Location
  • Costa Rica
    • Cartago
Term
J-Term, Short Term, Summer, Winter
Subject Areas
Kinesiology Physical Therapy Public Health

Program Details

Program Type
Direct Enrollment
Housing
Dormitory

Pricing

Starting Price
4195
Price Details
Summer 2025 Programs (3 Weeks, 60 Observation Hours): $4,195
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Some Meals Transportation Travel Insurance Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare
Aug 12, 2024
Jun 15, 2025
6 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Join Toucan Abroad and other students from around the US in this highly enriching program. We aim to expand your perspective and grow into future leaders in the field of physical therapy through exposure to the work of licensed PT specialists. You’ll shadow them while they provide expert patient care. Evolve by developing a more holistic view of yourself, your future profession, and the world through immersion into a different society.
For two weeks, you’ll engage in 40 to 60 clinical observation hours in different PT specialties. You’ll also have time to bask in the breathtaking natural beauty of Costa Rica and experience its rich culture.

Toucan Abroad gives you the opportunity to stand out among other PT school applicants through a unique, unparalleled experience abroad through this program.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Accumulate 40 or 60 hours of clinical observation in different PT specialties, allowing you to gain real practice alongside other undergraduates and licensed therapists.
  • Improve and practice Spanish in the professional health setting.
  • Create meaningful friendships with other students who share your dream of attending a Physical Therapy School.
  • Embark on planned excursions to a stunning rainforest, to beaches, and volcanoes as well as other beautiful places!
  • Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and learn about the 'pura vida'.

Related Programs

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 63 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.45
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.9
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 1 - 8 of 63 reviews
Default avatar
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
17 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
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.
52 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
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.
39 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
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!
50 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
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.

55 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Erika Jean
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience

This program was the best thing I could have ever done! Not only am I learning and getting hands on experience in Physical Therapy settings but I also get the opportunity to immerse in a different culture. I got to create meaningful connections and memories. The directors made this experience 10 times better. The activities were amazing experiences. I literally got to do over 5 different excursions. They offer so many opportunities to explore and see different parts of Costa Rica. I think there was a good balance of work and free time.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Choose the 3 week session instead of 2 weeks!!!!
Pros
  • Learning opportunities
  • Amazing culture and food
  • Meet new friends
41 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Matt
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad trip

This was some of the best 2 weeks I’ve ever had. There were so many opportunities to do things I’ve never done before. They cost money however in the grand scheme of things It’s not super expensive when you think about what’s being offered. The group was super cool and friendly and the directors were some of the coolest people I’ve ever met. They really did a great job making sure we enjoy the trip by helping is with stuff to do and where to eat. There’s stuff for everyone so there will always be something fun to do.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do as much as you can because you never show if or when you’ll be able to do it again
Pros
  • Adventure
  • Learning
  • Networking
Cons
  • Money
53 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Hope
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad Physical Therapy Shadowing

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!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future Toucans is to come prepared to step out of your comfort zone. Whether that be pushing yourself to try new foods, perform a new therapy technique, jump into the water, or practice your Spanish, this is the place to do it!
Pros
  • Spanish Immersion
  • Hands-On Physical Therapy Shadowing
  • Travel Experience
60 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers