Loop Abroad
Why choose Loop Abroad?
Started in 2009 with nine students and one elephant in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Loop Abroad now welcomes hundreds of students over dozens of programs with an uncompromising focus on supporting animals in need and partnering only with ethical, local organizations with strong reputations in the animal conservation community-at-large. We are a student travel organization that began with a singular focus – provide hands-on learning experiences for students pursuing a career working with animals. We have done this by partnering with world-renowned conservationists in their efforts to protect endangered animals. While our programs and geography have expanded, we remain committed to global animal welfare. We aim to make a positive impact on animal welfare and wildlife conservation around the world by partnering with responsible, local organizations to support them in their efforts while at the same time offering our students unprecedented opportunities for hands-on learning across all programs. We are proud to offer a wide range of ethical and responsible travel programs to students who share our commitment to furthering the cause for animal rights and respect for all living things. As we pursue our mission, we strive to follow the Standards of Good Practice set out by the Forum on Education Abroad, which is recognized as the US Standards Development Organization for the field.
Started in 2009 with nine students and one elephant in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Loop Abroad now welcomes hundreds of students over dozens of programs with an uncompromising focus on supporting animals in need and partnering only with ethical, local organizations with strong reputations in the animal conservation community-at-large. We are a student travel organization that began with a singular focus – provide hands-on learning experiences for students pursuing a career working with animals. We have done this by partnering with world-renowned conservationists in their efforts to protect endangered animals. While our programs and geography have expanded, we remain committed to global animal welfare. We aim to make a positive impact on animal welfare and wildlife conservation around the world by partnering with responsible, local organizations to support them in their efforts while at the same time offering our students unprecedented opportunities for hands-on learning across all programs. We are proud to offer a wide range of ethical and responsible travel programs to students who share our commitment to furthering the cause for animal rights and respect for all living things. As we pursue our mission, we strive to follow the Standards of Good Practice set out by the Forum on Education Abroad, which is recognized as the US Standards Development Organization for the field.
Loop Abroad Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Sad to be leaving
October 09, 2025by: Nannie ReeseProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
It was a wonderful experience! I learned so much in just two short weeks. Everyone was so kind and experienced. This is without a doubt a once in a lifetime experience and I'm sad to be leaving so soon.
One of the best Loop programs
October 09, 2025by: Teddy TorresProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
The staff is extremely friendly and they have all kinds of fun activities planned. We get to learn so much about the culture in South Africa and in veterinary medicine. One of the best Loop programs ever!
Learned more than I thought possible
October 09, 2025by: Lisa HodgesProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
This experience was the best I've ever experienced in my life. I was not only able to learn more about my future career than I thought possible, but also learn the different culture which was amazing to me.
Got what I always wanted
October 09, 2025by: Cerys BaxterProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
This program was an amazing experience for me because I have always wanted to pursue a career in vet med, but never had the experience I wanted. Coming on this trip has allowed me to gain experience with exotics!
A whole new person
October 09, 2025by: Enya HansenProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
There is still a part of my heart left behind in Africa. Each and every morning brought a new joy. Every activity broadened my perspectives. Every interaction made me into a whole new person! Thank you Lory Park!
I'll never forget it
October 09, 2025by: Carol McintyreProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
I loved this journey so much and it was truly the best program on this trip. I thank everyone who came together and made this experience amazing. I will never forget this as long as I live.Thank you, Loop Abroad!
Helped me think of future pathways
October 09, 2025by: Jasmin GallagherProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
This trip has been an amazing experience with the welcoming staff and the amazing big cats. I have learned more about myself and veterinary medicine and this has helped me think about future pathways for my career.
Once in a lifetime program
October 09, 2025by: Freyja CollinsProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
Loop has been the best experience of my pre-vet years. I am glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and came to South Africa. My advice, step out of your comfort zone and experience a once in a lifetime program.
Staff love their jobs.
October 09, 2025by: Safaa DunlapProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
I loved going to Kruger. It was such a life changing experience. I also loved the Big Cat Day and the cub lab. Our staff also helped us with our project and I can tell how much they love their jobs and the students!
10/10
October 09, 2025by: Maia BonnerProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
This was one of the most magical experiences of my life. If I could do this every year I would. From the people to the experiences, everything was so informative and welcoming. The experience I gained here was invaluable.
Met amazing people
October 09, 2025by: Traci OconnellProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
Loop has been one of the best experiences of my life! I learned so much and met some amazing people. This is a trip I will remember for the rest of my life! The connections I made and experiences I had were unforgettable.
Freda the python is my bestie now.
October 09, 2025by: Sophia MendezProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
I really enjoyed all the activities we had, from dancings to vet practices. We really got hella opportunities to work with animals and do the procedures we wouldn't normally be able to do. Freda the python is my bestie now.
Grateful for the opportunities
October 09, 2025by: Hannah DavenportProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities this program has given me. I am grateful for the bonds I have created and the new information I have experienced. I get to take home and apply all of this to my journey in veterinary medicine.
Can't describe the family I made
October 09, 2025by: Alex PattersonProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
I loved the relationships I made and I can't describe the family that I have truly made. We got many opportunities to learn and get an experience that is truly once in a lifetime. I can honestly say this program has changed my life for the better.
Skills that will aid my future
October 09, 2025by: Laiba SuttonProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
This program excited me in the veterinary field and allowed me to practice skills I could only develop on this trip. The staff was amazing and helped me every step of the way. I am so grateful for the opportunities given to me and i know these skills will aid my future!
Had a blast.
October 09, 2025by: Jannat AbbottProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
The very first day, we got to watch a procedure and then take care of her afterward. From there, the great times with the staff kept going. Our program vet leader was so inspirational and gave us so much advice. I learned a lot from her and had a blast at the same time!
Wouldn't trade for anything
October 09, 2025by: Rebekah AtkinsProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
I had a fantastic time on this trip and learned so much about how a zoo runs day to day and how so many people come together to make things happen. I'm so glad I was able to be a part of this program and I wouldn't trade the skills, knowledge, and memories gained for anything.
I hope to do it again
October 09, 2025by: Brittney BonillaProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
I really enjoyed the program and the staff, everyone was super welcoming, patient, and friendly, making the whole time super nice. I learned so much and those experiences I'll keep and remember for life. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and I hope to be able to participate in something like this again.
The inside scoop on wildife
October 09, 2025by: Xanthe SullivanProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
I had the absolute best time on this trip. I learned so much about so many different animals and it taught me that we need to care about all animals, not just the cute cuddly (not) big cats. If you are passionate about wildlife and would like to get an inside scoop, this once in a lifetime opportunity is for you!
A real experience
October 09, 2025by: Elena HarmonProgram: South Africa Zoo Medicine
Getting to see everything the zookeepers do from the moment they wake up gave me perspective. More appreciative towards the work the other people do that are connected to vets. I absolutely love South Africa and its culture. I can't wait to come back and see everyone. Thank you for opening my eyes and giving me a real experience.
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Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Megan Babcock
Participated in 2018
Megan is from Pennsylvania and she just graduated from the University of Tampa, where she majored in psychology and minored in exercise science. She h...

Megan Babcock
Participated in 2018
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.

Victoria Woodard
Participated in 2018
Victoria is from a small town in Upstate NY, although she had recently moved to NC before her program. She got her Associates in Math and Science in N...

Victoria Woodard
Participated in 2018
I grew up wanting to help animals abroad as volunteer work, not a career. However, after I decided I wanted to become a veterinarian a couple years ago, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to travel abroad, gain animal experience, and help animals in need.

Jane Stine
Interviewed in 2018
Jane is the Managing Director of Loop Abroad and has been with Loop Abroad since 2009. She currently lives in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where the Thailand...

Jane Stine
Interviewed in 2018
What inspired you to travel abroad?
Describe a typical day at work as the Managing Director of Loop Abroad.
Erica Ward
Interviewed in 2018
Dr. Erica has participated in conservation, veterinary, and eco-tourism programs in Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Greece, Thailand, Cambodia, South A...
Erica Ward
Interviewed in 2018
What inspired you to travel abroad?
What inspired you to work for Loop Abroad?

Monica Lee
Participated in 2018
Monica Lee is from Tennessee. She is currently a senior at the University of Tennessee with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and a minor in ...

Monica Lee
Participated in 2018
It has always been a dream of mine to go to Africa. I had heard about Loop Abroad and decided to look into it. When I saw that this trip was available, I was sold. I am so blessed to have had this amazing opportunity!

Samantha T-H
Participated in 2016
Samantha is a 23-year-old veterinary technology student who has a learning disability, and had doubts that her vet tech career would ever be reachable...

Samantha T-H
Participated in 2016
My passion and dream of working with animals and my curiosity of traveling to a foreign country.
Awards
Check out awards and recognitions Loop Abroad has received













