WHY TOUCAN ABROAD
Designed for Future Physical Therapists
Why Toucan Abroad
Toucan Abroad offers something rare in physical therapy education: structured clinical observation abroad with real licensed clinicians, real patients, and real cultural immersion. Our programs help students and professionals grow in ways that traditional shadowing can’t match.
For Pre-PTs
For Professionals
Earn 40–60 Hours of Real Clinical Observation
Toucan Abroad gives you the clinical hours every PT school requires — directly with licensed physical therapists — in a structured, professional environment that teaches you far more than typical domestic observation.
Strengthen Your PT School Application
Admissions committees value applicants who show initiative, maturity, and diverse clinical exposure. International shadowing stands out on applications, personal statements, and interviews because so few students have it.
Learn From Experienced Clinicians
You’ll observe and learn from PTs abroad who teach you how they evaluate patients, progress treatment, use manual therapy, and communicate across different cultures and healthcare systems.
Gain a Global Perspective on Physical Therapy
Seeing how PT is practiced in another country helps you understand the profession at a deeper level — from clinical techniques to patient expectations to healthcare structure. PT programs love applicants who think this way.
Develop Independence and Confidence
Living and learning abroad challenges you to grow personally and professionally. Students return home more confident communicating with patients, working with teams, and adapting to new environments.
Build Friendships & a Professional Network
Toucan cohorts become incredibly close. You’ll leave with new friends, study partners, and connections from across the country — plus relationships with clinicians who can support your journey toward PT school.
Travel With Purpose
You’re not just sightseeing — you’re gaining meaningful experience that aligns directly with your future career. It’s the perfect balance of exploration, learning, and growth.
A Program Designed For Pre-PTs
Toucan isn’t a generic study abroad program. Everything — clinic placements, hours, rotation structure, excursions, housing — is intentionally designed for students preparing for physical therapy school.
Earn High-Quality CEUs in Destination Locations
Our international CEU programs offer hands-on learning, expert instructors, and practical application — with the added benefit of being in an unforgettable location.
Learn From Expert Faculty
Our instructors are experienced clinicians who specialize in the areas they teach, delivering CEU content that is evidence-based, practical, and directly applicable to your practice.
Combine Professional Development With Travel
Instead of sitting in a conference room for two days, you’re learning, practicing skills, and still having time to explore, rest, and recharge.
Build Lasting Professional Relationships
You’ll connect with other therapists from across the country — friendships and professional connections that often last long after the trip ends.
Refresh Your Passion for the Profession
Stepping into a new environment, learning new techniques, and immersing yourself in a different culture reignites motivation and excitement for your work.
What Makes Toucan Abroad Different
Clinical Observation Abroad — A Rare Opportunity
In-clinic PT observation outside the U.S. is almost impossible to find. Toucan Abroad partners directly with licensed clinicians to make it accessible, structured, and meaningful.
Intentional, High-Quality Program Design
We curate each location, clinic partnership, housing arrangement, and excursion to create a seamless experience focused on learning, safety, and growth.
Support From Start to Finish
From pre-departure prep to on-the-ground staff, clinic orientation, and 24/7 support, we handle all logistics so students and professionals can focus on learning and exploring.
A Growing Global Community
With 500+ alumni and 40+ clinic partners, Toucan Abroad is building a network of future and current PTs who support one another throughout school and into practice.
Programs Led With Integrity
We value ethical partnerships, transparent communication, and respectful engagement with every clinic and community we work with. We’re here to create real value — not check a box.
The Toucan Abroad Impact
Stronger PT school applications
Unique clinical experience no one else offers
Professional and personal growth
A deeper understanding of physical therapy
A global lens on patient care
Lifelong friendships and professional connections
Memories that change the way you see the world
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