What inspired you to go abroad?
I just graduated from college and I never had the chance to go abroad during undergrad, so I wanted to volunteer abroad after I graduated, and I knew I wanted to volunteer with animals.
Vet checking a cheetah’s heartbeat
Why did you choose Loop Abroad?
Loop Abroad does only veterinary medicine volunteer/study abroad trips, which is what I was looking for. The program is study abroad AND volunteer -- you can earn volunteer hours and get school credit!
What was your favorite part about South Africa?
My favorite part about South Africa was the wildlife. We saw wildlife while we were traveling to and from the airport, to the national park, and every day at the wildlife center.
Feracare Wildlife Centre's amazing ambassador, Nova
What made your experience abroad unique?
Learning so many different things made my experience unique. I loved that this trip was a study AND volunteer abroad. I loved working with the veterinarians.
How did local staff support you through the program
The staff at the wildlife center in South Africa worked to make sure we were learning and getting hands on experience. They made sure we were comfortable and healthy. The staff there welcomed everyone with open arms!
What is one thing you wish you had done differently?
I wish I would have taken a real camera instead of relying on my iPhone to take pictures. Everyone who took real cameras got amazing photos, and were especially useful during our safari.
Girl feeding a cheetah
Describe a typical day in the life of your program
In the mornings, we worked around the wildlife center, which included feeding the animals and cleaning enclosures. After lunch, we had lectures by the Loop Abroad veterinarians, usually followed by labs and hands on learning experiences.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoyed getting to know the other students on the trip. We played games and sports together. Our free time also gave us opportunities to take showers or take a nap.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
We stayed in volunteer housing. We had A/C and slept in bunk beds. It was winter time in South Africa, so we didn’t have any bug issues. The house had a kitchen and multiple bedrooms.
Safari in Kruger National Park
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
You will learn so much and see lots of wildlife. You will be in the “bush” of South Africa with limited communication to home. Be prepared to also work.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad definitely sets me apart to employers. I have a four year degree in psychology, but I am now working as a veterinary nurse. Although I do not have prior clinical experience as a vet tech, employers said that my experience with Loop Abroad made me stand out.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
I definitely recommend Loop Abroad and the South Africa Veterinary Service program. Loop Abroad employees communicate all the necessary information with students and respond quickly to questions and requests before the trip. The staff on the trip make sure all the students are safe and well taken care of. We all became a family in our short two weeks together!
