Physical Therapy Shadowing in Costa Rica

Shadowing with Toucan Abroad in Costa Rica was an incredible and unforgettable experience that truly strengthened my passion for physical therapy. I had the opportunity to learn from skilled clinicians, experience healthcare in a different cultural setting, and grow both personally and professionally. The Toucan team was supportive, welcoming, and were our anchor during any time of stress or anxiety. I left with valuable knowledge, unforgettable memories, and lifelong friendships. I highly recommend this program to any student looking for a meaningful international clinical experience.

I was very hesitant to do Toucan Abroad, but let me be the one to tell you that this experience is an absolute must. Aside from the obvious benefits of doing this program (PT hours, a unique experience, and resume building), there are so many other benefits. I met the most amazing girls on my trip, had the best weekend trips ever, and felt connected to Costa Rica in a way I cannot even begin to describe. If you are even slightly considering this trip, DO IT! The physical therapists in Costa Rica showed me another side and way of PT that I had not yet experienced. They want you to have the best experience ever, and it truly is a program where what you put in is what you get out. Pura Vida!

This experience was so fun, rewarding, and unique! I gained 65 shadowing hours throughout my three weeks while also making amazing friends, surfing in the Pacific Ocean, ATVing in a rainforest, hiking an active volcano, kayaking in the Caribbean, and so much more! I will definitely talk about this trip for the rest of my life. Fernie and Miguel were great "guides" and taught us all how to live the pura vida life style. They planned almost everything for us, while giving us wiggle room to plan our own activities. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TRIP!

10/10 experience! Met so many great people and licensed PTs. The PTs are extremely knowledgeable and were willing to share their knowledge with me and walk me through different treatments and situations. The leaders, Miguel and Fernando, were both extremely helpful and personable. The excursions they took us in were one of a kind and showed us the beauty of Costa Rica. The PTs are very friendly and want you to succeed in physical therapy. They are also willing to do activities with you outside of the clinics if you ask them to. Absolutely would do this again in a heartbeat!

I went to Cartago, CR for the past two weeks and had the best time of my entire life. I applied on a whim back in September and got accepted, little did I know what this trip would bring me. We stayed in a hotel with all of the other students, 2 to a room. Every single day of the trip there is a group activity, whether it is dinner or hiking a volcano. Throughout the day you are scheduled at a clinic with another student and get to witness the pt’s of Cartago do their work. I got plenty of hands on experience with patients and even got to experience the treatments on myself. Over the weekend my group went to Puerto Viejo where we did a bunch of fun activities and we went to the beach. I never expected to connect so closely to the other people on the trip! This trip has truly changed me and my outlook on life. If I could I would redo the trip immediately. You truly get out what you put in!

This trip is worth it solely because of the friends you make! It is exactly what people tell you- a once in a lifetime experience. Is it 3 weeks full of new challenges, achievements, and memories! You learn useful techniques that will apply to your future in PT such as dry needling, sport massage, manual therapy & so much more. The hardest part about the trip is managing your finances over the course of your trip. It’s important to remember money returns and this opportunity won’t come by again. My advice is to try everything your heart desires- pura vida 🫶

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.

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!