simple life there and just take one day at a time which I think we all can learn from. This trip has made me even more passionate about physical therapy because I can see how much it can help a person. I can be the one to help their legs move to take them places around the world that I am lucky enough to experience. The world is so beautiful not to be experienced.

I loved my experience in Costa Rica with toucan abroad. I had the best time of my life and also learned a lot. It was a great mix of fun and learning. I definitely recommend it. I spent 2 weeks in Costa Rica and I got to observe 2 different physical therapist. I got to do a lot of hands on stuff like cupping, dry needling, and a ton of different type of therapies. I also enjoyed the weekend trip to the beach. It was super nice and an overall great time. I never once was bored throughout the whole trip because we were always doing something.

I highly recommend toucan abroad for anyone wanting to get observational hours for physical therapy! I learned so many useful techniques that I can now apply to my life back at home. I got to do a lot of hands on learning that one might not get the opportunity to back in the states due to all the regulations and guidelines. While studying was my main focus, I also had one of the most fun 2 weeks of my life! So many excursions and adventures made the 2 weeks fly by. The relationships you build with the physical therapists and other participants is also a huge perk to this trip. If you are questioning taking a trip with toucan I highly suggest you do it!

Being able to further my passion for physical therapy and immerse myself in a different culture was a great experience! I recommend to anyone who wants to pursue health care. I loved the clinics that we shadowed, the people I got to meet, and the activities that we did outside of the clinic. I do wish there was a bit more structure when it came to group activities, but it all worked out in the end! It made me even more excited to apply for this year’s cycle and look more into PT schools that offer clinicals in other countries.

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.