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Physical Therapy Shadowing Abroad
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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is a paradise known for its various stunning beaches, mountainside views, tropical jungles, and colorful festivals and celebrations. It boasts a rich culture and history with its cobblestone streets, beautiful art, and vibrant community. Full of museums and local markets to visit, restaurants and bars to try, and outdoor adventures to experience, there is never a dull moment in Puerto Vallarta.

Summer 2024 Program Dates: $3,995 (3 Weeks)

Sunday, June 30 - Sunday, July 21

We cap all of our programs at 20 students per trip.

PT Shadowing

Toucan Abroad students shadow Licensed Physical Therapists for 3 weeks for a total of 60 Observation hours. 

During the program, students typically shadow 4 hours per day, Monday through Friday, 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.

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Trips & Excursions

Excursions

In Puerto Vallarta Toucan Abroad students have the ability to explore the region’s 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 Mexico together. 

Weekday excursions may include:

  • Jungle Ziplining

  • Visiting Secluded Beaches

  • Horseback Riding

  • Beach Activities (Parasailing, Banana Boat, Jet-Skiing, and more!)

  • Salsa Dancing

  • Tequileria Tour with Tasting

  • Chocolate Museum Workshop

Weekend Trips

In addition to weekly excursions, Toucan Abroad includes a planned weekend trip to Sayulita, Mexico, once a fishing village that has now become a lively, dynamic beach destination. It is known for its beautiful beaches and great surfing waves! There are also countless restaurants, adventures, workshops, shopping, and entertainment options for everyone!  The other weekend will be spent in Puerto Vallarta where you can explore the picturesque Old Town, relax on the beach, dine on delicious local cuisine, and experience the vibrant nightlife.


Program Life

Housing and Meals

Toucan Abroad students in Puerto Vallarta stay at BLAZE Hotel & Suites during the program (on weekend trips to Sayulita, students stay in trusted hotels/private housing as arranged by Toucan Abroad staff). BLAZE is conveniently located in a safe, central part of Puerto Vallarta, minutes from the beach, boardwalk, grocery store, restaurants, and more!

  • Each student normally shares a room and bathroom with 1 other student.

  • The hotel is conveniently one block from a laundry service that is very affordable. Laundry is priced per Kilo of weight.

  • Hot water, free Wi-Fi, and TV’s are available in all rooms.

  • Tap water is not potable in Mexico, but bottled water is accessible everywhere.

  • Each day all rooms are cleaned by the hotel staff and provided with fresh towels.

  • Students are free to use the hotel’s swimming pool!

During the program, students are provided free breakfast each morning on the hotel’s rooftop terrace, available between 7-10 AM. Additionally, there are 5 or 6 included group meals when the group is together on a planned excursion. For all other meals, students can visit the many nearby affordable restaurants and grocery stores.

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Transportation

Costs for airport pick-ups/drop-offs and for group travel to planned excursions are included, and these trips are primarily conducted via private shuttle. Students’ daily trips to PT clinics, restaurants, and activities are not included in program fees, and students primarily use Uber for local transport. Uber rides within Puerto Vallarta usually cost around $4, so students should budget roughly $30 per week to safely cover in-town transport costs.

Travel & Safety

For many students, participating in Toucan Abroad means traveling internationally for the first time! The Toucan Abroad staff welcome and support new travelers, and they have designed this program to ensure everyone is safe, secure, and comfortable throughout their time abroad. 

Students are individually responsible for their flights to and from Mexico; however, the Toucan Abroad staff is happy to assist with travel planning and any questions students may have. 

Upon their arrival at the airport, students will be greeted by our friendly and professional Toucan Abroad staff, who will be easily identifiable by their uniforms and directions where to meet. Our staff will assist students with their luggage and accompany them to the designated transportation area, where they will board the shuttle that will take them to the hotel. During the ride, our team will provide information about the program, answer any questions students may have, and ensure a comfortable and safe journey.

Regarding safety, Toucan Abroad practices a range of protocols that are sent in written format to participating students before their trip and are discussed in detail as a group at the start of the program. 

  • BLAZE Hotel & Suites, home for all Toucan Abroad staff and students, is a secure location in a safe area with 24/7 assistance and vigilance. 

  • Unless otherwise noted, there is a curfew each night to make sure everyone is accounted for before going to bed. 

  • All students are assigned a partner when shadowing, so no one is alone when working or commuting. 

  • On all planned group excursions, the Program Director and Regional Director are always present to help in any situation. 

  • Toucan Abroad has partnered with trustworthy organizations involved in restaurant meals, excursions, activities, and transportation.

There is time for students to travel independently, and Toucan Abroad staff may not be present on small group trips. However, best travel practices, as well as safety protocols, are stressed in orientation to prepare students to travel independently with confidence. Toucan Abroad also strongly encourages students to travel in big groups on the weekends - for safety reasons, and it’s way more fun!

Program Dates & Costs

Summer 2024 Program Dates: $3,995 (3 Weeks)

Sunday, June 30 - Sunday, July 21


Enrollment Deposit:

All prices above include an initial enrollment deposit fee of $500. The deposit fee is non-refundable and paid upfront to secure the applicant’s spot once accepted to Toucan Abroad. The remaining balance must be paid in full at least 30 days in advance of the program's start date. Toucan Abroad will refund all fees in the event of program cancellation. 


Flights are not included:

Students are responsible to book their own flights for Toucan Abroad.  We strongly recommend using Google Flights and Southwest to look for the best options.  Please reach out if you want any help or have any questions!

What’s Not Included:

  • Flights to and from Mexico

  • 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

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 Mexico

  • Group Excursion Costs (entry fees, lessons, tours, etc.)

  • Support from the Toucan Abroad staff