Program Reviews

I can’t even begin to explain how much going on Toucan Abroad changed my life. I was unsure at first going abroad to a new country without knowing anyone but I can say now I’m so glad that I did. While in Costa Rica I got to learn about what physical therapists really do day to day and all about the culture. The physical therapists there see a wide variety of patients with different conditions. I was able to shadow and help with all sorts of patients which helped me learn about the patients I may want to work with when I become a PT. Being in a different country I also got to try new amazing foods, swim in beautiful clear waters, and learn about the different lifestyles in Costa Rica! In addition to that I met so many wonderful people on this trip that I wouldn’t have met anywhere else. Each of the Directors of Toucan Abroad were also so great and helpful! I’m so thankful this opportunity was given to me! It truly was a once in a lifetime experience!

This experience was completely life changing. It solidified that physical therapy is exactly what I’m supposed to do with my life but also taught me so much about myself. Being able to step outside of my comfort zone and the bubble of my community was eye opening. I felt like this program helped me to grow in ways I never expected and I would recommend it 100 times over! I am so proud of myself for taking a leap of faith and I know this experience has changed my life for the better. I can’t wait to see just how much!

Toucan Abroad provided me an incredible opportunity to interact internationally with Patients and learn from the Physical Therapists. Seeing a great mix of Manuel Therapy techniques, exercise prescriptions, and all of the technology gave me a new perspective on treating patients. I made lifelong friendships with the other students, Physical Therapists, and the Toucan Abroad team. Toucan Abroad is an incredible opportunity for Pre-PT students to stand out on their future PT School applications. I would do it all over again.

This experience was absolutely AMAZING! We had plenty of opportunities to explore and go on adventures outside of our shadowing hours. We also were able to pick our own excursions which was nice. Shadowing there was very hands on compared to the US, and it was such a great experience. I learned so much! Everyone on the trip was super welcoming, and I would feel comfortable going again without knowing anyone beforehand! I went with one friend, but we grew really close to the other students on the trip very quickly. If you’re debating on going - sign up! You won’t regret it :)

Toucan Abroad is the perfect experience to explore the field of physical therapy while also fully immersing yourself into the culture of a new country! The program had the perfect balance of gaining experience in clinics while also having fun and exploring Costa Rica! It allowed me to make relationships with other pre-PT students across the country that I will cherish for a long time! The experience of seeing physical therapists in other countries is so unique on a resume and helped prepared me for my future in physical therapy!

This program was an all-around amazing experience! I connected with many peers on the same career path who share a love of adventure and physical therapy. In the clinics, I got to learn from PTs who were genuinely eager to share their knowledge with us. It was incredible to see the techniques different PTs use when approaching different injuries and populations and compare their methods to those used by PTs here in the US. The weekends were packed with adventure with boating, biking, beach-hopping and bonding with the group!

Traveling with Toucan Abroad was an absolute dream. I went in with a group of 15 strangers, and left with 15 new great friends. It was a great balance of work and fun, and Phil does a great job making sure you have the trip of a lifetime. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who is looking for a trip where there is some structure, but you also have the flexibility to do your own exploring. I truly left feeling like a local. There was not a single time where I felt in danger in any way, Cartago is a great and safe city. If you are an aspiring PT,l and want to get a hands-on experience while having a fantastic vacation, this trip is definitely for you.

First off, Toucan Abroad is extremely safe. Going to a foreign country alone is very scary. But from the moment I landed, I felt like I was in good hands. Phil and Fernando made excellent hosts in this beautiful country. When you leave you'll have twenty more best friends and leave with a completely different mindset about life (Pura Vida). And don't worry about bringing any entertainment devices with you; every day will be filled to the brim with activities, including two weekends spent at the beach, surfing lessons, a trip to the hot springs, hiking volcanoes, and swimming through a waterfall. You'll also get to experience physical therapy like you have never done in the past. The PTs there are amazing and will let you practice dry needling, electrotherapy, massages, and ultrasounds among other techniques that you may not be able to do back in the States. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made and am dying to go back. Don't miss out on an experience of a lifetime.

I can't recommend Toucan Abroad enough for any pre-PT or pre-allied health student!!! The clinics we got to work with offered exceptional teaching and hands-on learning opportunities. Phil and Fernando are some of the most fun, caring, adventurous and encouraging people I have ever met which made the trip that much better. The program, the people, the clinics, the weekend trips, and all the simple moments in between were some of the best moments of my life. After participating in Toucan Abroad I feel even more confident in my decision to go into the field of Physical Therapy.

Love the program! Met a lot do great people, created a bunch of connections with PTs and members. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to go into physical therapy and exploring the different ways PTs do things in Costa Rica and exploring Costa Rica as well. Like Phil, it is a work hard, play hard type of program. Work hard during the week, and the weekends are filled with lots of fun and adventure. The most important thing is to get out of your comfort zone as soon as you land, and take it all in.