Spring Break Physical Therapy Study Abroad Programs

Altogether, I had a great time. We got to see so much and I believe the pacing of the program was great, spending the right amount of time at each location. La Fortuna was my favorite! Traveling in a large group brought up trouble with waiting on students, health issues, etc. but I still think they were able to make the most of it. Having a flexible schedule and being open to adjustments definitely helps. Our guide Rodrigo and our bus drivers were the best!

I really enjoyed this experience. My review is based off of a free trip less expenses such as food and transportation, as I received scholarships for this course. I do know that many students paid upwards of $7,000 on this study abroad trip, which I do find to be a bit much. Considering we were staying in $80 / night hotels with non-working lights, mediocre amenities, and bad air conditioning and bedding coupled with the scarcity of included meals, the figure should have been more around $3,000 without airfare cost. I do not understand how the cost was so high for what was received. I also found living in the dorms with random Costa Rican people to be fun, but a bit restrictive. The morning meals were literally eggs, a piece of bread, and really bad coffee. I was also staying in a really small bunk bed which was uncomfortable. Staying in an affordable hotel would have been better. Next time I recommend the school book out Ester’s Place which is closer to the tech campus and run by a lovely lady who has many rooms available in her home hotel. She also had a much better breakfast and the cost was only $65 / night per person. I stayed here my first night flying in on the 12th and wish I could have gone back but due to restrictions I was not allowed. My family of four at the time in 2019 went on an all inclusive cruise to Italy, Spain, and France for under $10,000 with included meals, drinks , stay, etc. So this trip being $7,000 + for just ONE PERSON is a bit crazy. Regardless, the activities were awesome and for me, price was not an issue as stated before. So, my review without price factored was it was amazing. Great tour guide Rodrigo was so knowledgeable and a very nice guy. He took us to authentic places and not just generic touristy places. I enjoyed seeing the stark contrast in sustainability initiatives between exotic resorts, quasi-governmental organizations, and design firms. I truly did get a wonderful experience with understanding how firms work and the metric process used to gather sustainability info, as well as how to tell if a company may be kind of BS-ing the situation with their sustainability initiatives, or holding themselves accountable. I loved the zip line tour and the coffee and cocoa bean tour. The history tours around the towns was cool, but truly was not necessary. I feel we could have just had an informational PDF sent to us instead of touring these relatively boring historical landmarks. Activities are always more fun than learning about history. I think it would have been much more effective to fly into Liberia, tour the beach and Penninsula Papagayo’s HOA office, then make our way back to San Jose and visit firms, then fly out of SJO. The amount of time driving was frustrating. Or, instead, we would just fly into SJO and tour the Caribbean side of things and skip the western side of Costa Rica altogether. This way the time could be allocated more effectively. I also wish the professors would have split us into groups so we could have gotten to know everyone. There were certain folks I never really got to have conversations with because the groups would naturally clique and we never had forced exposure to each other. Overall it was a wonderful trip and, with a few adjustments I know the next one will be awesome as well!

Coming to TTU Costa Rica was an amazing experience and allowed me to try lots of new and unique things. Rodrigo was the absolute best and the entire trip wouldn't have been half as great and smooth without him! Gonna miss him back in the states, thank you so much for an amazing time!

My Canada study visa experience was smooth and well-guided. The team provided clear information, timely support, and professional assistance throughout the process. I’m grateful for their guidance and highly recommend their services.

BrainEdge GoAbroad offers expert study abroad guidance with transparent counseling, scholarship support, and smooth visa processing. Highly professional and reliable service. Highly recommended for anyone looking for reliable, professional, and result-oriented study abroad guidance.

This was an incredibly full and insightful experience for me as a pre-physical therapy student. I had never had language or cultural experiences like this before, and I learned so much. Everyone at IMA and the hospital was patient and kind to me and supportive of all of my experiences (good or challenging). I loved this internship and would highly recommend it to other students interested in healthcare, rehabilitation, and global medicine. Thank you for everything! Cusco, Perú was a surprise, to say the least. I had not expected to fall more in love with healthcare—or with a place—quite so much. To start, I was nervous to begin my International Medical Aid (IMA) adventure, but I had been in uncomfortably new situations before. I had jumped into the unknown and reminded myself that it wouldn’t be unknown forever. When I first arrived, I remember thoroughly investigating the schedule and looking around at my fellow cohort members. Little did I know that my roommate would become one of my best friends and that I would learn more about what it means to become a healthcare provider—and future physical therapist—than I ever thought possible. One of the most memorable lectures given, in my opinion, was about the differences between Peruvian and U.S. healthcare systems. Dr. Fabricio began the lecture by asking us to define the word health. Health. This word is used in almost every sentence or conversation in the healthcare profession—it’s literally in the name of the field. So it was surprising when we all looked a little incredulous and were unable to give an articulate answer. Health is defined as the complete state of well-being (Fabricio 2025). This understanding—that all parts of being human are essential to understanding the whole—is fundamental to healthcare and especially meaningful in physical therapy, where we treat function, lifestyle, and the person as a whole. I loved this lecture in particular because it highlighted how being holistic is important in becoming and being a great clinician. One of the primary differences between Peruvian and American healthcare is the emphasis on understanding other approaches to medicine, including traditional or holistic methods, apart from symptom-based diagnoses. From herbal remedies such as coca tea to alternative religious or spiritual solutions, doctors in Peru look at a multitude of options when working with patients. “The investigation of plant mixtures used in traditional medicine in Northern Peru yielded a total of 974 herbal preparations used to treat 164 different afflictions” (Bussmann et al. 2010). Traditional medicine is given serious consideration alongside formally trained medicine. There isn’t always a black-or-white solution, but rather many different ways of solving a given issue. This holistic approach is incredibly different from how allopathic medical training in the United States often functions, which is primarily symptom-based. This was very impactful to me, as I think that holistic healthcare is often lacking in the United States. It is invaluable to look at the entirety of a person’s health rather than just their symptoms. One of the main aspects of healthcare that was further developed during my experience with International Medical Aid was the reminder that, whether as a physician, physical therapist, or any provider, you are working with people—not just their symptoms. Your patients are more than the sheet of paper in front of you. A very interesting traditional medicinal approach that was widely used was chewing coca leaves. “Andean Indians have used coca leaves (Erythroxylon coca and related species) for centuries to enhance physical performance” (Casikar et al. 2010). It was common knowledge that coca tea was invaluable at high altitudes and for physical exertion in the Andean climate. For many problems involving headaches, nausea, or other symptoms of altitude sickness, coca leaves were prescribed. While there are some traditional medicine types in the United States, most are not considered central in general practice and are rarely integrated into mainstream care. As I am from a moderate altitude, I did not drink coca tea very often, but the times that I did, I noticed that the caffeine and properties of the leaves helped to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms I was experiencing. One of the most memorable times that I took advantage of coca leaf properties was on IMA’s clinical outreach day in a rural community in the Andean mountains. The community was settled at approximately 13,000 feet in elevation, so I had a slight headache driving up. This was one of my favorite days during my IMA experience due to the connections I made with the doctors and community members, as well as the sheer amount of knowledge I gained. I learned more than I could have imagined about rural health clinics—how doctors and providers properly evaluate patients in low-income settings and how to ask genuine questions that look at an entire person, not just their pain. As someone interested in physical therapy, this was especially powerful: I saw that medicine and rehabilitation are about the health of a person’s life and who they are, not just their list of symptoms or their diagnosis. I was able to see the true care that doctors and providers put into their work and their patients. This is what I wish to emulate when I become a physical therapist. I want to truly see people for who they are, not just their problems or functional limitations. International Medical Aid was an incredibly impactful experience that I would recommend to any student interested in cross-cultural experiences in healthcare, especially those exploring careers in physical therapy, rehabilitation, or patient-centered care. I am incredibly grateful to the IMA staff and the doctors at EsSalud for their patience and guidance, without which I would not have created such valuable connections or learned so deeply about what it means to be a healthcare provider.

As a pre-dental student, my two weeks in Larisa were a once in a lifetime experience. I accumulated over 50 hours of shadowing hours, oversaw multiple different procedures and even was able to assist with a few. The dentist I shadowed was absolutely amazing and Stavros is quite a character and a joy to work with and talk to. He made the whole process smooth from my acceptance into the program, to transportation to and from the airport, and my living arrangements. The others in the program with me were great and we became good friends. The city of Larisa is absolutely spectacular and gave me a very authentic Greek experience! The locals were all so friendly and I rarely struggled with a language barrier and met so many different types of people that I’m still connected with. Overall my experience was something I will remember and talk about for the rest of my life and I couldn’t recommend this experience more to anyone who is interested in traveling and a career in medicine of any kind!

I was so nervous about traveling alone, but this program made it so easy! Stavros had everything set up perfectly, and the moment I got to Greece, I felt at home. The rotations were super hands-on, the doctors were awesome, and the food? I could eat Greek food forever. If you can, take the 2-week program—trust me, it’s worth it. Stavros is the best, always there to support us.

I can’t believe how much I learned in just one week! Over 20 hours of shadowing top surgeons, seeing some crazy surgeries, and exploring a whole new country? Best experience ever. The city tour was a great way to unwind, and Greek food is officially my new favorite cuisine. HUGE shoutout to Stavros for making it all happen!

If you’re pre-med, JUST DO IT. This fellowship gave me so much clinical experience, and the hands-on learning was unreal. The city of Larissa is beautiful, the people are super friendly, and the food? Absolute perfection. I made the best memories in just a week. Thank you, Stavros, for everything.

This program was packed with hours of rotations, and let me tell you—Greece is SERIOUS about medicine. The hospital had the best equipment, the surgeons were amazing teachers, and I learned so much. The city tour was a blast, and the food was so good (I miss gyros already). Highly recommend!

This program was a game-changer! One week, so much hands-on learning, and the surgeons actually explained everything. The city tour was a vibe, and the group dinners? Chef’s kiss. Greece is stunning, and I already want to go back. Stavros made everything seamless, and I’m so grateful for this experience.

I was kinda nervous flying all the way from Cali, but the second I landed, I felt at home. Greek hospitality is something else. The rotations in neurosurgery, internal med, and anesthesia? SO good. The doctors actually cared about teaching us. The excursions were straight-up unreal (Meteora looks like something out of a fantasy movie). If you’re thinking about this program, DO IT.

Coming from NYC, I expected this trip to be cool, but it completely blew my mind! The hospital was insanely clean, the staff was super kind, and the rotations (shoutout to general surgery, ortho, and emergency medicine) were crazy good. Also, the Greek food? Unreal. The excursions to Meteora and the Aegean coast made me feel like I was in a movie. So worth it!

We had a fantastic time and learned so much. The teaching and service were excellent. We are coming back again. We had a life changing experience! During this trip we me so many wonderful people. The city is lovely and the country is full of wonderful animals and natural vistas. Doug and Di

This was a life changing experience! I had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings and help others. It was amazing to witness the impact we made while there. I got to see the world in a different perspective by building connections with the people of Dominica. I grew my occupational therapy skills through hands-on experiences. We also had the opportunity to learn about the culture and explore the town. This was a meaningful and eye opening experience that will stay with me forever.

As a faculty member, my recent experience on a Therapy Abroad Program in Dominica was nothing short of transformative. This unique opportunity allowed both students and faculty to be fully immersed in a culture vastly different from that of the United States. The fieldwork was set in conditions that, while unfamiliar, offered invaluable lessons in adaptability, cultural humility, and resourcefulness—skills essential for any aspiring therapist. One of the most impactful aspects of this experience was the support we received from the Katie, Director of International Programs with Therapy Abroad. Her leadership and organization was great, ensuring that all students and faculty had the guidance, needed to thrive in a challenging yet incredibly rewarding environment. Katie's commitment to our success was evident every step of the way, from pre-departure preparations to on-the-ground logistics in Dominica. This immersion was not only about applying therapeutic skills in real-world settings but also about understanding the profound cultural nuances that shape the ways individuals perceive health, wellness, and therapy. The community in Dominica welcomed us with open arms, offering an authentic experience that deepened our understanding of how therapy could be effectively practiced in different contexts. The program was structured to balance professional growth with personal reflection, allowing us to absorb the beauty and complexities of the Dominican culture. We learned how to navigate challenges such as limited resources and differing health care infrastructures, all while maintaining empathy for the people we served. Overall, this international fieldwork experience was truly life-changing. The combination of an immersive cultural environment, hands-on learning, and outstanding support from Katie, made it a wonderful educational experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to any faculty member or student looking to expand their horizons and grow both professionally and personally.

The therapy abroad trip to Dominica was a life changing experience. With someone with a lot of general anxiety as well as traveling anxiety, I am so happy I decided to go. Katie made it very smooth by planning out every detail. I felt like I could come to her for anything and that I wasn't alone. We were immersed in the culture and community in a way I never imagined we could be in such a short period of time. The clinical experience we gained was extremely eye-opening, as was the entire trip. I will forever remember my time here and the people we met, the places we were, and how much Dominica and therapy abroad impacted the way I see the world around me.

Can’t thank our leader Katie Kirkland enough for orchestrating a successful fieldwork trip! I never even imagined gaining this much experience in that short of an amount of time. We were truly immersed in the culture while learning and having some valuable down time.

This trip was an unforgettable experience & something I will never forget. The people of Dominica that Therapy Abroad coordinated with were amazing & made us feel immediately at home. Working within these settings, as a level I, is not for everyone, but for those who can do it will truly be a better clinician because of it.