As a pre-veterinary student in college, I remember how difficult it was to find a study abroad program within my field. I found dozens for similar majors like Biology, Zoology, or Marine Biology, but I found nothing specific to veterinary medicine aimed at undergraduates. Then, I found Loop Abroad internships!
Loop Abroad is a study and intern abroad company that began in Thailand. Since my first internship with them in 2016, they have grown to have programs in 5 countries and 7 locations. I studied veterinary medicine with them in Thailand as an undergraduate and again in The Amazon rainforest in Ecuador as a college graduate in 2019 to continue my education.
So, who exactly is Loop Abroad? Let’s dive in!
Who Can Study with Loop Abroad
Loop Abroad accepts undergraduates interested in studying veterinary medicine, zoology, animal husbandry, marine biology, animal conservation, and other related majors. Current veterinary graduate students can complete entire semesters abroad with licensed veterinarians and instructors, and veterinary technicians can continue their education with some of their programs. There are even programs for high school students interested in entering animal sciences! Each program has its benefits for different groups of students.
Current Loop Abroad Programs
As of writing this article (May 2020), Loop Abroad has the following programs:
This list has been updated January 2021
Thailand (2 weeks)
- High School students veterinary service
- Undergraduate veterinary service
- Veterinary grad students veterinary service
- Wild tropics conservation (undergrad and graduates)
South Africa (2 weeks)
- Veterinary service (any student ages 18+)
- Zoo medicine (any student ages 18+)
- Combination of both above services for 4 weeks
- Wildlife conservation 12-week semester (undergraduates studying veterinary medicine, animal science, wildlife conservation, zoology, or similar fields)
Australia (2 weeks)
- Undergraduate veterinary service
- High School veterinary service
Ecuador (2 weeks)
- Galápagos marine research and exploration (anyone ages 18+)
- Amazon veterinary service (anyone ages 18+)
- Combination of both above services for 4 weeks
Belize (2 weeks)
- Tropical animal science: large animal medicine and marine conservation (anyone ages 18+)
Panama (2 weeks)
Programs being released soon!
Costa Rica (2 weeks)
Programs being released soon!
Everywhere!
- 12 weeks combining Thailand, Ecuador, and South African programs (undergraduate students with the intent on applying to veterinary school)
From your Couch!
- Loop Abroad is now offering online pre-veterinary classes for college credit! This is a great way to take some of those veterinary medicine courses you want that your school does not offer.
No matter what service you choose, be sure to list Stacia Mintner under “How you heard about us” and use the discount code REF100 to get $100 off your first service!
Why I Love These Programs
As stated above, I participated in Loop’s undergraduate Thailand veterinary service and its program in Ecuador‘s Amazon rainforest. The work can be difficult, but you definitely learn a lot!
These programs combine hands-on learning abroad with traveling. On the weekends and in the evenings’ students travel and experience the cultures of the countries they are visiting. Services with marine biology elements include a complete SCUBA certification!
Employees keep in touch with you every step of the way, including the program’s founder! (Fun fact: she friended me on Facebook before I left for Thailand!)
Finally, Loop Abroad strives to have an ethical impact on the animals they work with. They handpick ethical sanctuaries, teaching destinations, and teachers for their programs. For example, during the Thailand services, they teach why you should NOT ride elephants and work at the Elephant Nature Park.
Program Costs
Every study abroad program has a fairly hefty price tag. Most scholarships will cover your tuition fees associated with these programs and Loop does provide some financial aid when available. They also offer deals if you combine programs or bring an entire group with you!
For specific prices and fees, you will have to check each program specifically and email with questions.
Is it Worth it?
The final question: are Loop Abroad internships worth the money?
I say yes, especially for pre-veterinary students.
Students completely set on attending veterinary school will gain their much-needed vet service hours to be accepted into graduate school. The hands-on coursework can also set you apart from other applicants and give you an edge!
For those who have graduated from college already or are already working as veterinary technicians, zoologists, or conservationists, these programs may not be for you. The coursework may be a little too easy for those who have been in the field for a while.
If you are interested in applying to Loop Abroad internships or study abroad program, or still have questions on my experience, feel free to email me! For a $100 discount on the tuition, use my name (Stacia Mintner) as a reference from an alum, and use discount code REF100.
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I think completing a semester abroad with veterinarians around the world would be amazing. My daughter could learn so much. She could not only practice on normal domestic animals but maybe even exotic ones too.
It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had!