Hosted by Loop Abroad

Loop Abroad - College Veterinary Service Program

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Location

Thailand
- Chiang Mai

Term

Summer

Subject Areas

Animal Science Biology Health Sciences Wildlife Sciences

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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

Last Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Last Reviewed: Sep 04, 2022

16 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

Practice veterinary medicine at a local dog rescue clinic

Perform a diet study on elephants

Assist in providing veterinary care to rescued animals

Spend time walking dogs at the local rescue clinic

See some of Chiang Mai's most popular sites

Learn from a licensed vet and build your skills

Soar through the jungle on a zipline adventure

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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

Rating Spread Study

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

Good for Building your resume, Students, Groups

Showing 41 - 48 of 59 reviews

This trip was an amazing experience. I was so lucky to be able to see another country in a safe environment with people I could trust and be able to help so many animals while I was there. I learned so much about elephants, Thai culture, veterinary medicine, and myself while I was there. I am so thankful for this trip because it helped ensure me that I was taking the right path in life and it absolutely made a better person and the woman I am today.

What would you improve about this program?

I loved all of the activities we did but there were a few more I wish we could have done! Perhaps a survey could be given upon acceptance to the program for us to rate which extra activities we would want to do more.

This was my first time traveling outside of the country. My parents and my self were scared but I wanted to go so bad.
Loop abroad sent weekly emails about things to pack and FAQ and even the travel alerts.
My flight took off from Salt Lake City Utah to jfk airport on Friday july 11th. We were scheduled to leave jfk on Saturday morning.
We got on the flight to Thailand and I was so scared but I felt so safe. They made sure we were all comfortable and ready for the long flight.
We landed in Hong Kong after 16 hours of being in the air and then had a little lay over. Then we flew into chiang Mai Thailand.
They let our parents know we were there safe. The next 2 weeks were all about learning, and exploring.
We stayed at the elephant nature park for 1 week which was the coolest experience ever. We were literally sleeping with the elephants outside our door. We learned a lot about elephants. How many people get to say they have bathed with an elephant in the wild? Not many. But I did. We splashed with them and bathed them for hours. After our week there we went and stayed at a hostel that loop abroad rents out just for their students. We were there for 1 week and worked in a animal shelter. We neutered 2 dogs and 2 cats. We actually did it. It was amazing. We learned how to give vaccines and take blood and remove ticks.
During our free time they took us to the night markets, and gave us each a cell phone to communicate. If we did not come back on time or disrespect the rules we would get that privilege taken away. They wanted to make sure we were always safe.
They took us to cool restaurants and a butter fly sanctuary and even tiger kingdom where we layed and played with tigers.
Then the day came. Time to leave. I was ready to go home but I knew I was going to miss Thailand.
Overall, this trip was so worth it. I can't express how grateful I am to loop abroad not only for the amazing experience but also feeling so entirely safe and protected the entire time.
If you're looking for a trip or a volunteer program for you or your child I highly recommend them. They have all sorts of programs not only vet ones. Check out their wesbite. Www.loopabroad.com
I plan to go back with loop abroad.

What would you improve about this program?

If I could change one thing, it would be the program length. I would have loved 1 more week.

This trip was an incredible experience. The short two weeks we were there we were constantly busy doing fun and exciting things. If you love animals, adventures, and good times then this trip is perfect! You have to put in some hard work, but hey work hard, play hard right? The staff was super supportive and was always willing to help you with anything you needed whether it was being homesick or what to buy for a family member, they were there to help! I learned so much and had so much more fun than I ever expected.

What would you improve about this program?

More freedom to college aged kids, we are (kinda) adults at this point lol.

All I could think about when filling out the programs review preceding this page was that I wish 11/10 was an option, because that is truly how I would rate every aspect of my experience with loop abroad. Being an aspiring veteranarian this trip seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to travel abroad, learn in a hands on environment about veterinary medicine ( both domestic and exotic!) and make life long friends, so it's safe to say that going into this adventure I had very high expectations. Well, it's also safe to say that every single one of those high expectations was exceeded. From before my departure, the staff was extremely friendly and tremendously helpful, the amount of hands of veterinary learning I got to be a part of was outstanding, and the amazing people and animals I met along the way only made the experience 100x better. I would recommend this trip to anyone with an interest in pursuing veterinary medicine who's looking for a hands on and unique learning experience, but most of all to someone who is looking to have their lives forever changed (FOR THE BETTER!!!) by this extraordinary program. The college veterinary program with loop abroad was easily the best two weeks of my entire life and thanks to loop, do have lifelong memories, knowledge and friends that I will carry with me for a very long time.

What would you improve about this program?

I wish I could help and make some sort of constructive criticism, but there's nothing to improve. The trip was so safe, organized, fun and exceeded all of my high expectations. 11/10

I learned so much and had a lot of fun during the two weeks I spent in Thailand this summer. I got to practice veterinary skills such as drawing blood, checking for parasites, and neutering a dog and cat. The second week was spent with rescued elephants and it was amazing to see the hard work that went into the sanctuary and what a difference it made in these elephant's lives. The Loop Abroad program staff were all helpful and friendly and tried extremely hard to make sure that we had the best experience possible!

What would you improve about this program?

I would be happy to have another week with the program, I feel like even though we learned so much every day there was still more to do!

I joined this program knowing I wanted to work with exotic animals, but actually being there and living it was an entirely different feeling. I felt whole while I was there. I didn't want to leave and I have already planned to go back once I graduate veterinarian school, if not sooner.

What would you improve about this program?

The length was not long enough for me. I wanted more time to experience everything.

The program I went on was the best time of my life! I'd have to say the highlight of the trip was living with the elephants at the Elephant Nature Park in the mountains of Chiang Mai for a week. It was so inspiring learning about the elephants and working alongside the elephant vet and elephant trainer to help the wonderful creatures! It was also nice meeting new people, I have 12 forever friends from my trip!

What would you improve about this program?

I believe this program was perfect. Everything was organized and well thought out!

Going on the Loop Abroad program completely changed my life! I learned so much from the culture to elephants! I fell in love with elephants and it was amazing to get hands on experience with them and actually be able to build a relationship with them! I am such an adventurous person, and I don't think it can get more adventurous as that! I am forever grateful for my opportunity to be apart of this program, and I can't wait to go back in the future!

What would you improve about this program?

I would have loved for this program to be longer! I really have no complaints about the program!

Questions & Answers

May I apply if I am currently in graduate school?

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

By Carly Freeman on September 19, 2016

Is the price for this trip is 8000 $CAD?

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

By Mallory Meiser on January 28, 2016

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

The Loop Abroad trip to Thailand was first brought to my attention during a meeting for my university's pre-veterinary medicine club. I was initially impressed because of the relatively low cost of the program, considering how much hands-on experience was included in the trip. I also wanted to go to experience the country's culture - I had been thinking of visiting Thailand far prior to learning about the trip and was excited to experience the country's culture. Finally, I knew this veterinary and cultural experience would be a fantastic addition to my applications to veterinary or graduate school in the future.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Loop Abroad was incredibly thorough in helping us through the application and trip preparation processes. This was especially true due to the fact that I signed up in a private group created by a fellow pre-vet club member who had gone on the trip the year prior. The main things we had to do were filled out a form (for safety/medical information, passport information, and other necessary paperwork), pay, and pack; Loop Abroad helped a great deal with the trip's financial aid and other logistics.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Even if this is your first time studying abroad, or your first time ever being out of the country, it's okay - you will be safe and enjoy yourself.

Loop Abroad is wonderful at answering questions - you just have to ask. As for the trip itself: make sure to bring more clothes than you think you need, especially for the time you spend at Elephant Nature Park. Since it's very hot and humid, you'll want to change clothes much more than you would at home, and you want enough clothes to last you through the whole week (and longer). Additionally, conditions at Elephant Nature Park are more "outdoorsy" (i.e. you will sleep in cabins without air conditioning and be working outside all day), so bring clothes for that week that you aren't afraid to get dirty.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

This is dependent on the week. During one of the weeks, participants are staying at Elephant Nature Park outside of Chiang Mai. During the day, you and those in your Loop group will be doing various veterinary activities with the elephants, dogs, cats, and horses in the park. These include a diet study, a fecal/urine analysis, time spent at the park's cat and dog clinics, and rounds alongside an elephant veterinary professional. Meals will be eaten with the other Loop participants and those staying at the park. There will also be an activity every night, most relating to local Thai culture.

During the other week, participants will be staying at a hotel in Chiang Mai. During the day every day, participants will learn about veterinary medicine at a rescue clinic, and in the afternoon/evening, participants will do an activity (related to Thai culture) in Chiang Mai.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I was nervous to be abroad alone, as this trip was my first experience leaving North America. I was mainly nervous that I would be unable to communicate with my parents and other loved ones if something bad were to happen. Thankfully, I was able to contact my parents every day of the trip. I didn't need a SIM card, like many places we went to had WiFi access.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Another question I had prior to this trip was whether any prior animal science knowledge was needed to fully participate in the trip's activities. My (relatively short) microbiology experience has not given me prior animal science knowledge, and I worried I would be unable to completely understand what we learned in the clinics and at ENP. However, this concern was for nothing - the veterinarians who traveled with us did a great job of filling us in and explaining what was going on (and why).

Cassandra Reyes

2018 Alum

Monique Randall

2014 Alum

About Loop Abroad

Loop Abroad has been offering exciting animal and teaching programs abroad since 2009. We offer summer and semester programs for people who love animals, travel, adventure, and authentic experiences. With programs in Asia, Africa, Australia and Ecuador, Loop Abroad continues to offer incredible opportunities for students to get hands-on experience...