Program Reviews

This program and this trip was absolutely amazing and I have nothing but positive things to say about it. I learned more than I even knew I could in such a short period of time. The staff is so patient, compassionate, understanding, enthusiastic, fun, and helpful and I love them all so much. The way that the clinic days were introduced, taught, and done were great. I really loved the recreation days also. I got more out of this trip than I could have imagined and I’ve never been more sure that this is the career I want.

This trip was a lot of fun. I made some great new friends that I had some fun times with and went on adventures with. I met a lot of people that I enjoyed my time with everyone in the group. The support was nice and the rooms were nice. The home stay was an amazing experience for me because it taught me to be thankful for everything I have back at my home and to not take anything for granted. This was definetly a great experience. They had very nice beaches and amazing weather to enjoy. We went banana boating and tubing and many other sorts of activities that I. Can’t think of right now but they were all a amazing and I would do them all again one hundred percent! I am also so happy I learned so much about veterinary medicine and all the experience I got with the animals.

Definitely a trip to remember. Going into this trip I didn’t really know wht to expect in terms of how much we were really able to do (in terms of hands-on in surgery) and homestays. All the vets were very helpful in explaining and being patient with us. Homestays were an amazing experience as well as we got a chance to experience the culture first hand. This allowed us to actually appreciate what we have back home and be more grateful for all that we have. Being in such a large group allowed for us all to experience all types of people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Even if people did not have much experience in this field of work, everyone was patient and willing to help and teach. I am definitely very grateful to have had this experience and to be able to work along side such amazing vets and peers.

During this trip I have not only learned many new skills about veterinary medicine but I have also felt a great level of accomplishment and what it feels like to make a difference in local communities who need it. After clinic days, i went home feeling incredibly proud of what I had done that day. The staff members are incredibly nice and will go out of their way to help you always. I have also had the opportunity to learn spanish and make toms of new friends including my homestay family who were extremely welcoming. I loved the recreational days as they allowed us to see the beauty of the country (horseback riding, beaches, hot springs). I would definitely say that this trip has changed me for the better and i am going home feeling like i have made a small difference in the world.

Overall super amazing trip! If you’re social and like to make friends then this trip is good for you. It was very hands on and educational. Within the matter of 6 clinic days I learned more than I ever would in Canada. This trip allowed us to have so many new experiences and try new things that we would’ve never imagined before. Although we do get freedom on this trip to go to restaurants etc. There was never a time I felt concerned about my safety on this trip. All the staff members are super fun, helpful and, will never make you feel dumb for asking any questions. Not only that but the homestays were my favourite part of this whole trip. Although I speak no Spanish, my Spanish mom made me feel welcomed and had amazing food (and wifi). I can honestly say this has been such an amazing experience.

The Veterinary Program through Vida is absolutely phenomenal! I learned a bunch through hands on experience with veterinarians and program directors. The veterinarians I worked with were very patient and kind while teaching me how to place catheters and ET tubes in our patients. Caring for my patients from registration through recovery allowed me to provide quality services and comfort for the animal. Over the course of the trip I experienced a variety of aspects of veterinary medicine including surgery and working with owners. I really enjoyed immersing myself in the culture and having the opportunity to travel around a large portion of the country. I would recommend a Vida trip to anyone seeking new adventures and leaning while having a good time!

Vida’s medical mission trip is an experience all students who are interested in the health field should go through. I’ve had plenty of medical and clinical experience, but Vida provides a unique experience that you can only get through Vida. I am a coordinator and although this was my first trip, I felt well prepared prior to the trip. The staff members go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable, prepared, and at home while on the trip. They are approachable, they care about your safety, and they truly want you to grow as a person and healthcare professional. The Vida staff has become like a second family to me. The feeling you have during and after this trip is indescribable and can only be understood once you go on the trip. The clinic days are productive and you truly feel the impact you make as the communities are so grateful. The recreational days allow you to rest and recharge, while immersing yourself a little more into the culture and surrounding cities. The host families treat you like their own family and is a great opportunity to learn and delve deep into the culture and communities you’re living and helping in. The team leaders are both the perfect mix of professional and personable. The lead doctor and healthcare professionals during the trip are more than willing to teach you and mentor you providing an opportunity most students won’t get until they’re in their respective programs. All in all, this experience can be defined as “wholesome, a great learning opportunity, and a chance to create another home/family away from home.”

This trip was a great way to be submersed into a new culture. As students we learned so much by being in on the action in clinic days. We not only got to experience a new style of healthcare, but got to experience an entire new way of life. I believe this trip is an amazing step in becoming a well rounded person by donating your time while still having a fun and educational time. In our trip we got to see over 300 patients, and this allowed us to get a wide variety of cases. The people were extremely kind, and it was great to spend time with them in their day to day lives. Also, the views and the food were absolutely delicious! I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world and believe that anyone with this opportunity should jump at it!

This trip was the best thing I have ever spent money on. Not only did I serve the underserved, Vida also made time for us to truly experience another culture. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever done, as cliche as it sounds. Healing people, diving into a new culture, exploring Guatemala, and experiencing it all through Vida. I felt very safe and well taken care of the entire trip. They had the best team leaders for us that made sure we were safe and happy throughout the whole trip. I will go on this trip every year that I possibly can, it was better than any other trip I have ever been on and I truly recommend it to anyone considering! I would recommend a reusable water bottle to bring on this trip and something to carry your passport around with you at all times.

Nicaragua is a beautiful place and I was able to see it and do great work by going with Vida. The healthcare disparities were not as prevalent and areas not as rural as when I completed the Guatemala program, but I had an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The homestay was a great set-up, and my family was so kind. This experience was an amazing way to have a hands on clinical experience in healthcare. Working with interpreters and physicians to interview and diagnose patients made for great work-days and I truly loved going to clinic. Everything was very safe, and clinics operated with the appropriate ethical standards of the US. This opportunity was unique and entirely worth the cost. It seemed a little expensive, but providing physicians and medication to impoverished rural communities while travelling abroad was worth the price! I would not be able to do work like this through other programs I know of.