Passports

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of your program. If you need a renewal or a new passport, start as early as possible.

You’ll upload a photo of your passport before departure so we can assist you quickly if any travel issues arise.

WhatsApp Group Chat

A couple weeks before departure, you’ll join your program’s WhatsApp chat. Students use it to:

• Connect and get to know the group
• Coordinate flights
• Ask questions
• Share packing tips
• Choose roommates
• Build connections before arrival

Roommate Selection

Shortly before departure, you’ll receive a roommate sign-up sheet. You can choose your roommate(s) or ask to be paired. Housing varies by location but typically includes clean, modern shared rooms with comfortable amenities.

Program Schedule & Clinic Schedule

A detailed program schedule and clinic rotation schedule will be released a few weeks before departure.

These schedules depend on therapist availability, clinic capacity, and the final number of students — so they’re finalized closer to the start of the program to ensure accuracy.

You’ll receive both schedules in advance so you know exactly what your days will look like during the trip.

Pre-Departure Guide

You’ll receive a comprehensive digital guide that includes:

• Arrival instructions
• Packing lists
• Safety guidelines
• Clinic expectations
• Housing details
• Local transportation tips
• Cultural notes
• Important contacts

Packing List

Pack light and bring versatile items. You’ll have access to laundry, and daily life abroad is simpler than most students expect. In general, plan to bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Clinic attire (scrubs or slacks + polo)
• Athletic wear
• Casual everyday clothing
• Toiletries and any necessary medications
• Passport copies and personal documents
• Electronics + chargers + adapters
• A small daypack

Phone Setup & Staying Connected

Before traveling, make sure your phone is ready to work internationally. Most students either enable their carrier’s international plan or purchase an affordable eSIM for data (apps like Airalo make this easy). WhatsApp should be set up to work on data, not just WiFi, since it becomes the main way you stay connected during the trip.

We also recommend downloading offline maps of your destination and saving important contacts before you depart. Having your phone fully configured ahead of time helps ensure smooth communication from the moment you land.

Safety

Your safety is our top priority. Before travel, we’ll provide guidance on how to move around confidently and responsibly. This includes:

• Staying aware of your surroundings
• Using transportation safely
• Keeping personal items secure
• Making smart decisions during nightlife
• Respecting local laws and cultural norms

Medical Support & Travel Health Insurance

If you ever need medical attention abroad, we’ve got you covered.

Toucan Abroad provides travel health insurance for every student. You’ll receive your insurance card and policy overview before departure. If you’re feeling unwell during the program:

• Let the Toucan team know immediately
• We’ll help you decide the next step
• We’ll assist with translation, transportation, and navigating insurance
• You’ll never have to handle medical care alone

Money & Budgeting

Most meals during the program are not included, so we encourage students to prepare a simple daily budget based on their spending habits. Everyone is different — some students prefer groceries and casual meals, while others like eating out often, grabbing coffee, shopping, or booking extra activities.

A good approach is to think in terms of a daily allowance. For some students, that may be a lower range if they keep things simple; others may budget more for meals, transportation, souvenirs, or weekend adventures.
Your spending may include:

• Meals and snacks
• Coffee, drinks, groceries
• Transportation to clinics and free-time activities
• Additional excursions
• Souvenirs or personal purchases

Pre-Departure Zoom Call

Before traveling, you’ll join a Zoom session where we review:

• Arrival logistics
• Housing and roommate details
• Clinic structure and expectations
• Packing reminders
• Safety basics
• Cultural insights
• Transportation
• Q&A

Arrival Day

When you land, you’ll head to the meeting point listed in your guide. A Toucan Abroad coordinator will be waiting to welcome you and organize transportation to housing. You’ll have time to settle in, unpack, and meet your roommates.

In the evening, we host a Welcome Dinner — a relaxed way to meet your group, ease into the program, and kick off the experience.

Orientation (Next Morning)

The following morning, we hold our full orientation. This includes:

• Arrival logistics
• Program overview
• Safety and local info
• Clinic structure and weekly schedule
• Transportation tips
• Cultural notes
• Communication during the trip
• What to expect from the days ahead

Final Thoughts

Traveling abroad is exciting, and preparing well makes a huge difference. Everything on this page — from flights and forms to packing, safety, and communication — is designed to help you feel confident before you ever step on the plane. If anything feels unclear or you have questions along the way, our team is here to help.
We can’t wait to welcome you, introduce you to your group, and share an unforgettable experience together.