P R E - P T S H A D O W I N G
Lisbon, Portugal
Located on Portugal’s Stunning Atlantic Coast
Lisbon is a vibrant coastal capital where historic charm and modern European life come together. Known for its colorful tiled buildings, winding streets, scenic viewpoints, and neighborhoods like Alfama and Belém, the city offers a rich cultural backdrop alongside cafés, markets, and a lively waterfront.
With walkable historic districts, easy public transportation, and beaches and coastal towns just outside the city, Lisbon provides an unforgettable setting for cultural immersion, exploration, and everyday life abroad.
Winter 2027 is Full
Summer 2027 dates are now open.
Winter 2028 · $3,995
2 Weeks · 40 Observation Hours
Dates
January 1 - January 15
Availability
Open
Summer 2027 · $5,295
3 Weeks · 60 Observation Hours
Dates
May 15 - June 5
June 5 - June 26
.
Availability
Open
Reserved
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.
Lisbon’s 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 Lisbon, students participate in included experiences outside of clinic hours. These excursions showcase Portugal’s history, coastal lifestyle, architecture, food, and local culture while still fitting comfortably into the structured program schedule. Students also have free time outside of shadowing and planned excursions to explore Lisbon and its surroundings.
Weekday excursions may include:
- ★ Historic Lisbon & Alfama
- ★ Tagus River Sunset Sail
- ★ Cascais Beach Afternoon
- ★ Portuguese Tile Painting Workshop
- ★ Belém & Jerónimos Monastery
- ★ Portuguese Food & Pastéis de Nata Experience
F R I - S U N
Weekend Trips
There are no clinic hours on Fridays or weekends, allowing students to explore beyond Lisbon, travel as a group, and build meaningful connections. Toucan Abroad coordinates transportation and accommodations for all group trips.
Destinations
Porto
Porto is a colorful riverside city known for its historic streets, tiled architecture, and lively waterfront along the Douro River. Students can explore the Ribeira district, cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, visit local cafés and markets, and experience one of Portugal’s most distinctive cities.
Lagos, Algarve
Located along Portugal’s southern coast, Lagos combines dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, sandy beaches, and a lively walkable Old Town. Spend the weekend relaxing at the beach, exploring the coastline around Ponta da Piedade, taking a kayak trip through the sea caves, and enjoying the restaurants of Lagos.
Housing and Meals
During the program, Toucan Abroad students stay at a hotel or apartments in Lisbon. The housing 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 Lisbon, 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.
- ★ Housing offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, secure access, and housekeeping, with fresh towels provided regularly.
- ★ Laundry services are available nearby in Lisbon for a reasonable cost.
Breakfast is not included in Lisbon 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. Lisbon’s 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 Lisbon program to ensure students feel safe, supported, and comfortable throughout their time abroad.
Students are individually responsible for booking their flights to and from Lisbon International Airport (LIS). 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 Lisbon. 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 Lisbon 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!
Cancellation Policy
Deposit: Non-refundable, but fully transferable to any future Toucan Abroad program.
Cancellations after full payment is due (45 days before departure):
45 to 7 days before the program start:
- Eligible for a 50% refund of the total program fee.
- The other 50% may be transferred as a program credit toward any future Toucan Abroad program.
- No refunds are available, but 50% of the total program fee may be transferred as a program credit toward a future program.
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 Lisbon
Daily transport to and from local destinations (PT clinics, shops, restaurants, etc.)
Individual meals/food outside of planned group meals
Individual free-time activities
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