Program Reviews

I took part in a VIDA veterinary trip in Nicaragua. I found the doctors to be extremely attentive and caring of the animals and the volunteers. They were never too far away when any volunteer needed help with a patient or had a question that needed answered, and they were all great teachers as well. At the end of the day they were able to let loose and have some fun with us volunteers. Sharing and contrasting our different experiences in veterinary medicine is one of the greatest memories I have of my trip.

Fun trip, surprised by the quality of two of our hotels- much ritzier than expected. Eye opening and humbling to see and live with the communities. I feel like this trip gave me both the tourist's view as well as the local's view of the country. Couldn't have asked for a better experience! Great people and great staff!

Excellent and flexible, we were able to change our itinerary the last day so that we weren't in hot buildings but instead on the Pacific beach all day. Great need for medical help in this area and interesting cases. Learned a lot.

Got to do everything a vet would do on a daily basis with their supervision so it was both a challenging yet amazing experience. I learned so much and got to spend time in the country that I love.

From the hands-on day-to-day surgical procedures to the homestay in Turrialba, this trip was truly memorable. The extra activities (rafting, volcano trip, beach day) were also a great way to see Costa Rica. I'd love to go back and do this again someday.

It was amazing to meet such a welcoming staff with the programs and meetings set up so that the participating students are prepared for the clinic days. The clinic days are also a great opportunity for students to both experience hands-on medical work as well as learn in detail how to diagnose patients. Clinic days are mixed in with recreational days for participants to explore the country as a group.

I would recommend this trip for any pre-health student because of the opportunities you can explore. I was involved in the Veterinary program and I can honestly say it was the most eye-opening experiences of my life. I was able to personally help with surgeries and do consults for many dogs and cats. I have no idea where else you'll be able to be so involved and learn the amount of information I did in only two weeks. It was a life-changing experience for me and I want more than everything to go on another VIDA trip. You'll also form close friendships with your fellow trip members because you share a common purpose and I can guarantee you'll absolutely not want to leave!

The program was run very well! The interpreters were great to work with as well as the doctors! Lester and Amy were outstanding! I wish though we could have done a few more fun things on our rec days like go to a beach for a day or something like that

Doctors challenged us to think critically in solving problems as well as allowed us to do many hands-on things that enhanced our learning experience. The ability to diagnose patients helped us learn the uses of different medicines and how they impacted people in different situations based on pregnancy status, age and other medical issues.

There are no words to describe how positive an impact this VIDA trip had on myself and the poor communities in Guatemala. The six clinic days were the most rewarding days I've ever experienced in my entire life. One lady walked two hours up a mountain just to get her teeth cleaned because she couldn't afford a dentist. Another man had a blood sugar level of 28, which is extremely high and I didn't know someone could function at this level. Unfortunately he couldn't afford medicine so he was so thankful that we could provide a free referral for him. We experienced tuberculous, Down's syndrome, fractures, and Lupus. There were a lot of common cold cases but no matter the specific case, the hands on patient experience (2 or 3 students with an interpreter and patient) was incredible. It confirmed by beliefs that I want to be a nurse practitioner. The non clinic days were fun too. We did ziplining, a boat tour, and got a explore Antigua which was beautiful. This trip was definitely worth all the money and time put into it.