Veterinary in India

Whilst I loved my host family and the other volunteers, and was able to have an incredible journey, through an incredible country, the organisation itself is really not the best in my opinion.

The placements were often very unsatisfactory, with rude staff, no oppurtunities to help and questionable treatment of animals and clients to say the least. For those doing externship programmes for university, be warned, you are not likely to work the co-ordinating vet, and will really have to push them to get with the appropriate person. That being said, we eventually managed to work with a really fantastic vet, who was very kind and informative, but it took a lot of hassle to get there.

The social programme is quite good, and the weekend trips are usually very enjoyable (but very expensive). The other volunteers always arrange their own trips as well, which are usually a lot more fun!

The projects abroad staff were mostly quite pleasant and friendly individuals (sadly my desk officer was a very unhelpful and frankly unprofessional man). However, as a company, they are only after your money, and I felt as though they were never very supportive and didn't really listen to our grievances (indeed following some of their advice regarding transport to work proved to be massively dodgy!) They also only pay a pittance to your family and placement, so I can't imagine where the rest of the money goes (considering how much you pay, they must have some bloomin' big bills!)

On the whole, I would suggest that you shop around before settling on Projects Abroad Veterinary in India, because it wasn't worth the money, and you can generally back pack around India for a fraction of the cost, and still find charities to help with.