Physical Therapy Shadowing in Costa Rica

Physical Therapy Shadowing in Costa Rica

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

$4,195
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 20, 2026
7 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.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

This program offers hands-on physical therapy experience with passionate therapists eager to teach, alongside deep cultural immersion in Costa Rica.

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'.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 68 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.4
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.9
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 25 - 32 of 68 reviews
Ben
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Experience You'll Ever Have, Like Ever Ever

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.

Pros
  • Looks great on PT application.
  • Creating lasting relationships.
  • Being able to experience the culture of another country.
125 people found this review helpful.
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad in Cartago Costa Rica

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.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Group oriented
  • 65 observation hours in a variety of clinical settings
138 people found this review helpful.
Brandon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of the best experiences abroad!

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.

Pros
  • Explore a new country
  • Learn a lot from PTs
Cons
  • Time goes by fast
142 people found this review helpful.
Hayden
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad

This program I would describe as a work hard and play harder program. It consisted of over 65 hours of hands on physical therapy shadowing over the span of 3 weeks in Cartago. Along with that each day we participated in different excursions like hiking volcano, exploring coffee farms, discovering hidden waterfalls and even learning how to Latin dance. On weekends we drove to different beaches in Costa Rica where we were able to learn to surf, ride ATVs to waterfalls, and snorkel. I highly recommend this program for anyone interested in going into physical therapy! Also I hope to be able to participate in the Mexico trip as well next year!

Pros
  • 65+ hours of hands on physical therapy experience
  • Adventures in nature
  • Expanding knowledge in the Spanish language DQ
Cons
  • Little expensive (but definitely worth it)
125 people found this review helpful.
Jordan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad in Costa Rica

This has been one of the coolest experiences of my life. I learned so much in the clinics and all of the physical therapist are amazing. During this trip I got to learn PT techniques that I have never seen before and get a lot of hands on practice. Everyday is a new adventure from zip lining, hiking to volcanoes and waterfalls, going to different beaches, and making great friendships. The toucan team and staff are so nice, fun, and make you feel safe and comfortable the whole time. This trip will push you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible and I’ve made memories that I will hold on to forever. Don’t hesitate. It’s a once in a life time opportunity!

Pros
  • Beautiful country
  • Delicious food
  • Amazing team staff / director
Cons
  • None
114 people found this review helpful.
Maggie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad

This program was an experience I will never forget. I made amazing friends, ate amazing food, learned so much about Physical Therapy, and got to do fun activities. It not only pushed me more to re learn Spanish but pushed myself to keep focusing on me and my schooling. I never thought I would experience something like this and I’m so glad I did. I will truly never forget the two weeks I spent in Costa Rica. The physical therapists were so helpful and so were our instructors! I’m going to miss it all!

Pros
  • Learned about Physical Therapy techniques
  • Made amazing friends
  • Gained knowledge about the culture
Cons
  • A little pricey
  • Wish more things would have been included
111 people found this review helpful.
Maria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad — Physical Therapy Shadowing

The two weeks that I spent in Costa Rica with Toucan Abroad were absolutely life changing. Not only did I learn a plethora of knowledge from licensed physical therapists from several of the surrounding clinics, but I also was able to grow immensely as a person. Experiencing the vibrancy and unknown of a new culture allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, see life from a different perspective, and grow more compassionate towards others. I am incredibly grateful for the lifelong friendships I was able to make with other students in the program and all of the breathtaking adventures we had the opportunity to experience together. Hiking Volcán Turrialba was one of my favorite excursions that I had the opportunity to go on! This program does a wonderful job at making everyone feel like family. I look forward to carrying all of the knowledge and experiences with me as I pursue a career in physical therapy!

Pros
  • Safe area
  • Affordable meals/transportation
  • Supportive/Friendly environment
106 people found this review helpful.
Jadyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad

While in Costa Rica we learned how to do dry needling, electro therapy, ultrasound, different massage and kinesiotape techniques, shock wave therapy, passive gymnastics, cupping, and so much more. I have met so many amazing people from all over the country and have learned so many lessons from them. Costa Rica taught me to have patience in myself and the world around me. They live such a simple life there and just take one day at a time which I think we all can learn from. This trip has made me even more passionate about physical therapy because I can see how much it can help a person. I can be the one to help their legs move to take them places around the world that I am lucky enough to experience. The world is so beautiful not to be experienced.

Pros
  • Get to try techniques that we wouldn’t be able to do in the United States
  • Very unique opportunity to add to your resume
  • Gained personal independence
Cons
  • Price
94 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers