Study Abroad in North / Central America

Mexico
Joe Grennon; Class of 2019
Program: MARVET
Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Dates: June 17th – July 1st 2017
While in Mexico I participated in MARVET, a two-week interactive workshop exploring aspects of biology, pathology, husbandry, clinical care and conservation medicine of marine species, like dolphins, manatees, pinnipeds, sea turtles, rays, fish and coral reefs.  Our time was split between lectures and fieldwork instruction lead by  US and Mexican veterinarians, trainers and biologists working with a variety of aquatic species in marine parks including Dolphin Discovery, Xcaret, and Xel-ha.  This opportunity was a great way to network with individuals who have forged careers in marine medicine while getting hands-on experiences with marine animals.  Students were able to anesthetize fish, necropsy sea turtles, perform physical exams on dolphins, and capture and bleed adult sea turtles. Fun non-veterinary experiences we also did included swimming with whale sharks, attending a rehabilitated dolphin release, and learning about the local history and culture. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in marine medicine!

 

Nicaragua
Christina Fourré; Class of 2017
Program: World Vets
In December 2015 I went to Granada, Nicaragua for a week with World Vets.  They host international students for a training program where you get a ton of experience with surgery (spays and neuters).  After leaving there I felt so much more confident in my surgical skills than I did before.  The people are wonderful and you get to meet (and stay with) vet students from all over.  There is also an “outreach day” where locals bring their pets/livestock for general health exams and treatments.  It’s really fun to connect more with the locals on that day since we spent most other parts of the trip with other vet students/vets (also fun!).  I would highly recommend this trip for anyone.

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