This trip was a lot of fun. I made some great new friends that I had some fun times with and went on adventures with. I met a lot of people that I enjoyed my time with everyone in the group. The support was nice and the rooms were nice. The home stay was an amazing experience for me because it taught me to be thankful for everything I have back at my home and to not take anything for granted. This was definetly a great experience. They had very nice beaches and amazing weather to enjoy. We went banana boating and tubing and many other sorts of activities that I. Can’t think of right now but they were all a amazing and I would do them all again one hundred percent! I am also so happy I learned so much about veterinary medicine and all the experience I got with the animals.

Definitely a trip to remember. Going into this trip I didn’t really know wht to expect in terms of how much we were really able to do (in terms of hands-on in surgery) and homestays. All the vets were very helpful in explaining and being patient with us. Homestays were an amazing experience as well as we got a chance to experience the culture first hand. This allowed us to actually appreciate what we have back home and be more grateful for all that we have. Being in such a large group allowed for us all to experience all types of people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Even if people did not have much experience in this field of work, everyone was patient and willing to help and teach. I am definitely very grateful to have had this experience and to be able to work along side such amazing vets and peers.

During this trip I have not only learned many new skills about veterinary medicine but I have also felt a great level of accomplishment and what it feels like to make a difference in local communities who need it. After clinic days, i went home feeling incredibly proud of what I had done that day. The staff members are incredibly nice and will go out of their way to help you always. I have also had the opportunity to learn spanish and make toms of new friends including my homestay family who were extremely welcoming. I loved the recreational days as they allowed us to see the beauty of the country (horseback riding, beaches, hot springs). I would definitely say that this trip has changed me for the better and i am going home feeling like i have made a small difference in the world.

Overall super amazing trip! If you’re social and like to make friends then this trip is good for you. It was very hands on and educational. Within the matter of 6 clinic days I learned more than I ever would in Canada. This trip allowed us to have so many new experiences and try new things that we would’ve never imagined before. Although we do get freedom on this trip to go to restaurants etc. There was never a time I felt concerned about my safety on this trip. All the staff members are super fun, helpful and, will never make you feel dumb for asking any questions. Not only that but the homestays were my favourite part of this whole trip. Although I speak no Spanish, my Spanish mom made me feel welcomed and had amazing food (and wifi). I can honestly say this has been such an amazing experience.

The Veterinary Program through Vida is absolutely phenomenal! I learned a bunch through hands on experience with veterinarians and program directors. The veterinarians I worked with were very patient and kind while teaching me how to place catheters and ET tubes in our patients. Caring for my patients from registration through recovery allowed me to provide quality services and comfort for the animal. Over the course of the trip I experienced a variety of aspects of veterinary medicine including surgery and working with owners. I really enjoyed immersing myself in the culture and having the opportunity to travel around a large portion of the country. I would recommend a Vida trip to anyone seeking new adventures and leaning while having a good time!

This was the best experience. I had no previous experience being a veterinarian, and I learned so much from these two clinical days. The first day was hard trying to figure out everything, but the staff was always there to help. We were busy, but the work was so fulfilling that no one wanted the day to be over. I would definitely recommend this, and I am considering doing this program again another year.

the most difficult part of the trip were the long days of travel, however we took frequent breaks and for the most part it was nice to relax. All the staff were really friendly and interactive with us, very willing to help us learn any skills.

The hardest part with the clinics was that there ended up being 5 doctors so we rarely repeated sx with the same doctor. This was difficult because even if we had done the same sx several times, if we'd never done it with that doctor before, they didn't really know our experience level.

I had a wonderful time on this trip and am definitely thinking about going back next year. Getting real hands on experience in my field was wonderful. The homestays were a great experience as well. I felt that I learned about Costa Rican culture as well as made a difference.