Location
  • Mexico
    • Puerto Vallarta
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
3995
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Classes Some Meals Transportation Travel Insurance Wifi
What's Not Included
Some Activities Airfare Some Meals
Nov 03, 2023
Dec 07, 2022
1 traveler is 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 Mexico 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, beaches, as well as other beautiful places!
  • Immerse yourself in Mexican culture, art, food, music, and more!

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Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 24 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.6
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.9
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 24 reviews
Default avatar
Madison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad Puerto Vallarta

I cannot recommend this program enough!! If you have the time and money to do it, you should. The physical therapy in Mexico was much more hands on and interactive than in the US, and it helped me learn so much. This is a great opportunity if you’re wanting to improve your Spanish skills or learn some Spanish as well. This was the best experience of my life and there was a great balance of learning and fun! It truly goes by so fast and you become close with everyone so quickly, it doesn’t even feel like you’re away from home.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
We booked a yacht ride for one of the weekends and it was so fun!! Definitely something I can cross off my bucket list!
Pros
  • Amazing education opportunities
  • Lifelong friends and memories
  • Amazing food and culture
Default avatar
Nakia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience!!!

I would highly recommend shadowing with Toucan Abroad! This experience was unlike anything I’ve done in the United States while getting shadowing. Everyone was great, from the fellow students, to the director, to the therapist. Everyone was very interested in us learning. Although there was a language barrier, it didn’t stop us from communicating. You get out what you put in, so give it your best effort and you’ll have the best time! This program is 100% worth it!! I’m so thankful for this opportunity with Toucan Abroad.

1 person found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Mikee
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad

Being able to further my passion for physical therapy and immerse myself in a different culture was a great experience! I recommend to anyone who wants to pursue health care. I loved the clinics that we shadowed, the people I got to meet, and the activities that we did outside of the clinic. I do wish there was a bit more structure when it came to group activities, but it all worked out in the end! It made me even more excited to apply for this year’s cycle and look more into PT schools that offer clinicals in other countries.

Pros
  • Fun and equally challenging experiences
  • Meeting new people
Cons
  • Would like more PT related things outside of clinicals
  • Set planning with weekend trips
64 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ashleigh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Puerto Vallarta PT Shadowing

This was the most incredible experience. It had the perfect work/fun balance. I learned so much about PT & I experienced so much culture. It was a beautiful trip. If I had it my way, I would live like that. My only advice is to save up as much as you can to take with you. There will be so much shopping & food that you will want to partake in! It was incredibly safe, the hotel was clean & the Blaze staff is so helpful & sweet. Go into it with an open mind & be brave. Speak the language even if you can’t, be nice, be humble & patient. Dive head first & enjoy it. 3 weeks was not enough. I could go on forever.

Pros
  • Food
  • People
  • Ambiguity
Cons
  • Expensive
65 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
serena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a lifetime

There’s so many things that could be said about this program. It is honestly life changing.
It was such an experience being able to learn Physical Therapy Techniques in a different country. I was able to bring back new information to share with therapists in the states.
I also met some of the most genuine and amazing people that I wouldn’t have crossed paths if it wasn’t for this program. 💛
I am forever thankful for Phil & Fernando for being superb leaders and organizing such a great experience.
11/10 reccomend

Pros
  • People
  • Food
  • Safe Environment
Cons
  • Linen was reused the entire trip
74 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Paola
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toucan Abroad

Ohh my gosh!! I don’t even know where to begin!! The clinic settings were all very different and the PT’s were wonderful, they explained everything they were doing with their patients and even let us be really hands on! Felipe and Fernie were absolutely amazing and had the best adventures for us when we were not in the clinics! The group I was with got along insanely quick! As well as the hotel staff that did an exceptional job at taking care of us all🫶 It was one of the best times of my life!! P.S first time traveling internationally by myself!! Will definitely do that a lot more!!❣️

Pros
  • Amazing culture
  • Stunning views
  • Wonderful adventure
69 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Nyah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience of a Lifetime with Toucan Abroad

I was super hesitant to go on this trip. I had never flown by myself let alone go out of the country. However, I decided to take a chance and I am so glad I did. Not only did I learn a lot from the therapist I shadowed but I created friendships that will last forever. I got to explore Puerto Vallarta in such a unique way and the locals were so sweet and amazing which makes the experience even better. If you’re having doubts, this is your sign to go. This was uncharted territory for me but now I have found people I can turn to no matter what, reach out to physical therapist in other countries, and have the urge to travel more overseas now that I have done this trip.

Pros
  • Food
  • Friendship
  • Observation hours
Cons
  • Money for Ubers
75 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
John
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Completely Exceeded my expectations, incredible experience from an incredible company!

Incredibly organized and well thought-out, Phil and Fernando do an excellent job of making everyone feel welcome and safe while also connecting us to excellent healthcare providers to learn Physical Therapy in a unique, fun, and challenging setting. During my time with Toucan Abroad I have learned how to provide healthcare in multiple settings including sports, pediatrics, geriatrics, and neurology while learning the Spanish language through communicating with patients and the professionals I worked under.

73 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers