As a pre-veterinary undergraduate, I found it extremely difficult to find a study abroad program within my field. Most programs I found were for human medicine students, biologists focussing on areas of study that I had little use for, or aimed at graduate veterinary students. I was determined to study abroad as an undergraduate and gain relevant experience.
So how did I do it?
After combing through multiple sites aimed at volunteering, working, and interning abroad with animals, I finally found a company I wanted to study abroad with. Loop Abroad, at the time, was a newer company based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, aimed at pre-veterinary college students. I was able to get hands-on veterinary instruction with dogs and elephants, as well as obtain college credit!
My dream of becoming an exotic veterinarian was fresh in my mind as I settled into my new internship. The 2-week program was split into 2 parts: a week at ARK Animal Shelter with rescued dogs, and a week at the Elephant Nature Park working with rescued Asian elephants.
Getting close with a rescued elephant in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Week 1: Dogs Galore!
Thailand was my first long-haul flight. At over 18 hours of air time, it was NOT easy to stay comfortable in my cramped coach seat. Stepping out of the Chiang Mai airport, the bustling city and aromatic flowers threw a grin on my exhausted face. The group I would be studying with for the next two weeks and I loaded ourselves into our first songthaew of many and headed to our first hostel: Flight over the mountains in Thailand
The Eco Resort was my very first hostel. Although all 10 girls slept in the same room with bunk beds, it was extremely comfortable with a massive bathroom, cozy bedding, and natural light throughout the large room. The free breakfast was delicious, with some of the best fresh pineapple and pineapple juice I had ever had! They even served pad thai in breakfast form…who knew?
Beautiful and fresh breakfast
Time for Work
On the first full day of our trip, we headed to ARK Animal Shelter. As I had experience in veterinary work, I helped instruct other students. Students learned how to draw blood, do physical examinations, and run basic blood tests. Later, students learned to monitor anesthesia and assist in spay and neuter surgeries.
Of course, there was also a lot of time to snuggle with the rescued dogs!
A puppy that received his first vaccines!
All Work and no Play?
After our service at ARK Animal Shelter was complete, we had a few days dedicated to experiencing the culture throughout Chiang Mai. Viewing glittering temples, learning meditation from a Thai monk, and tasting the food made Thailand real. Even though I got food poisoning, it was worth it! After my disastrous trip to Haiti, I considered Thailand my first official trip abroad as I soaked in the culture. My favorite part, however, was zip-lining through the mountains!
A breathtaking view while ziplining
The adrenaline I felt zipping through the trees magnified the beauty of the lush landscape of the mountains of northern Thailand. Our guides at Dragon Flight Chiang Mai were excellent, and even rescued me when I didn’t quite make it to the end of one of the longer lines by scurrying out on the wire like a spider monkey in order to drag me in!
Our second week in Thailand began as we reached the Elephant Nature Park, just north of Chiang Mai. Here, we worked with elephants rescued from the tourism industry that had been abused, broken, and neglected their entire lives in captivity. We helped the park by providing treatment to elephants, horses, dogs, cats, and water buffalo. We also cooked food and administered medications to elephants that had been injured from illegal logging and circuses in the area.
An elephant wandering through the Elephant Nature Park
Although the elephants here had lived harsh lives beforehand, they were obviously happy and free to express their unique personalities in the park. I especially noticed the differences in their personalities while conducting a diet and behavioral study on elderly elephant Mae Boon Ma, who was 62 at the time! Mae Boon Ma is particularly special, as she is a partial white elephant. It was incredible to sit near her and observe her interacting with her two companions, Mae Bua Loy and Lucky.
Mai Boon Ma saying hi and looking for some treats!
Leaving Chiang Mai was one of the hardest things I had ever done. I will be back to visit my new elephant friends!
Everything in Chiang Mai is decorated with elephants!
If you are a pre-veterinary student, or someone interested in animal medicine, check out Loop Abroad‘s site! Since my internship, they have expanded and now offer a large number of internships all over the world. I later completed an internship with Loop in Ecuador in 2019!
By using me as a reference, full name Stacia Mintner, you can even get a discount on your tuition!
Did you ever get to study abroad? Share your story in a comment!
Don’t forget to share this post to a struggling pre-veterinary student…I’m sure they’d appreciate it!
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