Physical Therapy Shadowing in Costa Rica

Toucan Abroad is the perfect mix of education and adventure. Throughout the time that I spent in Costa Rica I practiced at three different Physical Therapy Clinics, each one with its own specialization. Each clinic offers a variety of hands-on practice with both manual therapy and equipment. There is opportunity to work in all areas of Physical Therapy ranging from geriatric, athletic, pediatric, special needs, and more. After a full week of shadowing, there is still time to see what else the beautiful Costa Rica has to offer. We traveled to both the Caribbean coast and the Pacific coast for our weekend excursions. Both of these were phenomenal experiences leaving unforgettable memories. Overall, I can not thank Toucan Abroad enough for the opportunity to learn so much about Physical Therapy with unmatched hands-on practice, experience the beauty of this country, and for the life-long friendships that were made along the way!

This experience was amazing from the clinical hours to the weekends trips!!The therapist’s were so welcoming and taught me so many different therapy techniques. My most memorable moments during clinic was at Salud Vital was working out in the pool that was given by Juliana (physical therapist).From the interactions with patients made me realize the specialty I want to pursue in my future pt career which is geriatric's. My favorite parts of the trip were the weekend trips!!! All of the memories we created from doing Karaoke, surfing with the locals, riding jet-skis, and going on the Catamaran boat!!! I highly recommend coming on this trip, I learned a lot about myself and what I want in my pt career.

If you are even thinking about applying, do it!!! This was truly the best experience ever and I have grown and learned so much from it! You gain lifelong friends through this program and couldn’t be more thankful for everything this program showed me!! The clinical hour experience was amazing and I learned so many new techniques and how to use different equipment which was great! The environment is beautiful and could never get over our views we had every day!! Definitely recommend this program and you will not regret it!!

This program was amazing! Great for any pre pt students. Such good hands on experience at the different clinics. The physical therapists were great to work with. It was so much fun on the weekends going to the beaches. The food was also really good and Fernando had some great reccomendations. We got to experience so many new things and met so many great people. It was also a great opportunity to practice Spanish and be immersed in a different culture. Perfect trip for anyone considering doing pt. I got so much out of this trip and I wish I could do it again.

I don’t even know where to begin. This trip was unforgettable. Not only did I gain very valuable physical therapy experience, but I made friends that will last a lifetime. Everyone on this trip, staff and toucans, are people I aspire to be. I was excited about this trip before but I never expected it to be as good as it was. The worst part of the trip was having to leave. I can’t find anything bad to say about Toucan abroad. If you are thinking about doing physical therapy, go on this trip!! Thank you Toucan Abroad for the best 3 weeks!

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.