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Top Destinations for Veterinary Students to Gain Hands-On Experience Abroad

Writer's picture: Sarah KickhöfelSarah Kickhöfel

As someone who's had the privilege of working with Worldwide Vets, I've seen firsthand just how transformative an international placement can be. This experience will go far beyond your classroom learning, offering you hands-on opportunities in some of the most incredible destinations around the world.


For those of you that are new here, hi! I'm Sarah, previously a Volunteer Coordinator, and a newly appointed Marketing Manager! I have been working with Worldwide Vets for three years and counting, attending projects and guiding volunteers for their ultimate placement!


In this blog, I am going to share some of my favourite places where you, as a vet student, can gain unique skills and build unforgettable memories, along with sharing my own experiences from our volunteering projects.


Destinations to Inspire Your Learning and Growth 🌍


India: Your Gateway to Wildlife Veterinary Medicine

From bustling cities to enchanting nightlife, India is a country filled with rich culture and diversity. However, a significant challenge exists where urban areas meet wildlife habitats. Human-wildlife conflict is one of the largest recurring issues that conservation teams and veterinarians face in India, creating an urgent need for wildlife rescue, treatment and rehabilitation—as well as education for affected communities. Our partners at RESQ Charitable Trust are at the frontline of this human-wildlife conflict management, dedicating countless hours and passion to their efforts.


Worldwide Vets and the RESQ team have created an international volunteering opportunity where as a vet student, you can join the RESQ Wildlife Vet Internship, participating in rescue, rehabilitation and clinical cases alongside experts in wildlife medicine.


You'll get the chance to work with an extensive variety of native species—these could include anything from leopards and pangolins to tortoises and snakes. Each day brings different challenges and opportunities, and while I can't predict exactly which animals you'll encounter,  you'll gain valuable experience with India's diverse wildlife, whilst learning about conservation efforts in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. This project particularly stands out to me—and not just because I'm biased! You'll develop vital skills in wildlife health management whilst contributing to meaningful conservation work. The RESQ team who'll be guiding you are patient, kind and quite possibly some of the most passionate people you'll ever meet!


Thailand & Zanzibar: Your Journey into Domestic Animal Medicine

Thailand and Zanzibar are both island-style destinations, with sandy beaches, warm waves and sunshine—a picturesque travel adventure on most travellers' bucketlists. However, like many developing countries, both paradise destinations face an overpopulation of stray animals. That's where our projects come in: the Thailand Vet Clinic and the Zanzibar Vet Clinic focus on managing stray populations of dogs and cats, providing excellent clinical opportunities for students.

From sterilisation campaigns and vaccination drives to rescuing injured animals,  treating the wounded and bringing them back to full health, you'll find these projects perfect if you're interested in working with domestic animals.


Your time at these projects won't just be rewarding—it will give you a unique insight into the challenges of veterinary care in rural and underserved communities. You'll experience the warm hospitality and vibrant culture of island life whilst making a real difference to these animals' lives.


Namibia: Your Role in Rhino Conservation

Namibia should be at the top of your bucket list! With its breathtaking mix of vast deserts, rugged mountains, sprawling savannahs and iconic red sand dunes, the Wildlife Vet & Conservation Expedition in collaboration with our incredible partners at Wild Spirit, offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work directly with rhino conservationists and veterinary specialists in preserving the beautiful 'African Unicorn'—all whilst absorbing the country's sheer beauty.


As part of the team, you'll play a crucial role in protecting these endangered animals from poaching. You'll assist in the veterinary processes, from monitoring anaesthesia to post-procedure care, with expert guidance from the veterinary team. While challenging, your work will be immensely rewarding, giving you a deeper understanding of the vital role vets play in wildlife conservation.


Skills You'll Gain on Your International Placement


As a previous volunteer coordinator, I always did my best to ensure students were placed on projects they would love and where they would gain the most relevant experience. From my experience both behind the screen chatting with volunteers via email and experiencing several projects alongside volunteers on the ground, I can confidently say you'll come away with far more than just veterinary skills:


🔄 Adaptability: You'll learn to think on your feet as you work in different environments with various species and people, developing the ability to respond to situations calmly and flexibly.


🧠 Problem-Solving: You'll face unique challenges when working with new people, animals and methods. You'll learn to step back, listen and problem-solve as part of a team—skills that will prove invaluable in your future career.


🧘‍♀️ Interpersonal Development: Whether in veterinary practice or conservation, you'll discover that teamwork is essential. You'll develop crucial skills in clear communication, active listening and calm problem-solving—setting yourself up to progress from a great student to an outstanding leader.


🤝 Cultural Competence: Your work with local communities will be eye-opening and rewarding, especially when you're helping to teach new approaches to animal care. You'll gain a nuanced understanding of how lack of information often underlies animal mistreatment in rural communities. In wildlife areas, you'll see firsthand how community collaboration is fundamental to conservation efforts.


🩺 Clinical Expertise: Your hands-on experience diagnosing and treating animals alongside seasoned professionals will be unparalleled. You'll gain invaluable insight into how these vets adapt to minimal equipment whilst maximising available resources.


Your Career Growth Through Global Experience


Your international experience won't just enhance your CV—it will shape who you are and who you'll become as a vet. I've watched students develop into confident, well-rounded professionals and leaders, ready to tackle specialised career paths. I've even seen students rediscover their passion after considering career changes. Whether you're passionate about wildlife conservation, livestock management or exotic animal care, your placement will give you the foundation to pursue your dreams—or even spark new ones!



Preparing for Your Placement


Let me share my top two essential tips to help you prepare for any project you join:


Relocating a Nyala Bull
Relocating a Nyala Bull

Read your pre-departure pack thoroughly! 

Your pack will contain everything you need to know, from WiFi availability to clothing recommendations, packing suggestions, visa information, vaccination requirements, cultural norms and much more. And trust me on this one—I learned this lesson the hard way! Picture me on my first project visit, confidently thinking "Pah! Pre-departure pack? I've got this!" Fast forward to me huddled over my dead phone, wallet emptied on emergency adapters, wearing my "all-weather preparation" of a t-shirt and light jumper. Save yourself from my fate: read your pack thoroughly and don't hesitate to ask questions! Your future self (and your phone battery) will thank you!


Be Open-Minded

This is my pro tip for you, and it will truly influence how much you enjoy your trip. Embrace the challenges and differences—they're all part of your adventure! You'll encounter varying veterinary practices, cultural perspectives and approaches worldwide. By embracing different ideas, immersing yourself in new ways of thinking and maintaining patience, you'll gain an invaluable, well-rounded experience to apply to your future career.


Ready to Start Your Journey? 🛫


There's nothing quite like the experience that awaits you abroad as a vet student. At Worldwide Vets, I've watched countless students grow, learn and return with amazing stories and memories which last a lifetime. You'll meet remarkable fellow students and make incredible lifelong friends—I certainly have!


If you're considering taking this leap, don't hesitate! The clinical experience you'll gain is just one of the many benefits of joining us. This opportunity will shape your career and perspective in ways you can't imagine. Having been in your shoes and now seeing countless students transform through these experiences, I can tell you that the hardest part is often just taking that first step. So why not take it today?


Book a friendly chat with our team to:

  • Discover which placement best matches your interests

  • Get detailed answers about specific projects

  • Learn about upcoming availability

  • Discuss any concerns or questions you might have


Ready to turn these possibilities into your reality? Click here to enquire and chat with one of our wonderful volunteer coordinators, or drop us an email at help@worldwide-vets.org. Your adventure in veterinary medicine is just one conversation away!


P.S. Following us on Instagram @worldwidevets will give you a glimpse of the amazing experiences current students are having right now!


 

Not a vet student? Don't worry, we have a project for you!


Horse lover? Check out my recent vlog 👇 on the Safari Stables Project in Zimbabwe 🇿🇼




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Veterinary students volunteering with wildlife zebra in Africa
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Contact: help@worldwide-vets.org

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