Physical Therapy Shadowing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

My study abroad experience with Toucan Abroad was one of the best of my life. It was the perfect blend of learning and fun while being in Mexico! Each clinic I visited was filled with the kindest staff and patients they were all welcoming and really wanted to help us learn about Physical Therapy. Having the ability to care and get to know the patients in such a short time while also being able to help them was something I will cherish. Despite being in each clinic for four days, I feel like I learned so much from each that was helpful to my education. We also went on so many fun excursions around Puerto Vallarta like horse back riding, ziplining, surfing and even paintball! Everyone on the trip was so friendly and we formed life long friendships! I found this opportunity only a month before leaving but it was truly one of the best decisions to go!

Photos

This was an amazing experience and I 100% recommend it for anyone interested in physical therapy and looking for an adventure! It’s the perfect mix of learning and having fun. You create precious moments with everyone and it truly was one of the best experiences of my life!

Photos

When I applied for this program, I was terrified of being in another country, especially since i haven’t traveled in awhile. However, the group that I was with made me feel so comfortable and I had lots of fun. It solidified my passion for physical therapy and I was excited to apply for this year’s cycle. It inspired me to look for programs that had clinicals in other countries and entertain the possibility of working abroad after I get my PT license. This program made me realize that there are so many ways I can explore healthcare on a global scale. I can’t wait to travel more, learn more, and eat more!

Where to start… this was the most amazing trip. I learned so much, grew so much, & experienced so much. This is a fantastic program. It has great work/fun balance & it’s worth every penny. I would suggest saving up as much spending money as you can. You will want to shop, eat, & participate in everything everywhere. Pack light & be prepared to bring pieces of Mexico home with you. If it had it my way I would live like this. The people are so genuine & sweet. Speak their language even if you’re embarrassed, learn about the culture, ask all of the questions & lean into it all the way.

Photos

I honestly can’t thank Phil and Fernando enough for having such an amazing and creative program. This experience was 10000% worth it and I am glad that I got to experience it. I met some of the greatest people that I will never forget. The memories that were made working with the Physical Therapists in the Mexican Community will also not get forgotten. ✨ They we’re so caring and thoughtful of the patients. I absolutely LOVED Toucan Abroad and I wish I could just go back in time and live it all over again!

You can Abroad was one of the best decisions I have made in my life!! I got to learn how PT’s do their jobs and compare it to how my PT’s do it here! Outside of learning tons from the therapists that were all soo pleased to have us and teach us all they could in a week; Felipe and Fernie had amazing excursions for us each week!! All of which I’d never done before but I was stoked I did it there! Puerto Vallarta had incredible views, the sweetest people and now a very special place in my heart! Will for sure come back to visit all the amazing friends I made!❣️

Photos

Toucan abroad offers an incredible shadowing experience in one of the most beautiful parts of Mexico. Along with gaining the experience needed for applying to physical therapy school, I learned how different healthcare is in Mexico versus the US in a very comfortable and hands-on environment. In addition to the experiences gained in the clinic, there are many more experiences to be had in beautiful Puerto Vallarta. Phil and Fernando do an excellent job at connecting us with the local community through our rotations, as well as introducing us to the culture of Mexico and all it has to offer through excursions and other activities.

Toucan Abroad exceeded my expectations in so many ways! I gained so much hands on experience in the clinics as well as created many connections for my future as a physical therapist! Outside of shadowing, I loved every excursion, adventure, and hang out! I made so many great friends that I would have never connected with if I didn’t take the leap to study abroad. This was very outside of my comfort zone but through the entire experience I was only encouraged to continue to push myself and grow!

I don’t even know where to begin with my Toucan Abroad experience. Never in my life have I been surrounded by 19 other people with the same life goals AND the same adventurous spirit. The physical therapists we worked with were welcoming and knowledgeable. I thought the language barrier would be a big issue, but a lot of the therapists spoke at least a little English, and those who didn’t were happy to make it work. I met some of the most amazing patients and learned their stories which only made me more passionate for the career. And the excursions we went on were the most fun I have ever had. If you’re looking to push your limits and have the best time, apply for this program!

The three weeks that our group spent in Puerto Vallarta was an amazing experience. So many forever relationships were created exploring all what PV has to offer and more. From learning so much in the clinics to enjoying different activities with each other, I have no regrets. Phil and Fern are doing some amazing things and I am so thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I learned so much about physical therapy and I highly recommend this program to others wanting to go explore the world with some pretty fun people.

Photos

The PTs in Mexico were truly incredible. They were very hands on and cared about us learning the most we could in the short amount of time we had. Not only did they care about us, they catered to us, invited us to family birthday parties, and treated us like family. Similarly, the other participants in the program were basically family to each and everyone of us. We got along since the first day we met each other. These people will always be apart of my life and I’m so happy to have met them.

If you are unsure about going abroad, Do it! I cannot stress enough how great this program is. I made friendships that will last a lifetime, while feeling more confident in my career as a physical therapist. The program directors and therapists are so kind and welcoming; I assure you you will not want to leave! Coming from somebody who has anxiety, I thought I wasn’t going to love it, but that could not have been further from the truth. 100% recommend!!

Photos

It really was a great 3 weeks! I got to learn alot from the different physical therapists while also exploring what Puerto Vallarta has to offer. I also got to do all of this with a great group of people! Philip Wykowski and Fernando Muñoz did a great job of making this the best experience for each and every one of us! Highly recommend!

Photos

As someone who never had the opportunity to study abroad as an undergraduate, I decided to apply to Toucan Abroad to begin my Physical Therapy Shadowing journey. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found it immensely difficult to volunteer in Los Angeles-based clinics because of the initial lack of vaccine resources. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to run into this Physical Therapy shadowing program online, where I was able to volunteer in three different clinics in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I gained confidence in the field, built my professional network, and met some of the most caring human beings that visited the clinics. I gained experience in Neurology, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Sports Injuries, and Wellness Prevention. Apart from work, we were in Mexico! The food was delicious, the nightlife was great, and the excursions were unforgettable! Phil and Fernando did such a fantastic job organizing this internship-- without them, this entire program would not be possible. I look forward to reconnecting with them soon and any alumni that happen to be in the Los Angeles area.

Photos

I know that sounds cheesy but it’s true. I genuinely will never have another experience like the time I had in PV ever again. I was nervous about not knowing anybody going in but it was easy to make connections with the other students and with the staff in the clinics. I was able to see techniques within physical therapy I had never seen before. Outside of the clinics I was able to reach out of my comfort zone and try so many new activities and foods. Because of this program, I have made connections and friends all across the United States and in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Overall I 100% recommend that you go if you are able.

This was an incredible experience with incredible people. I learned so much just within my first week of shadowing and made lifelong friends. The therapists I worked with are very open and knowledgeable and taught me so many things about Physical therapy. I would highly recommend this program if you are interested in physical therapy. Being able to experience a different culture and learn with a diverse group of people, it is a truly once in a lifetime opportunity.

Photos

I had the pleasure to be amongst the first group of interns in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! This experience surpassed everything I expected and I'm still sad I had to leave. You will be placed in settings you've never encountered. There were many occasions where I was uncomfortable being immersed in a culture I knew little about, but thats a part of life and you can't expect to grow while being comfortable. It was incredible to see how much we all changed from start to finish and I know it was for the better! All the PT's and patients were so excited to have us, they even allowed us to be hands on (something you typically aren't allowed to do in a clinic in the US.)In general, when ever you're in Mexico I think it's important to have a "go with the flow" attitude, because something is bound to get canceled or delayed so having this outlook will save you a lot of stress. Over all I'd recommend this to anyone and I'd do it 100 times over. Living and learning in paradise for 3 weeks felt like an unbelievable dream! I cried on my flight back home because I didn't want to leave my new family, so that should tell you something!

Photos

Toucan Abroad is the perfect amount of education and fun. Although it was quite an investment before grad school, I would definitely recommend it. Such a great way to immerse yourself in a different language and culture, while being surrounded by like-minded individuals who quickly become friends. This was an experience of a lifetime.

I found Toucan Abroad through an Instagram ad, and applying + choosing to go is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. I was granted the opportunity to shadow so many physical therapists at three separate clinics in Puerto Vallarta. You not only observe but learn and practice hands-on treatments that you wouldn’t be able to do until you are in PT school in the US. In the clinics, I loved witnessing the close doctor-to-patient interactions and was able to form relationships/connections with the most kind and welcoming therapists! I practiced electrotherapy, laser therapy, ultrasound, and massage on patients. For safety, I always felt comfortable with my group or clinic partner during Uber trips/walking around Puerto Vallarta. Phil and Fernando always offer recommendations and assistance, and make sure that safety is a priority throughout the program’s duration. With Toucan, you will form friendships, grow out of your comfort zone, cross things off your bucket list, and immerse yourself in another culture - all while gaining observation hours! I would do it all again in a heartbeat!

Photos

I met the best people in the whole world. We were productive & got to go on so many adventures! Everyone was so open to try new things & our directors gave us every opportunity to get out there! (Thanks Phil & Fernie!) I wish I could stay longer but it was absolutely perfect.