GoAbroad

Costa Rica: Veterinary Experience

Inquire Here
Contact ProviderProgram Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.0 / 5Student rating
1Review
22Programs
1993Year established

Program Overview

Want to know what it's like to work with animals every day? Thinking of being a veterinarian? Join us in a tropical paradise and get a hands-on introduction to veterinary medicine. The best way to learn about a future in veterinary medicine is to roll up your sleeves and jump right in! Working alongside professionals, you'll learn how to examine different types of animals, give injections, and perform necropsy and diagnostic tests. Attend lectures on anatomy, immunology, diagnostics, pathology, animal behavior, and other topics. Observe and assist local veterinarians in drawing blood, interpreting radiographs, and performing spay/neuter surgeries. This is a real-world experience with animals on actual working farms, in clinics, and even a wildlife rescue center. The excitement doesn't stop there, though. Raft the rapids of the Sarapiqui, zip-line through the jungle canopy, and experience Costa Rica's friendly culture in a way that few do. For summer 2026, we are offering four sessions (while spots are available): June 18 - July 9, 2026 June 25 - July 16, 2026 July 12 - August 2, 2026 July 19 - August 9, 2026 For more information on cost and availability, check our website.

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

See program details

Program Highlights

Volunteer in rescue centers and medical clinics.
Perform physical exams and learn about animal anatomy.
Gain hands-on experience in equine and bovine medicine.
Help build enrichment habitats for rehabilitating animals.
Go whitewater rafting, horseback riding, hiking, and rappelling.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Welcome Dinner
Group Meals
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
Some Equipment
Guide / Chaperone
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
In-Country Orientation
Training
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Course Materials
Academic Credit

Quick Details

Location
San Jose, Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered:2027
Terms Available:
  • Summer
Age Requirement14-17
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • Animal Science
  • Veterinary Medicine & Science
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
Focus Areas:
  • Experiential Learning
GuidelinesAll Nationalities
Inquire about this program

Updated Aug 20, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • San Jose, Costa Rica

Fields & Subjects

  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
  • Veterinary Medicine & Science
  • Animal Science

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered: 2027
  • Terms Available: Summer
  • Duration: 2-4 Weeks, Summer

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Language: English
  • Education: High School Freshman (1st Year)
  • Education: High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • Education: High School Junior (3rd Year)
  • Education: High School Senior (4th Year)

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • Written Application
  • Physical Exam/Health Records

Age Requirement

14-17

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Broadreach

4.0
1 review

Rating breakdown

5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Academics
5.0
Living Situation
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Community
5.0
Cultural Immersion
3.0
Program Administration
3.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1 of 1 review

London LittletonUnited States · November 2022

Everything I had hoped and more

This trip was truly everything I had hoped it was and so much more, and although it may sound cheesy, this trip truly did change my life forever. This trip taught me, someone who has always thought they would become a veterinarian, that really working as a veterinarian is very different than just in the pictures. This trip provides in-depth experiences working as, and with, veterinarians in an every day setting. Even after realizing that being a veterinarian wasn’t for me, I still enjoyed every moment of this trip from beginning to end. The activities when working with animals was hands on every step of the way. Even lectures were super engaging and fun. We worked with animals in so many different kinds of environments, which is really what helped guide me into what category I wanted to work in. For example; when working with horses, we were split into groups to practice veterinary care, and go on a fantastic horseback ride through the Costa Rican wilderness. We were also able to learn basic behavior about the horse, and then in turn how to use horse behavior when communicating with the horse. The community that I had on my trip was truly like no other I had ever experienced, everyone got along and by the third day everyone was like family. I was extremely nervous going on this trip, especially going by myself, but I will tell you that participating in this trip will be one of the best experiences of your entire life. Not only is this trip educational, but it also involves a ton of fun! And the best part is you have your best friends to do it with you every step of the way. If you have any interest in veterinary work, or even if you don’t, I would highly recommend going on this trip. You will never forget it.

Photos

Inquire

Inquire about this program

Have a question? Send us a message and the program team will get back to you.

Step 1 of 4Timing

When do you want to travel?

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Forum on Education Abroad

Related Programs

Browse programs you might like

Heredia, Costa Rica
University Studies Abroad Consortium logo

University Studies Abroad Consortium

4.43

58 reviews

USAC Costa Rica: Heredia - Latin American Studies & Ecology

The Heredia program in Latin American Studies and Ecology is an ideal path if you are committed to learning about diverse Latin American cultures...

Bridge Adventure!
WorldStrides logo

WorldStrides

4.45

22 reviews

Study Abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica with WorldStrides

Experience San José, Costa Rica, a vibrant capital city where Latin American culture, modern city life, and natural beauty come together. Study a...

Two EF students relaxing by the Seine River in Paris, with flowers, a book, and an EF tote bag beside them.
EF Education First logo

EF Education First

3.5

2 reviews

EF - Language Abroad

Step beyond the classroom and into the world with EF Language Abroad. Our immersive programs combine academic excellence with life-changing cultu...

Have more questions?

We're here to help!

The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and Broadreach is also happy to answer any questions you have.

Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997