Q: What Else You Need to Know

Course levels. Physical therapy master’s degree programs are often more intensive, two-year programs that include additional professional and clinical experience. Physical therapy masters programs are even more transferable between countries for employment. If you want to go all out, physical therapy doctoral programs are the epitome of professional PT life; with a doctorate PT degree you will have the choice of where you want to work in the future. What makes your studies abroad more (or equally) as valuable as in your home country. Your pT practice will be based on international practices and a multicultural focus, which means that you can treat more patients and understand how to address their needs, despite cultural differences. Your future is bright. As you dive into researching physical therapy degree programs, make sure you are aware of the requirements for each country. This will help you as you think about what an international PT degree means for you. Do you want to gain cultural experience for a career back home? Or is working abroad for the long-haul in the cards for you? Thinking about the logistics upfront will make finding the perfect PT degree program a whole lot easier.

Question 1

intro

Accepted Answer

If you drew a Venn diagram of a physical therapist and a travel-enthusiast, there would be some very important characteristics that overlap between them. PTs and world travelers evaluate situations thoughtfully and plan accordingly. They are smart, creative, and crafty, but flexible when things do not go as expected. They truly want to get to know people and understand their backstory. They are empathetic and caring, and view the world through a compassionate lens. With this in mind, earning a physical therapy degree abroad is the perfect way to pair these two passions.

Question 2

Best Locations

Accepted Answer

Universities all around the world offer outstanding physical therapy degree programs. If you have your sights set on a certain area, chances are there is a great PT program available:
Costa Rica has many advantages for aspiring physical therapy students. Known for having one of the best healthcare systems in Latin America, Costa Rica is an excellent place to learn from fellow PTs, healthcare professionals, and patients.
The United Kingdom is renowned for academics and its National Healthcare System, which are a winning-combo for any PT student. Many UK universities are closely connected to hospitals too, so PT students can get great exposure working with real patients while earning their physical therapy degree in the UK. England and Scotland are two popular destinations for pursuing physical therapy degrees abroad, with many great PT programs to choose from.
Australia is packed with great universities known for reputable PT degree programs and research. It is also considered to have a lower cost of tuition for many academic programs when compared to the U.S. and the U.K. Physical therapy is a valuable profession &ldquo;down under&rdquo;, as taking care of the active Aussies is important work.

Question 3

What Else You Need to Know

Accepted Answer

Course levels. Physical therapy master&rsquo;s degree programs are often more intensive, two-year programs that include additional professional and clinical experience. Physical therapy masters programs are even more transferable between countries for employment. If you want to go all out, physical therapy doctoral programs are the epitome of professional PT life; with a doctorate PT degree you will have the choice of where you want to work in the future.
What makes your studies abroad more (or equally) as valuable as in your home country. Your pT practice will be based on international practices and a multicultural focus, which means that you can treat more patients and understand how to address their needs, despite cultural differences.
Your future is bright. As you dive into researching physical therapy degree programs, make sure you are aware of the requirements for each country. This will help you as you think about what an international PT degree means for you. Do you want to gain cultural experience for a career back home? Or is working abroad for the long-haul in the cards for you? Thinking about the logistics upfront will make finding the perfect PT degree program a whole lot easier.

Question 4

GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

Accepted Answer

Do the research. As mentioned, physical therapy degree programs have differing requirements around the world. With a field as specific as PT, it&rsquo;s important to have an idea of what you are looking for in a degree program as well as your future career. The cultural experience will be worth it, but just make sure your international degree program matches the requirements for your desired country of employment!
Set yourself apart. If earning a physical therapy degree abroad is sounding pretty good right now, the benefits for you and your career are undeniable. Physical therapy can be a competitive field, so what better way to set yourself apart than with an international PT degree? You will not only learn from living abroad, but also the many different approaches to health care and treatment around the world. This can give you the edge you need as you move forward in your career.
Pursuing a physical therapy degree abroad will give you the opportunity to learn from international healthcare professionals and your patients. These experiences are more than just an extra bullet point on your resume; your experiences abroad will impact you for the rest of your life and give you a perspective unlike any other.