“The Loop Abroad Thailand College Pre-vet experience is something I will never forget! It truly was the best way to learn so much, gain hands-on experience, and see a new country all in only two weeks."
Shevi Lerner spent a week working at the Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand, a sanctuary for over 100 rescued elephants.
Image Credit: Loop Abroad
This summer, Shevi Lerner, ANSC Junior in Pre-Vet, spent two weeks in Thailand gaining experience through a once-in-a-lifetime veterinary shadowing opportunity and immersing herself in Thai culture through Loop Abroad's Thailand College Pre-Veterinary Medicine program. Shevi was selected to join a small team of students working with both small and large animals in two distinct settings.
For one week, Shevi volunteered at the renowned Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand, a sanctuary for over 100 rescued elephants. Under the guidance of an experienced elephant veterinarian, she assisted in the daily care of these magnificent creatures, many of whom bear physical and emotional scars from past mistreatment. Shevi's duties included studying elephant behavior, observing medical conditions, and contributing to the overall well-being of the sanctuary's diverse animal population, including hundreds of dogs and cats, water buffalo, pigs, and horses.
The second week took Shevi to the Dog Rescue Clinic in Chiang Mai, where she worked alongside teaching veterinarians to provide essential care to local dogs. Her responsibilities included assisting professionals in performing check-ups, learning about essential care, supporting veterinarians in delivering assessments, and assisting with sterilization surgeries. This practical experience offered valuable insights into small animal veterinary practice and shelter medicine.
Of the whole opportunity, Shevi said, “The Loop Abroad Thailand College Pre-vet experience is something I will never forget! It truly was the best way to learn so much, gain hands-on experience, and see a new country all in only two weeks. I learned many new skills in the companion animal week that I will take with me for my entire career. My experience at Elephant Nature Park was unlike anything I had seen before and I learned so much that I hope to take with me about shelter medicine.”
Throughout the program, Shevi gained approximately 80 veterinary hours, enhancing her qualifications for future veterinary school applications. The experience not only developed her practical skills in animal care but also deepened her understanding of global veterinary practices and animal welfare issues.
This immersive program offered Shevi a unique opportunity to contribute to animal conservation efforts while experiencing Thai culture, setting a strong foundation for her future career in veterinary medicine.
About Loop Abroad:
Loop Abroad is the largest pre-veterinary study abroad program in the United States, offering students unparalleled opportunities to gain hands-on experience in 9 countries across 5 continents. Since 2009, Loop Abroad has been dedicated to helping aspiring veterinarians pursue their dreams through immersive programs ranging from two-week summer adventures to full semester abroad experiences. College credit is available through their partnership with the University of Findlay.
In addition to the organization's pre-veterinary programs, Loop Abroad offers a diverse array of experiences including veterinary internships, wildlife conservation projects, and marine biology expeditions. Loop Abroad also facilitates faculty-led travel for high schools, colleges, universities, and veterinary schools, providing tailored educational experiences for institutions.
Loop Abroad's commitment to excellence has earned them recognition as the #3 Top Rated Study Abroad Provider by GoAbroad in both 2022 and 2023. By following a study abroad model rather than a voluntourism model, Loop Abroad focuses on educating students to make meaningful contributions to animal welfare and conservation efforts worldwide.
Working with locally-run animal welfare organizations, Loop Abroad ensures that students contribute to long-term improvements in the countries they visit. In 2024 alone, thanks to dedicated students like Shevi, Loop Abroad provided over one million dollars in funding for global conservation efforts.
Jane Stine, Managing Director of Loop Abroad, emphasizes the program's impact: "Our students consistently demonstrate exceptional qualities - kindness, flexibility, motivation, and a genuine eagerness to learn. It's inspiring to watch them connect with veterinarians from across the US and around the world, fostering cross-cultural understanding and advancing their knowledge of veterinary medicine. Their dedication enables us to provide vital support to numerous conservation, welfare, and research programs globally."
Interested participants can learn more and apply at www.LoopAbroad.com. Admission to veterinary programs is selective, and Shevi was chosen based on her outstanding academic transcript, compelling admissions essay, and strong professional references.
