Program Reviews

As someone who never had the opportunity to study abroad as an undergraduate, I decided to apply to Toucan Abroad to begin my Physical Therapy Shadowing journey. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found it immensely difficult to volunteer in Los Angeles-based clinics because of the initial lack of vaccine resources. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to run into this Physical Therapy shadowing program online, where I was able to volunteer in three different clinics in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I gained confidence in the field, built my professional network, and met some of the most caring human beings that visited the clinics. I gained experience in Neurology, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Sports Injuries, and Wellness Prevention.

Apart from work, we were in Mexico! The food was delicious, the nightlife was great, and the excursions were unforgettable! Phil and Fernando did such a fantastic job organizing this internship-- without them, this entire program would not be possible.

I look forward to reconnecting with them soon and any alumni that happen to be in the Los Angeles area.

This was an incredible experience with incredible people. I learned so much just within my first week of shadowing and made lifelong friends. Starting out as a group of strangers and ending as one big family is a priceless experience. The therapists I worked with are very open and knowledgeable and taught me so many things about Physical therapy. I got plenty of hands on training with the patients and learned techniques I can take with me to my future career. I would highly recommend this program if you are interested in physical therapy. Being able to experience a different culture and learn with a diverse group of people, it is a truly once in a lifetime opportunity.

I had the pleasure to be amongst the first group of interns in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! This experience surpassed everything I expected and I'm still sad I had to leave. You will be placed in settings you've never encountered. There were many occasions where I was uncomfortable being immersed in a culture I knew little about, but thats a part of life and you can't expect to grow while being comfortable. It was incredible to see how much we all changed from start to finish and I know it was for the better! All the PT's and patients were so excited to have us, they even allowed us to be hands on (something you typically aren't allowed to do in a clinic in the US.) Over all I'd recommend this to anyone and I'd do it 100 times over. Living and learning in paradise for 3 weeks felt like an unbelievable dream! I cried on my flight back home because I didn't want to leave my new family, so that should tell you something!

Toucan Abroad is the perfect amount of education and fun. Although it was quite an investment before grad school, I would definitely recommend it. I applied and attended during my gap year. Even though I am accepted into PT school, you can never have too many shadowing hours and I knew this would be great. I worked with pediatrics for the first time on this trip. Such a great way to immerse yourself in a different language and culture, while being surrounded by like-minded individuals who quickly become friends. This was an experience of a lifetime.

This was my first time i ever went abroad alone and i am so happy i decided to go. Starting off with the main reason were here all the physical therapist were great we got to learn so many new techniques and get hands on experience which was somethingwe don'tget to do in the United States, i loved it !! Then i got to meet so many cool people who i got to bond and feel like family with which is what i am going to miss the most . This overall trip was also full of excursions and cool things to do by our hotel so we never had any dull moments . I honestly feel like everyone who participated in this program had a fun time . I 10/10 would recommend.

I found Toucan Abroad through an Instagram ad, and applying + choosing to go is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. I was granted the opportunity to shadow so many physical therapists at three separate clinics in Puerto Vallarta. You not only observe, but learn and practice hands-on treatments that you wouldn’t be able to do until you are in PT school in the US. In the clinics, I loved witnessing the close doctor-to-patient interactions and was able to form relationships/connections with the most kind and welcoming therapists! I practiced electrotherapy, laser therapy, ultrasound, and massage on patients.
For safety, I always felt comfortable with my group or clinic partner during Uber trips/walking around Puerto Vallarta. Phil and Fernando always offer recommendations and assistance, and make sure that safety is a priority throughout the program’s duration.
With Toucan, you will form friendships, grow out of your comfort zone, cross off things from your bucket list, and learn about other cultures - all while gaining observation hours! I would do it all again in a heartbeat!

I am incredibly grateful I decided to go on this trip. I was able to immerse myself not only into another culture, but also physical therapy in another culture! The therapists taught me so much about what they do and they were so excited to have us. I was also able to be hands on with the patients, which is something you can’t do in the US! Puerto Vallarta was a beautiful city to explore in Mexico and I got to try so many new things I had not done before. Not to mention forming a whole new group of friends who feel like family now. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything! It has impacted me in so many ways and it makes me so excited to start my own physical therapy journey! If you get the chance to go with toucan abroad, do it! You won’t regret it. You’ll grow in ways you never thought you could.

I wouldn’t trade my experience with Toucan Abroad for anything. They provide the opportunity to shadow hands on with a vast variety of clinics ranging from pediatrics, orthopedics, neurological, sports rehab, and geriatrics. When you’re not shadowing you get the chance to explore the beautiful country. From activities from horseback riding, zip lining, surfing to relaxing on a beautiful ranging of beaches there is truly something for everyone. As cheesy as it sounds, I truly made some lifelong friends! Phil and Fernando have created such a phenomenal program that helps people grow both personally and professionally. If you’re on the fence, this is your sign!

Joining this program was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! In three short weeks I learned so much about physical therapy, experienced life in a whole new way, and formed many new friendships. Shadowing PT in Puerto Vallarta is very hands-on and immersive. The therapists were so kind, caring, and eager to share their knowledge with us. The program directors worked hard to ensure that we all had a great time and were able to experience as many new things as possible. Some of the greatest people you’ll ever meet are pre-pt and together we made this an experience of a lifetime! Once a Toucan, always a Toucan!

I enjoyed the balance between educational experiences and the time to explore a new country. The program directors do an exceptional job finding ways to give us an unforgettable experience by planning excursions and group dinners. In addition, the physical therapy clinics I had the opportunity to shadow at were absolutely amazing and made me fall in love with the career even more. The experience as a whole exceeded my expectations and I will be forever grateful for Toucan Abroad and the friends I made through the trip.