Veterinary Service: South Africa

I had the most amazing time at Feracare Wildlife Center. Being able to interact with the animals and learn more about conservation in a hands on way was incredible. I had never been up close and personal with cheetahs before, and the staff made sure that we felt very safe and comfortable working with them and all of the other species. The staff was very welcoming and by the end of the two weeks we had all become like a close knit family. We also got to go on a Safari of Kruger National Park and visit a traditional African village. A trip like this is sure to stand out of any vet school application. The trip also offers up to 3 credits through your school or Loop’s partner school Iowa Wesleyan University. This was definitely an educational experience I’ll never forget!

I have missed South Africa every day since I got home - this trip truly changed my life forever. Volunteering at FeraCare Wildlife Centre was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The work they do is so important and being able to be a part of it was truly incredible. We were able to feed cheetahs, pet them, watch them run, interact with them very closely, even listen to their heartbeat! I'm not a pre-vet student, but I do want to work with wild animals, and I loved every minute of this trip. The course lectures were very interesting. We stayed in a house on the FeraCare property and it was great - I enjoyed all the food, and the people, including the staff and other students, were all amazing. I would highly recommend this program - it was the best two weeks of my life!

I traveled with loop abroad 3 separate times, I went with them to Africa the summer of 2017. It was by far my favorite trip with them! Absolutely life changing being out there in the wild. Every morning we wake up and walk to breakfast, I would pass the lions enclosure and the cheetahs, which is a pretty awesome way to start your day. I also gained so much knowledge on wildlife veterinary medicine and conservation just from this program alone that I wouldn’t learn anywhere else. Everything about this trip was amazing!

This trip was amazing! I attended this trip the summer of 2017 and it was my first time leaving the country! Loop made the experience so easy! The program was so much fun! We learned so much about the conservation of cheetahs while also getting valuable practice in veterinary related fields including suturing, necropsys, and lab procedures! The weekend trip to Kruger was also amazing. When getting up to at 5am to go on a safari looking for wild animals the cold doesn’t seem so bad anymore! Overall, this trip was amazing and I’m so glad I did it!

This was without a doubt the BEST experience I have ever endured! I am so passionate about Big cats and conservation, so this was an amazing way to learn more on this while making an impact at Feracare Wildlife Center! The vets we worked with are amazing and so talented. I have gained new skills from making blood smear slides to suturing! Seeing Feracare's vet doing what he does best was so inspiring to watch! We also had the amazing opportunity to go to Kruger National Park on a safari, which was AMAZING! This was also just such an amazing way to meet new people that are passionate about animals they way you are. We were all constantly laughing and having a great time together! I am so blessed to have been able to have had this opportunity. Feracare is a wonderful place filled with wonderful people who love what they do and make a difference every day in these deserving animals' lives. I would fly back right now if I could!

I can honestly say that this was one of the best experiences I have ever had! I never even imagined how much I would be able to learn in a matter of just two weeks! The staff was super cool and made it so much fun, from the veterinarians, to the cooking staff, to the staff at Feracare. Feracare (where we stay), was one of the most amazing places. It had amazing views and there were animals everywhere. They always made sure that everyone was taken care of and any problems if any were taken care of (had a few people get sick). The lectures were really informative and the activities whether it be Camp cleaning, Thatching, or Feeding were always a lot of fun! The veterinarians were so great, I don't think I could say enough about them; I know that if I ever needed anything to help me in my future endeavors, they would in a heartbeat! On top of that, I left the two weeks with so many great friends, something I wasn't expecting to happen! The weekend spent on Safari in Kruger was amazing, we saw so much, like: Zebra, Giraffes, Spotted Hyenas, Hippos, etc. In addition, having dietary restrictions I wasn't sure if I felt comfortable enough to even want to go abroad. Loop Abroad was super accommodating and made sure that I was taken care of everywhere we went! I would 100% recommend going on a trip with Loop if given the chance! I know that I plan on taking another in the upcoming summer!

I had such an amazing experience in South Africa. I thought that I wouldn’t really make close friends while I was there, but I fortunately did and that made my experience better than expected! I also learned so much being a biology major and this being my first time hearing veterinarian lectures. I know that going to South Africa, you would it expect it to be warm, but it was pretty chilly throughout the day and it is really cold at night. I know that when applying for Vet school that they like when you have experience and I personally think that this is a great experience to have in your application. My favorite memory is when I got to go inside an enclosure with a cheetah named Laura and feed her. She looked right into my eyes and in that moment, I felt such a loving connection with Laura even though I was just feeding her. It made me feel so incredibly happy and I knew Laura would be someone special to me during the rest of my trip.

From the first step that I took in South Africa I fell in love! Not only are you in an amazing country the team at Feracare Wildlife Centre is so welcoming! Being able to work hands on with the Cheetahs and other wildlife is so rewarding! The 3 veterinarians I know will forever help guide me in my future if I ever need anything! The trip to Kurger National Park is so breathe taking. Waking up in the morning and being able to see giraffes right outside the house is jaw dropping. Plus all the students that travel with you will become friends for a life time!