2026 programs are fully booked. Now accepting applications for 2027!

2026 Programs are fully booked.
Now accepting 2027 applications!

Travel Abroad to Enrich Your
Pre-PT Journey!

Shadow licensed Physical Therapists abroad and observe new PT practice techniques while experiencing the rich culture and natural beauty of Costa Rica, Greece, or Spain!

When and Where?

📍Cartago, Costa Rica

Winter 2027
January 2 - January 16
Summer 2027
May 15 - June 5
June 5 - June 26
June 26 - July 17
📍Seville, Spain

Winter 2027
January 3 - January 22 (Full)
Summer 2027
May 15 - June 5
June 5 - June 26 (Full)
📍Athens, Greece

Winter 2027
January 2 - January 16
Summer 2027
May 15 - June 5
June 5 - June 26
June 26 - July 17

Learn more

Shadow Physical Therapists Abroad!

Learn and explore in a different culture while building your future PT career!

PT observation hours (Summer: 60 | Winter: 40)

Make lifelong friendships

Learn new PT techniques

Spanish immersion

Eat delicious local cuisine

Private housing and more!

Experience a new culture

Explore cities, beaches, mountains, & more!

Apply now! Don't miss out!

Learn more

Toucan Abroad is...

An opportunity to evolve by developing a more holistic view of yourself, your future profession, and the world through immersion into a different society.

Clinical Shadowing

Shadow licensed Physical Therapists abroad and observe new PT practice techniques while experiencing the rich culture and natural beauty of Costa Rica or Spain!

Language & Culture Immersion

Improve and practice Spanish in the professional health setting and learn new cultures and traditions. No prior Spanish classes required.

Lifetime Experience

Embark on planned excursions to unparalleled jungles, rainforest, beaches, mountains and volcanoes, while making lifelong friends along the way!

Earn 40–60 Hours of Real Clinical Observation

Work directly with licensed physical therapists in a structured clinical environment — not passive “watching from the corner.”

Learn From Experienced Clinicians

Observe evaluations, treatment progression, manual therapy, and real patient communication across healthcare systems.

See PT Through a Global Lens

Understand physical therapy at a deeper level — from clinical techniques to patient expectations and healthcare structure.

Strengthen Your PT School Application

Admissions committees value initiative, maturity, and diverse clinical exposure — international observation stands out.

Professional Experience, Not Just a Trip

This is focused, intentional observation designed to prepare you for the realities and expectations of PT school.

Designed Specifically for Pre-PTs

Clinic placements, hours, rotations, housing, and excursions are all intentionally built around Pre-PT needs.

Develop Independence & Confidence

Living and learning abroad challenges students to grow personally and professionally — and it shows.

Build Friendships & a Professional Network

Live with like-minded students and build relationships with clinicians who can support your future journey.

A Community That Lasts

Join a growing alumni network of Pre-PTs, SPTs, and DPTs long after the program ends.

Travel With Purpose

This isn’t sightseeing — it’s meaningful experience aligned directly with your future career.

Cultural Immersion That Matters

Experience daily life abroad while developing professional confidence and global perspective.

Leave With Clarity

Students return with real hours, real stories, and a clearer understanding of their path in physical therapy.

T E S T I M O N I A L S

Hear From Our Students

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

Emily - Costa Rica

I really enjoyed my experience with Toucan Abroad! It was a great way to get a bunch of shadowing hours, learn new PT techniques, meet and establish connections with new PT’s, and a great way to travel (explore the great city of Seville!! Also Granada and Cadiz) and meet a bunch of new people and lifelong friends! Toucan Abroad is truly one of the best experiences I have ever been apart of, I would recommend this program for any pre-PT looking for some shadow hours or someone who is on the fence for a career field of PT or maybe OT. Super helpful in furthering my career choice and also LOTS OF FUN!!

Kennedy - Spain

If you are even thinking about applying, do it!!! This was truly the best experience ever and I have grown and learned so much from it! You gain lifelong friends through this program and couldn’t be more thankful for everything this program showed me!! The clinical hour experience was amazing and I learned so many new techniques and how to use different equipment which was great! The environment is beautiful and could never get over our views we had every day!! Definitely recommend this program and you will not regret it!!

Kiersten - Costa Rica