Thailand: Pre-Physical Therapy (PT) College Prep Program
When Can I Travel?
Applications are currently open for Summer 2024. We have a rolling admission process, which simply means that the window for applications closes when all of the spaces are filled. We also offer discounts to students who apply early!
Where Am I Going?
Thailand, a captivating and culturally rich nation in Southeast Asia, beckons travelers with its enchanting blend of ancient traditions and modern allure. Nestled between Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, Thailand boasts a diverse landscape that ranges from lush jungles and pristine beaches to bustling cities. The country is renowned for its warm and welcoming people, often referred to as “The Land of Smiles,” who embrace visitors with open arms. With its intoxicating mix of tradition and modernity, Thailand offers a travel experience like no other. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, savoring delectable street food, or relaxing on pristine beaches, Thailand promises an unforgettable journey that leaves a lasting imprint on the heart and soul.
Who Should Sign Up?
Undergraduate students, recent graduates, and post-bacc students.
This award-winning program was designed to give every student the opportunity to gain hands-on experience! This college prep program is perfect for Kinesiology, sports & exercise science, and students from any other major interested in applying to graduate school for Physical Therapy.
Our highly qualified Physical Therapists will work with you to develop your resume, develop valuable skills, and prepare and mentor you for graduate school and beyond.
Why Should I Travel With Therapy Abroad
More than ever, DPT program selection committees are looking for well-rounded students who have a thorough understanding of their respective fields of interest and the ability to work collaboratively across cultures. Our Thailand Pre-PT College Pre Program is the ultimate graduate school prep program for undergraduate and post-bacc students who want to work with (and learn from) a distinguished group of professional Physical Therapists, gain valuable skills, and build your resume.
We created this program specifically to help participants not only grow in the above areas, but also gain hands-on experience that’s hard to duplicate in the classroom: professional observation hours, one-on-one time with PTs and other professionals in formal and informal settings, direct experience in public and allied health, and a chance to support local children and families with special needs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There are no prerequisites for this program, and students from any relevant department or major may apply. Spaces for this program are limited and fill up quickly. All applications will be individually evaluated on a rolling basis. Students on this program will primarily be working with children, so all applicants should be comfortable working with children and be creative and flexible to get the most out of their experience.
- May 25 - June 9
- June 22 - July 7
- January 2 - January 13 ( 10 Day Winter Program ($2,950) )
We have a rolling admission process, which simply means that the window for applications closes when all of the spaces are filled. If these dates do not work with your schedule, please email [email protected] for details on custom program dates for your University or club. All of our programs offer the same hands-on experience and our award winning curriculum for Pre-PT and DPT students!
- June 27 -July 11 (Limited Space Remaining)
- July 11-July 25 (Program Full)
- July 25-August 8 (Limited Space Remaining)
- August 8 -August 22
2020 -2021 Winter Program Dates (Now Accepting Applications)
- December 9 -December 23, 2020
- December 27 -January 10, 2021
- January 2 -January 16, 2021
- Custom Winter, Spring, and Summer Dates for students, universities, and professionals available upon request
What Will I do?
Therapy Abroad students and staff provide essential services such as screening, direct rehabilitation, referral and/or care to promote fitness, health and wellness and capacity building in the provision of physical therapy to individuals, organizations, and communities. Students will learn about diverse approaches to teaching and implement methodologies for designing and evaluating learning experiences used in the education of patients/clients, students, colleagues, and the broader community.
The program will challenge participants, staff and local partners to design and host a health camp using skill-based stations (learning centers) that assess speaking, listening, learning, sensory, fine and gross motor needs of the attending children and families. Parent and caregiver sessions will also be hosted in conjunction with our local partners, professors and qualified staff as well as home health care where needed and/or necessary.
Each day, students will have group reflections as well as one-on-one time with PTs and other professionals. As part of our commitment to working at the local level, students will also work directly with Thai PT and OT university students on the design and facilitation of the health camps.
Excursions and Adventure Activities: While you will be working hard and earning volunteer hours, there will also be a lot of opportunities for fun, cultural, and adventure excursions. You’ll enjoy a variety of weekend activities like hiking (or rock climbing), Thai cooking classes and a visit to an elephant sanctuary.
What Is The Itinerary?
Day 1: Depart for Thailand either on a group flight (most popular choice) or on your own**
Day 2: Travel Day
Day 3: Arrival Day/Orientation. Team building and getting to know your peers and clinical supervisors. Walking Tour of Chiang Mai Old Town.
Day 4: Visit to Clinical Partner-Working with youth and families
Day 5: Thai Culture & Language. Navigate your way through a fun “scavenger hunt/amazing race” type activity
Day 6: Preparation for play and family-based, interdisciplinary therapy camp designed as a model for an intensive 2-day intervention.
Day 7: Visit and shadowing at Mae Ping Physical Therapy Clinic
Day 8-10: Tykes Camp -Physical Therapy Camp for Kids with Special Needs
Day 11: Temple Tour and Hike
Day 12: The Bear Fight Club- Muay Thai Training
Day 13: Thai Massage Training Course
Day 14: Thai Traditional Healing and Wellness Program Day
Day 15: Fly home
*sample itinerary can vary based on the group and dates
**students taking their own flight will pay a $200 admin fee to cover the cost of private transportation to/from airports and a Therapy Abroad staff person.
Will I Get Observation And Volunteer Hours?
Yes! We design all of our programs with our students in mind and we know that observing and volunteering are both great ways to learn more about Physical Therapy while building skills. If you are interested in becoming a future PT, observing and volunteering are essential to providing you with a first-hand experience of the profession and helping you build your case for graduate school. Our Pre-PT College Prep program in Thailand is a perfect way to diversify your experience working in different settings and gain needed observation and volunteer hours.
Where Will I Stay?
An amazing place filled with rich history, excellent food and the friendliest people on the planet. You will stay in boutique hotel accommodations with communal areas to relax and hang out, meeting rooms for group discussions or presentations, and comfortable rooms for getting shut-eye. You will share a room with 1 other student and all rooms have private bathrooms and two beds per room.
Every day you will have access to Wifi, fresh drinking water, western style toilets and showers, and laundry services (laundry will be on site or nearby). Meals will be a combination of Thai and Western cuisine consisting of rice, curries, noodles, spicy salads, some fried foods along with fresh vegetables and exotic fruits. We have a 100% guarantee that you will have plenty of amazing food! We can cater to specific dietary needs as long as you let us know ahead of time. In addition to Thailand’s many scenic charms, the warmth and hospitality of the people and culture will make you feel at home (or at baan) in no time!
Free Time
Students with Therapy Abroad will find out that we pack a lot of activities into a two-week program, but we will also make sure you have downtime to relax, write in your journal, use the internet, talk to our staff or just explore on your own. Our Staff are a great source of advice and are here to help you make the most of your time abroad. If you have any questions about any opportunities not listed in our program, want to try some new food a friend has told you about or just explore something different, then let us know any time before or during your program and we will do our best to make it happen.
Benefits for Students Who Participate in this Program:
- Gain hands-on experience in your field of study
- Build resume for graduate school admissions
- Learn the design, implementation, and evaluation processes used in the education of patients/clients, students, colleagues, and community
- Hone your cultural responsiveness
- Learn to merge practices in “developing countries” with those in the United States.
- Improve intercultural communication skills.
- International Travel experience
- Gain experience in action research and effective collaboration
- Broaden understanding socio-cultural stigmas and enigmas
- Market your international experience to universities and employers alike
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills
- Engage with cross-cultural competence
- Learn about public health services in other countries
- Earn certiicate in Thai Traditional Massage
- Receive a letter of recomendation from our highly experienced PTs
Tuition
15-Day Program $3,850 USD not including international airfare.
Group airfare from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or New York is estimated at $1,200. Therapy Abroad will organize group flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), or John F Kennedy International (JFK) as soon as airfares have been published.
What’s Included
We got you covered: Travel and study abroad is a big investment and our commitment to you is that we will work hard every day to make sure you are going to have the most amazing experience: professional staff, tasty meals and comfortable accommodations, and overall, a well-crafted itinerary full of diverse activities and good people. With the exception of international airfare, our trips are all-inclusive. We won’t try to upsell you on any “additional activities” or “additional optional activities” that aren’t advertised as part of the program. Your tuition covers: All activities. All materials. All meals. All housing. Everything. We want you to arrive and participate fully in the program and take advantage of each learning experience without ever thinking about how much money you are going to spend. More specifically, your program includes:
- Pre-departure support
- Group flight booking
- Flights team support staff
- Professional and licensed staff (practitioners and academics)
- 24-hour emergency support staff
- Airport pick-up in Thailand
- Private transport
- Experienced facilitators
- Shared, comfortable accommodations
- All meals
- Snacks and drinking water
- Orientation and curriculum
- All necessary equipment, materials and supplies
- 24-hour in-country support
- All activities listed in the program itinerary
- All domestic transport
- Materials, tests and diagnostic tools
- Therapy Abroad tee-shirts
IMPORTANT NOTE: There are no prerequisites for this program, and students from any relevant department or major may apply. Spaces for this program are limited and fill up quickly. All applications will be individually evaluated on a rolling basis.