Young Adult Veterinary Service

An absolute life changing experience. This was my first time really travelling and it was so fun. Not only that, I was super impressed about how conscientious all the staff were about safety!! From this trip I’ve learned so many new things not only about Veterinary Medicine but about education opportunities and job opportunities. All the locals were extremely friendly and it genuinely was the land of smiles. The Elephant Nature Park is very much like camping but the food is delicious and the genuine connections you make with all the animals and other volunteers is mind blowing. The support staff were also very helpful and kind, during my trip I had had a little allergic reaction from a big bite (just swelling), but as soon as I told the support staff they stayed up with me getting me ice and checking to make sure I was okay and I appreciated it so much. This trip has forever changed my life and I’m so grateful.

Those two weeks in Thailand were amazing and beyond what I expected. Our teachers, Ruth and Jordan, were helpful, patient, and taught us so much. Loop did a great job partnering these two ladies together. Not only were they awesome teachers, but they were also strangers turned into lifelong friends, along with the others girls in the Young Adult Vet group.

The classes taught us many basics of what goes on in the vet field and we were able to have hands on practice with the dogs and cats of ARK. At ENP, we worked closely with elephants following them around and doing diet studies. We were also able to do some chores, feed the elephants, bathe them, and work a little in their animal clinic.

The housing accommodations for both our week in Chiang Mai and ENP were great. The food options provided for us during our week in Chiang Mai were also great! There was a variety to choose from for our lunch breaks; I ate something different every day! At ENP, it was all vegetarian, but I still managed to eat something filling every single day.

Overall, this was an adventure I will never forget. If there is some advice I like to give people now, it is to take that leap and study abroad! You will not regret it!

This trip was an excellent combination of learning about vet services on companion animals as well as exotic animals and at the same time giving back to the community. My experience was amazing! Everything on my trip went so smoothly. Well organized and professional group of people that made my trip that much more enjoyable. I learned very valuable skills that I will carry on throughout my life and the duration of my future career in vet medicine.