GoAbroad

Large Animal Veterinary Practice in the Tropics

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4.7 / 5Overall Rating
203Reviews
2010Year established

Program Overview

Enhance your chances for vet school with an intensive, hands-on, veterinary study program in Belize. Find yourself immersed in large animal veterinary practice techniques on farms and ranches (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs). Get amazing, real-life exposure and take your career potential to a new level through hands-on work in the field and laboratory. The classes are small, which ensures your interests are accommodated.

In the Large Animal Veterinary Practices in the Tropics course, you learn firsthand examination techniques, animal agriculture and husbandry, and preventative medicine. Class time is spent in fieldwork involving a horse ranch and breeding facility; a sheep farm focusing on genetic breeding; and cattle (dairy and beef) and pig farms. Each of the field experiences provides general husbandry (shelter, nutrition, and waste management) and knowledge of large farm animals. Basic veterinary care is taught and more advanced veterinary practices such as preventive medicine, reproductive management, medicine, and surgery are observed. Fieldwork provides unique experiences to showcase on your application for vet school.

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Program Highlights

Gain valuable veterinary experience working in the field with large animals, cattle (beef and dairy), horses, sheep, pigs, and goats.
Meet students from all over North America and from several cultures in Belize.
Tour Maya archaeological sites and interact with modern day Maya people on their ranches and farms.
Spend an amazing two weeks in a small town in western Belize, with student housing close to major amenities and some attractions such as the Macal River.
Participate in an animal health clinic for dogs and cats as a volunteer vet student in a local village.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Some Program Activity Costs
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
In-Country Orientation

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • San Ignacio, Belize

Fields & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
  • Veterinary Medicine & Science
  • Conservation & Preservation
  • Animal Science

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029
  • Terms Available
  • Summer
  • Winter

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Guest House

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18-30

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about CELA Belize

4.7
203 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
148
4
53
3
2
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Cultural Immersion
4.6
Academics
4.6
Living Situation
4.5
Program Administration
4.5
Community
4.5
Health & Safety
4.4

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-20 of 203 reviews

Halima HoustonJanuary 2025

Broadened my horizons

This was an amazing experience that broadened my horizons towards things I could never have imagined. I learned so much about Belize and its many amazing cultures. I am thankful for this opportunity to learn and do things I could have never done in the US. What a life changing two weeks in Belize! Thank you so much for showing me what I didn't even know I was missing.

Ronnie MerrittJanuary 2025

Sharing passion

I loved the idea of being able to travel to a foreign contry to study my passion. It provides you with a unique opportunity to gain an appreciation of the experiences you receive and gives you a new perspective on how people of different cultures and ways of life live, while all sharing the same passion and morals.

Tamzin SweeneyJanuary 2025

Go on this trip. It's amazing.

This program helped me to feel more confident in my skills and knowledge of veterinary medicine. It really made me feel like I belong in this field and could make a difference. I can't wait to come back to make more of a difference. Go on this trip if you have the opportunity to. It's amazing.

Asia MartinezJanuary 2025

Hands on opportunities

The program was such a great learning experience for me. I made amazing friendships and got to have hands-on opportunities that I've never had before and that will last a lifetime. I would highly recommend this trip to anybody who wants to learn about other cultures! Thank you, Loop Abroad!

Krystal NashJanuary 2025

Solidified what I want to do.

The program was amazing. It had the perfect balance of hands on experience and fun. It gave me insight on the veterinary practice in the country of Belize compared to the US. This program helped me gain experience I've never had before and solidified what I want to do in my career.

Addie MaxwellJanuary 2025

Would recommend to anyone

The wonderful people and interesting culture I got to personally experience on the trip was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. The staff and teachers made me feels safe and welcome. I learned so much and wish I could do even more. I would recommend to anyone!

Eva RivasJanuary 2025

Gave me confidence

This trip not only gave me first-hand experience I'd never had, but it also gave me friendships with many different people from multiple backgrounds. It also gave me confidence to try new things involving vet med because the only way to get better is to practice.

Zaara KleinJanuary 2025

I plan to visit again

I really enjoyed this program - I got experiences that I normally wouldn't get back home! I plan to try and visit again, whether it's as a TA or as a tourist to see the country and people that I met here. I couldn't have asked for a better experience!

Oakley RobinsonJanuary 2025

Larger knowledge of large animals.

At first I was nervous to come since I have never been around large animals. However, Loop Abroad and the high school faculty made me feel comfortable. Now I get to go back home with great memories and a bigger knowledge about livestock animals.

Sylvie ArmstrongJanuary 2025

Came out much wiser

This program is the most hands on experience I have been able to find. The staff ensures that everyone gets a chance to learn each topic. I came out of this wiser and much more knowledgeable because of the variety in our experiences.

Fatimah LambertJanuary 2025

From day 1, you're suturing.

This experience is one of the most hands on things I have ever done. From day one you are suturing actual animals and learning incredible things. You also make amazing friends with people who have the same interests as you.

Maryam FinleyJanuary 2025

Prepared for vet school

I cannot recommend this program enough. As someone who has done many Loop Abroad trips, this is the best for hands on learning and cultural experience. I feel more prepared for vet school thanks to the doctor and his team.

Shayla ReillyJanuary 2025

It's worth everything!

The staff in Belize make you feel at home. Everything is hands on and you learn by doing. I have never been so grateful for an experience before. It's worth everything and you definitely shouldn't miss it for anything!

Renee PooleJanuary 2025

Got to practice suturing

I loved all the activities that we did. Practicing my suturing skills was a good experience and I learned a lot of other things such as vaccinating livestock and doing physical exams and body condition scores.

Olivia LopezJanuary 2025

Broke my scale.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Loop Abroad program. It submerges you in the culture of Belize, encourages you to dive head first into everything the program has to offer. #onascaleofonetoten:brokemyscale

Tia JordanJune 2024

Dove deeper into animal health

This program opens up opportunities dive deeper into animal health. The cultural experience mixed with the veterinary experience is in all amazing impact. To anyone hoping or even thinking of doing this program, be open-minded and go for it!

Iqra BensonJune 2024

Loved this program

I loved this program. Not only did it widen my professional knowledge, but also expanded my cultural awareness. This trip has been far and away one of the experience I enjoyed the most and am most proud of.

Macauley HebertJune 2024

Best class taken in college

This trip without a doubt opened my eyes to my future career as a vet. It also showed me that there are cultural differences in medicine and animal care. This is the best class I've taken while in college.

Kelsie HortonJune 2024

Large animal program = amazing

The large animal program was amazing, I was able to connect with the doctor and learn a lot more issues concerning animals in this country. I recommend this program to vet students. Amazing hands on experience.

Lydia SheppardMay 2024

Inspired in so many ways

This out of this world trip inspired me in so many ways. From the staff and local people to the opportunities to the cultural immersion. I feel so motivated and better prepared for my future than ever before.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

2019 Notable Mentions
GoAbroad Top Rated Organization 2017 (Notable Mention)

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