P R E - P T S H A D O W I N G
Athens, Greece
Located in the Historic Heart of Greece
Athens is a dynamic city where ancient history and modern life exist side by side. Home to world-renowned landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon, the city offers a rich cultural backdrop paired with vibrant neighborhoods, cafés, and coastal access just minutes away. From walkable historic districts and local markets to nearby beaches and island escapes, Athens provides an unforgettable setting for cultural immersion, exploration, and everyday life abroad.
Summer 2026 · $4,495
3 Weeks · 60 Observation Hours
Dates
Availability
June 27 - July 18
Open
Winter 2027 · $3,395
2 Weeks · 40 Observation Hours
Dates
January 2 - January 16
Availability
Open
Programs are capped at approximately 20 students per session.
P T E X P E R I E N C E
Clinical Shadowing
Toucan Abroad students shadow Licensed Physical Therapists for 2 or 3 weeks for a total of 40 or 60 Observation hours. Students typically shadow 5 hours per day, Monday through Thursday, accumulating approximately 20 hours per week. All observation hours are logged on PTCAS forms and signed by the supervising therapists to count toward physical therapy school applications.
Students will observe therapists in a range of settings, including general outpatient orthopedics and specialty areas such as sports rehabilitation, geriatrics, and neurologic conditions. Shadowing is designed to expose students to international clinical practices and varied patient populations, offering perspectives they may not encounter in the United States.
Athens’ diverse healthcare environment gives students the opportunity to see how different techniques and approaches are used by experienced professionals in real practice settings.
Extracurricular
Activities & Excursions
Each week while in Athens, students participate in included half-day experiences after clinic hours. These excursions showcase Greece’s history, coastal beauty, and unique cultural practices while still fitting comfortably into the structured schedule. Students also have free time outside of shadowing and planned excursions to explore Athens and its surroundings.
Weekday excursions may include:
- ★ Acropolis & Acropolis Museum
- ★ Cape Sounion / Temple of Poseidon Sunset
- ★ Greek Dance Workshop
- ★ Athens Riviera beach afternoons
- ★ Short hikes such as Mount Hymettus
- ★ Delphi Day Trip
F R I - S U N
Weekend Trips
There are no clinic hours on Fridays or weekends, allowing students to explore beyond Athens, travel as a group, and build meaningful connections. Toucan Abroad coordinates transportation and accommodations for all group trips.
Destinations
Nafplio
Nafplio is a picturesque coastal town with a charming Old Town, scenic waterfront, and nearby swimmable beaches. Here, students can explore the waterfront promenade, walk historic streets, climb Palamidi Fortress for panoramic views, or relax at local cafés and restaurants.
Aegina
A short ferry ride from Athens, Aegina offers classic island vibes with beaches, seaside cafés, and lively bars. Students stay in Aegina Town — fully walkable — and enjoy beach days, social evenings, and Mediterranean sunsets.
Housing and Meals
During the program, Toucan Abroad students stay at Hotel Omiros in Athens. The hotel is located in a safe, central, and highly walkable area, with easy access to public transportation, restaurants, cafés, shops, and clinic locations. On weekend trips outside of Athens, students stay in trusted hotels or guesthouses arranged by Toucan Abroad staff.
- ★ Each student typically shares a room and bathroom with 1–2 other students.
- ★ Hotel Omiros offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, secure access, and housekeeping, with fresh towels provided regularly.
- ★ Laundry services are available nearby in Athens for a reasonable cost.
Breakfast is not included in Athens housing. This gives students flexibility to explore the many nearby bakeries, cafés, and coffee shops, which are abundant and affordable throughout the city. During the program, 5–6 group meals are included when the group is together on planned excursions or cultural activities. For all other meals, students are free to explore local restaurants or purchase groceries from nearby markets.
Transportation
Costs for airport pickups and drop-offs as well as group transportation for excursions and weekend trips are included. Students are responsible for daily transportation between housing and clinical or free-time activities. Athens’ public transit and ride-share services like Uber are convenient and affordable.
Travel & Safety
For many students, participating in Toucan Abroad means traveling internationally for the first time. Toucan Abroad staff are experienced in supporting new travelers and have designed the Athens program to ensure students feel safe, supported, and comfortable throughout their time abroad.
Students are individually responsible for booking their flights to and from Athens International Airport (ATH). Toucan Abroad staff are always happy to assist with travel planning and answer any questions prior to departure.
Upon arrival, students are provided with clear instructions on where to meet Toucan Abroad staff and are transported as a group to their housing in Athens. During the transfer, staff provide an overview of the program, answer questions, and ensure a smooth and safe arrival experience.
Regarding safety, Toucan Abroad follows established protocols that are shared in writing with all participants before departure and reviewed in detail as a group during orientation. These include:
- ★ Secure housing in a safe, central area of Athens with controlled access and front-desk assistance
- ★ Nightly check-ins or curfews (unless otherwise noted) to ensure all students are accounted for
- ★ Partnered clinical days, so no student is commuting to or from clinics alone
- ★ Staff presence on all planned group excursions and weekend trips
- ★ Trusted local partners for transportation, meals, activities, and accommodations
There is time for students to travel independently, and Toucan Abroad staff may not be present on small group trips. However, best travel practices, as well as safety protocols, are stressed in orientation to prepare students to travel independently with confidence. Toucan Abroad also strongly encourages students to travel in big groups on the weekends - for safety reasons, and it’s way more fun!
Enrollment Deposit:
All prices above include an initial enrollment deposit fee of $500. The deposit fee is non-refundable and paid upfront to secure the applicant’s spot once accepted to Toucan Abroad. The remaining balance must be paid in full at least 45 days in advance of the program's start date. Toucan Abroad will refund all fees in the event of program cancellation.
Flights are not included:
Students are responsible to book their own flights for Toucan Abroad. We strongly recommend using Google Flights to look for the best options. Please reach out if you want any help or have any questions!
What’s Included with Program Fees:
Support for our Partnered Clinics
Airport Transportation
Private Housing for all Students
5 or 6 Planned Group Meals
Travel Health Insurance
Orientation Packages
Transportation for Excursions & Weekend Trips
Group Excursion Costs (entry fees, lessons, tours, etc.)
Support from the Toucan Abroad staff
What’s Not Included:
Flights to and from Athens
Daily transport to and from local destinations (PT clinics, shops, restaurants, etc.)
Individual meals/food outside of breakfast and planned group meals
Individual free-time activities
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