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South Africa - Pre-Vet Wildlife Internship

by: GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.92 (12)Verified

This project gives participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with a variety of animal-related issues from African wildlife in game reserves to local livestock on farms. The project offers a professional experience for volunteers in the context of animal welfare, management, and veterinary science. The three main focuses of the project are African wildlife, agricultural liv...

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Program Highlights

Gain hands-on experience working with a variety of wild and domesticated animals in a veterinary setting.

If you’re considering a career working with animals, then this project will give you a unique opportunity to study veterinary science in a real-world setting.

Enjoy living and volunteering abroad and gain knowledge you can take with you for life!

Take a short flight over to Port Elizabeth, a beautiful city located on the water, and explore a vibrant city with lots of activities.

Enjoy your free time relaxing at the beach or participating in one of the numerous water sport activities such as surfing, canoeing, or kite surfing!

Quick Details

Locations
  • Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Availability
Year(s) OfferedYear RoundDuration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 1-2 Weeks
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Veterinary Science
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Awards

GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Intern Abroad ProgramTop Rated Provider 2023 - Notable MentionInnovation in Sustainability Finalist 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.92

Total Reviews

12

my greatest experiences

by: Alyssa CarrollProgram: South Africa - Pre-Vet Wildlife Internship
10

One of my greatest experiences was doing game captures, getting to do an inject an impala and blesbok myself with vitamins, and being able to release them back into a different reserve! Definitely not something I can do back home in the United States! I missed a connecting flight in Africa to my final destination and was having a hard time trying to contact my volunteer group to arrange a different pickup time. I contacted GoEco and they did an amazing job in contacting them and arranging it for me.

Made some really good friends in just 2 weeks

by: Sarah ArmatoProgram: South Africa - Pre-Vet Wildlife Internship
10

South Africa is a wonderful place. Initially, I was disappointed with not being closer to Capetown, but quickly realized Cinsta was just as fun. It is a cheap taxi ride into East London, and a walk away from a beautiful beach. We got experience with 3 game captures (even a night capture), livestock, and domestic animals, as promised. We are currently building a mobile clinic so that will significantly add to your experience. It is refreshing to see that we are able to help build the program while we're there. There was never a point where I felt in danger, even with the lack of street lights. I miss all the stars. Bottom line, if I didn't have to come back and get knee surgery I would have extended my trip hands down. The people were unparalleled as well as the experience.

Had the time of my life

by: Ciera ChinProgram: South Africa - Pre-Vet Wildlife Internship
10

I truly had the time of my life in South Africa. It’s been an absolute blast and I’ve learned an incredible amount. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in game captures - immobilizing, injecting, and transporting various wildlife species, including zebra, giraffe, and assorted types of antelope. I have worked with livestock (cattle and pigs), injecting, de-horning, pregnancy testing and artificially inseminating. I have also worked with domestics (dogs) in the local villages – dipping for fleas, ticks, and mange, injecting antibiotics to treat distemper/ illnesses/injuries and de-worming. I had the chance to do a lot of hands on work that I would not be qualified to do here in Canada, so it is amazing to have that experience to add to my resume for future veterinary work. Aside from that - we would go out often and party! It was a great balance. We worked hard during the day but were free to do as we pleased on evenings and weekends. It was a ton of fun, all the time. The town of Cinsta is small and comfortable giving it a very "homey" feel. You'll always find your way around and there is easy access to the stores and bars/restaurants. Also, the beach is a 5 minute walk away and is absolutely stunning. I was there for a total of three months and it was fantastic. I was nervous when I first arrived. Nervous that I wouldn't meet people, and intimidated by others experience and my lack of. I now have a great amount of experience in working hands-on with these different types of animals and have gotten to know their temperaments. The people were fantastic. I've made life long friends and it felt as though I was living in a house with my family members. The social aspect was incredible as well. I got to know the locals and it was as if I'd lived there for a much longer amount of time. I am planning to visit all of my South African friends in December of this year. I was absolutely devastated when I had to leave - going to the airport was unbearable. I am looking forward to visiting everybody soon - it was a life changing experience that I will remember all of my life.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Canoeing
  • Kiteboarding
  • Sports

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

  • All Nationalities

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Guest House

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview

Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Ashley Anzulewicz

Participated in 2016

Alumni

Show Full Interview

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