Loop Abroad started operating study abroad programs in 2009 and now offers programs in Thailand, South Africa, Australia, Ecuador and Belize. They are best known for their veterinary science field courses, which are two weeks long and offer 3 biology credits from their US university partner.

These courses have small groups (fewer than 15 students) and are taught by a veterinarian, and they combine lectures with labs, research, fieldwork, and hands-on practice so that you are able to really internalise the concepts that you learn. Each country also has a local veterinarian partner so that everything is culturally appropriate and supportive of the local organisation’s goals. One thing I love is that they partner with conservation projects in each country that are locally owned, locally run, and operate year-round. It is so important when you want to study in another country to be sure that you’re learning from local experts, doing work that’s appropriate for your skill level, and supporting something sustainable with your contribution. So, this model allows you to feel confident that you are building your own skills in an appropriate way and helping to sustain a positive impact.

Loop Abroad has a great reputation in the veterinary community, excellent reviews, a stellar safety record, and a detailed, challenging pre-veterinary curriculum. They also include all the travel experiences, from meals to tours, so that students get the most out of their time abroad. Credit for their courses has been accepted at over 100 colleges and universities, and they have alumni in 29 out of the 30 vet schools in America. If you’re looking for pre-veterinary travel programs, this is the place.

Applications are open to participants from anywhere in the world, not just America. You do not have to be currently enrolled in university. High school programs start at age 14. All courses are taught in English. For semester programs, a GPA of 3.0 or better is suggested for competitive applicants in the US, and an equivalent academic record is suggested for non-US applicants.

Loop Abroad has two-week programs, and they can be combined for travel of four weeks or longer. They also have Bonus Weeks that you can add to a program to stay a little longer or explore a new country!

Loop also has three different semester abroad options, which are a great opportunity to earn hundreds of veterinary hours (and credits!) and focus specifically on pre-veterinary coursework and experience.