Location
  • Thailand
    • Chiang Mai
Term
Summer
Subject Areas
Animal Science Biology Health Sciences Wildlife Sciences

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
High School Diploma Bachelors
Language
English

Pricing

Starting Price
3850
Price Details
Program tuition is $3,850. All costs are included less airfare.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Classes Meals Transportation
What's Not Included (Extra)

International airfare

Aug 12, 2018
Sep 04, 2022
12 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

In this two-week program, you’ll work and learn alongside veterinarians at an elephant sanctuary and a dog rescue. Students live among the elephants and care directly for them while providing check-ups and procedures to dogs in need.

This program is divided into two weeks. In one week, students work with our staff vet to care for dogs at the Dog Rescue Clinic in Chiang Mai. Students learn how to assess the dogs' health by performing exams and get hands-on practice providing medical care. The other week is spent at the Elephant Nature Park, providing love and support for the 40 elephants who live there.

This program is open for college students (rising freshman through graduating seniors) who are interested in becoming veterinarians or working professionally with animals. Prices are all-inclusive (less airfare) and financial aid is available.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Gain hands-on experience practicing clinical skills in a companion animal shelter
  • Observe and provide care for rescued elephants at a local sanctuary
  • Explore city life in Chiang Mai, including visits to local temples and markets

Related Programs

Program Reviews

4.97 Rating
based on 59 reviews
  • 5 rating 96.61%
  • 4 rating 3.39%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.5
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.85
  • Housing 4.7
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 1 - 8 of 59 reviews
Default avatar
Taylor
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand College Vet Service

The elephant nature park is unreal! It is by far the most magical place an animal lover can experience. Any time you sit anywhere there is always a four-legged companion at your side. I have never seen such happy animals, they are all in a constant state of play. Seeing elephants being elephants never gets old. They are spectacular animals with so much personality! Getting the opportunity to observe them in a setting where they can be themselves and be loved is indescribably beautiful.

The dog rescue clinic gave me so much confidence in my small animal clinic skills. They give you a non-judgemental space to practice vet skills and ask questions that can be very difficult to find in a hospital setting at home. The city days pass by so fast because you get to do so much every day!

The loop abroad team is there for you anytime. This team puts in so much effort and it shows - the program is really one of a kind! The guides and course instructors are some of the most compassionate people I have ever met. Most people you come across at the elephant nature park and dog rescue clinic are so courageous, wholesome, and humble. The people I got to work with changed my life for the better because they genuinely value each of their students as an individual.

Pros
  • THE MOST AMAZING STAFF - the best people you will ever meet
  • Elephants, dogs, cats, geckos
  • You get to do so much in two weeks that would take months to learn in a hospital
Cons
  • Elephant activities on the felid may be hard if you have any trouble running
  • There are plenty of vegan/vegetarian options once you are in the program but the plane might not
46 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jenna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fun and Educational

It was very interesting to learn about elephants and how they are treated! The history was about some of the elephants was heartbreaking but essential information to help conserve the elephants and make educated actions. Learning about companion animals was also interesting and is useful for the future! At the dog rescue clinic we were able to be very hands on which I would not have been able to do at my local clinic. Being close to the elephants and meeting new people in a fun environment made this trip memorable.

43 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Liliana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand two week trip

Two weeks go by fast, especially when engaged in multiple activities; from scooping elephant poop, to observing their behavior, assist neutering dogs, cats and visiting the city of Chiangmai. Its amazing to do all these activities in a different country as you have the opportunity to experience other people's culture and day to day life. For me all the trip has been a memorable experience as every day was different and unique. I would highly recommend anyone interested in gaining animal experience to attend this trip.

Pros
  • Hands on experience
  • Culture engagement
Cons
  • Bugs
  • No other activities if a student can't participate
44 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Renee
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Elephant Experience

Even the boring work is fun when you’re in a new country with new people. This trip just made me want to do so much more travel and I retained more information than I would in a classroom setting. The living environment can be rough but it was at no surprise and it just gave the experience a little more excitement. The amount of one on one time you get with the doctors also allows for so much learning opportunity. Overall this trip was definitely memorable and I would recommend it to anyone looking for animal science experience.

Pros
  • Clinical techniques
  • Textbook animal science knowledge
Cons
  • Lower quality living environment
49 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Theresa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Adventure of a lifetime

I had lots of fun. I Made so many new friends that I will keep forever. The Staff was great and I already miss them dearly. I Loved the itinerary and how it was already planned out for each day and the setup of the course. I Learned a lot about animals and the Thai culture. I loved getting to know the elephants at the park and learning about the mahoots. I also loved surgery week and am much more confident in the small animal clinic because of this study abroad! Its a great resume booster. I didn’t want to leave and I can’t wait to go back!!

Pros
  • Planned itinerary
  • Get behind the scenes
  • Lots of volunteer hours
Cons
  • If you don’t like the food
  • Some loving accommodations
  • Bugs
41 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Brianna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a lifetime experience!

This experience provided the opportunity to study companion animals and elephants in a supportive learning environment. The hands-on opportunities at Elephant Nature Park are unique and gave me skills that I can apply in the future. This program also allowed me to immerse myself in Thai culture through trying different foods and learning the language and customs. We were also able to explore Chiang Mai and the various temples which were amazing! Highly recommend this experience for college students!

42 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Naiel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of the best experiences of my life

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.

78 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Madison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Want both a fun and academic setting to learn about veterinary science? Loop Abroad is the program for you!

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.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice would be to keep an open mind and try and push yourself out of your comfort zone a bit. Sometimes traveling to foreign countries (especially if you're going with a group of people you don't know) can be nerve-wracking and scary. Pushing yourself to try new things and meet new people, in my opinion, is the best way to grow, build relationships, and even to network for your future.
77 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

After checking the site, it appears that the program is for young adults ages 18-23. Hope that helps! Here's the link for more info: http://www.loopabroad.com/content/college-veterinary-service

Hi Melodie, the price for this is $3859 USD and $5411.18 CAD