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Toucan Abroad: Physical Therapy Shadowing in Costa Rica (Directory Program)

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  • Locations: Cartago, Costa Rica
  • Program Terms: May Term, Summer, Summer I, Summer II, Summer III, Summer IV, Winter, Winter Break
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: Toucan Abroad - Physical Therapy Shadowing 
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, Spanish Click here for a definition of this term Class Status: 1-first year, 2-sophomore, 3-junior, 4-senior, 5-grad student, 6-other
Housing Options: Hostel/Hotel Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study: Health Science, Kinesiology, Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation, Pre-Health
Program Type: Field Study, Internship Abroad, Study Abroad, Volunteer Abroad, Work Abroad Minimum GPA: 2
Program Description:

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Physical Therapy Shadowing in Costa Rica

 

 


Toucan Abroad is an international PT observation program in which students shadow Licensed Physical Therapists for 2 or 3 weeks for a total of 40 or 60 Observation hours. With locations in Cartago, Costa Rica, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, our program uniquely offers students the opportunity to explore beautiful regions in Latin America while beginning their physical therapy studies. Join us and make your PT resume stand out with an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
 


Website: www.toucanabroad.com
 

 Why Toucan Abroad?


Clinical Shadowingtoucan 2`

Accumulate 40 or 60 hours of clinical observation in multiple physical therapy specialties. Acquire experience with patients alongside licensed PT professionals.

Culture & Language Immersion

Engage with Latin America’s vibrant cultures and communities. Develop your knowledge and use of the Spanish language in a professional health setting. (No prior Spanish classes required.)  

Exciting Excursions

Explore the unparalleled rainforests, beaches, mountains, and volcanoes our locations have to offer. Embark on adventures such as ATV off-roading, ziplining, horseback riding, and more! 

Lifelong Friendships

Create meaningful, lasting friendships with fellow students preparing to study physical therapy.
 
 



Program Details
PT Shadowing
 
 
Toucan Abroad students shadow Licensed Physical Therapists for 2 or 3 weeks for a total of 40 or 60 Observation hours, depending on their program date selection (see Program Dates & Costs below for more information). 
 
During the program, students typically shadow 5 hours per day, Monday through Thursday, to accumulate 20 hours per week. All hours are logged with PTCAS forms and signed by the appropriate PTs to be counted towards students’ applications. 

Students shadow therapists in 2 or 3 different general outpatient clinics and may observe treatment specializations in athletic training, geriatrics, and pediatrics with neurological disorders. Students also may participate in group seminars and focused individual teaching of techniques provided by our partnering clinics.

Physical therapy in Latin America is practiced differently than in the United States, giving students the opportunity to learn methods and techniques they may see infrequently otherwise. Our partnered therapists are professional and dedicated to helping all our students learn to the best of their abilities.


Trips & Excursionstoucan group pool

While in Costa Rica, Toucan Abroad students have the ability to explore the region’s surrounding natural beauty and to experience its rich culture. Each week during the program, students’ schedules include a planned excursion, as well as free time for students to explore and enjoy Costa Rica together. 

Weekday excursions may include:
  • Hiking a volcano or to a waterfall
  • Visiting a local family-owned coffee farm
  • Swimming in natural Aguas Termales (Hot Springs)
  • Walking Tours of Cartago and San Jose
  • Learning Costa Rican dances like Merengue, Salsa, and Cumbia
  • Playing soccer with local Ticos

Weekend Trips

In addition to weekly excursions, Toucan Abroad’s planned weekend trips provide students the opportunity to explore Costa Rica beyond Cartago. All students travel with the Toucan Abroad team once clinics let out on Thursday to maximize their weekend time. 

Weekend Trip Destinations:
  • Manuel Antonio Beach - On the Pacific Coast, a charming combination of rainforests, coral reefs, and beaches.  
  • Puerto Viejo - Known for its laid-back attitude and Caribbean lifestyle, this beautiful beach town has a unique blend of Latin, Afro-Caribbean, and Bribri indigenous cultures. 

Find out more Program info including Dates & Fees, Housing & Meals, Transportation, Travel & Safety, and more on our website: www.toucanabroad.com



toucan group
What’s Included with Program Fees:
  • Support for our Partnered Clinics
  • Airport Transportation
  • Private Housing for all Students
  • Daily Breakfast and Planned Group Meals
  • Travel Health Insurance
  • Orientation Packages
  • Group Excursion Transportation within Costa Rica
  • Group Excursion Costs (entry fees, lessons, tours, etc.)
  • Support from the Toucan Abroad staff

What’s Not Included:
  • Flights to and from Costa Rica
  • 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 
 




Website: www.toucanabroad.com
Student Testimonials: https://www.gooverseas.com/organization/toucan-abroad-reviews