Program Reviews

My trip to Ecuador with Loop Abroad was an amazing. Waking up in the Amazon and having wild squirrel monkeys follow you on your walk to Amazoonico every morning is something you won't experience anywhere else. We had the opportunity to work on ethograms and implement enrichments for macaws and spider monkeys, observe physical exams on a squirrel monkey and a coati, and evaluate and microchip tortoises for release. We also performed a necropsy on a capuchin monkey and a venemous equis snake. Working with the staff from Amazoonico was a lot of fun, we learned a lot about how veterinary medicine and wildlife conservation works in a foreign country firsthand. We also went into the local town and put on a two day vet clinic for their pets which was a very rewarding experience. And, we had time to do some tourist activities like sight see in historic Quito and go white water rafting!

During the 2 week program to Australia, I was given the opportunity to learn about prominent Australian wildlife through lectures and hands on experiences. This trip opened my eyes to how amazing Australian animals are from a medical and veterinary standpoint. It was an extremely safe, overwhelmingly fun, and remarkably educational experience! Not only did we spend in depth time learning about Australian animals, but we also had lots of chances to explore and have fun! We spent a day at the Taronga zoo as well as a day exploring Sydney. The animal education was very plentiful and was taught in a very fun and interactive way. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in the veterinary, biology, or conservation professions!

Spending 2 weeks in South Africa this summer has been an incredible experience I'll never forget. The staff and veterinarians at Feracare were extremely welcoming and supportive. The passion they have for what they do is so incredible. They all care so much about conservation and the well-being of cheetahs (as well as other animals they have on their property). We also got to spend the weekend at Kruger National Park and the only bad thing I can say about that is that I wish we got to spend more time there. It was so beautiful and absolutely amazing to see these animals in their own habitat. The only complaint that I have is that the food at Feracare wasn't the best but there were circumstances out of their control that changed last minute. Overall, this trip has been so eye-opening and has changed my life. It has solidified the idea that I'd love to be a wildlife veterinarian in the future.

I have never been abroad before in my whole life and I couldn't imagine a more fitting location for me to travel to for my first time than South Africa. I wanted my experience to be in a place that no one I knew has been to so I could have no expectations whatsoever. I was nervous, but South Africa completely blew me away the min I walked into the Zoo where I would be residing. The staff of Lory Park and Loop Abroad were more than welcoming, they treated us like family and it felt like being welcomed into a second home. the sounds of the gibbons, cockatoos, and lions fully immersed me into the South African experience. The Safari Park alone made the entire trip an experience I would never forget. I am so humbled to have had this opportunity.

I may have been a bit nervous before the trip, but that immediately stopped once the trip got going. The experience we shared was so special and unlike any other. Thailand was such a beautiful country that I cannot wait to come back to. Everyone involved with Loop was spectacular and made the trip so much better. The bond our group formed was so supportive and loving. We all become very close and still remain in contact. Every part of the trip was wonderful and my only complaint was that I didn’t want it to end. The food was all delicious and we were able to see so much of the wonderful cities. It was so nice to get a sense of the beautiful culture. Loop created such an immersive experience that was far from any superficial tourist trip. If you want a real adventure that will be educational and enrich your soul, go on this trip.

You will have to trek from the lodging and lecture site at Runa Wasi through the jungle to Amazoonico. It is maybe a 10-15 minute walk but it is totally worth it. Plus splashing through the mud can be pretty fun :) The Amazoonico staff was awesome and I learned so much about rehabilitating and releasing animals. We were even lucky enough to observe a release of many turtles, some of which were endangered. I felt really honored to be apart of their project. On the weekend we spent in Tena, I had the best time white water rafting, caving, and doing unique experiments that only can be done on the equator! We also did a city tour and learned lots of history, visited cool landscapes, and were immersed in Quito culture. This program is definitely for the adventurous!

Diving is no easy feat but the instructors and staff were so helpful and accommodating! I was incredibly comfortable learning to navigate the waters with my group. The tour guides that took us around the island were super knowledgeable and entertaining. Not only do you learn about the abundant marine life you get to participate in snorkel surveys and learn how to conduct research in the water. Plus if you are interested in evolution, this is the best place to go! You learn tons about how animals traveled to the Galapagos and how they have evolved from the mainland. You get to see some of Darwin's finches, blue footed boobies, marine iguanas, and even giant tortoises!! One of the highlights for me was seeing two blue footed boobies partake in their mating dance- so cool! Definitely a one in a life time experience.

This trip was actually the first trip I have taken outside of the United States! The staff was extremely helpful with everything including flights and making sure everyone was safe and having fun throughout the whole session. I personally loved getting to know the group that I stayed with and I think being in a group of people that all had the same enthusiasm and interest made it so much better. I enjoyed learning so much about Australian wildlife and about Australia in general. While there, we had the opportunity to split into groups and learn about a specific animal or species and then observe and create enrichment for them. I was in a group that focused on the dingoes, which are really amazing creatures that are sadly a vulnerable species in Australia. My group and I had a wonderful time learning about their history and creating a fun exercise for them.

I definitely would recommend this trip to everyone, and I will never forget this experience!

With Loop Abroad I was given the opportunity to travel outside of the United States for the first time ever!! I can’t thank Loop enough for giving me the most amazing experience I could ask for. Loop made travel simple and easy and help eliminate the difficulties of most travel accommodations. Loop gave me hands on experience with veterinary procedures, cultural experiences, and volunteering opportunities. The tour guides that Loop chose were amazing! They always made sure they were nice and made you feel at home with them. They never failed to help get anything you requested. One night we all wanted ice cream so our tour guide found us an ice cream place within walking distance of our hotel and took us. They also were very accommodating with the food options!

I have never been on a study abroad program quite like Loop Abroad's program before. I have never felt so at peace and open minded as I was when being immersed into the Thai culture. The staff, students, and the people who live in Thailand were all so nice, willing to help with anything, and made the trip a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have learned so much from working with the staff especially the American and Thai veterinarians. They taught me not only veterinary skills of which I never would have had the opportunity to learn and practice with in America, but they also taught me life-long lessons, that I will be able to carry with me no matter where I go in life. I am truly thankful for this experience, and would recommend it to anyone who has any interest in animals at all. There is something for everyone on this trip. Within two weeks, I was able to make friendships that I am still in contact with today, and that I know will last a life-time.