Pre-Vet in Zimbabwe
Pre-Vet in Zimbabwe - Summer Program
This program is designed to give pre-veterinary students an in-depth look at veterinary
medicine in Zimbabwe, emphasizing the distinctions between small animal, large animal,
and wildlife practices. After experiencing small and large animal practices in Zimbabwe's
developing economy, participants will travel to Hwange, Gweru, and Victoria Falls
to study wildlife management and conservation through lectures, conversations, and
direct observations of skilled field guides, rangers, conservationists, veterinarians,
and wildlife researchers. Students will be encouraged to embrace holistic approaches
to animal care that promote ecosystem health and foster a harmonious balance between
humans and nature. In addition to these experiences, participants will enroll in VPHY
4950 (Special Topics in Biomedical Physiology) for 3-credit hours.
PROGRAM APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN ON MONDAY, AUGUST 26th, 2024
This program runs from June 7 - June 24, 2025.
Please note that you need to double check with your college that they have approved this activity for Experiential Learning Credit on engage.uga.edu. If you do not see this listed, speak with your academic advisor to confirm whether or not this program will count for EL.
VPHY 4950 - Special Topics In Biomedical Physiology
This course focuses on veterinary medicine in the context of animal physiology. The course will integrate the program's experiential learning elements through didactic and hands-on sessions. Participants will learn about various animals' natural environment, the impact of the human environment on natural habitats, and how understanding physiology is integral to veterinary care.
Participants will identify how treatments vary in three separate locations and with different species based on animal physiology. They will also have the opportunity to practice professional communication skills in three distinct settings. They will understand veterinary medicine in the context of non-profit organizations and international standards of animal care while exploring the impact of veterinary care on animals in Zimbabwe and the influence of conservation impacting animal habitats and environments.
Important notes:
Program participants will be required to attend pre-departure orientations and academic meetings in the Spring semester.
Students applying for this program are eligible to apply for the OGE GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP.
General Information
Program Dates: June 7, 2025 - June 24, 2025
Estimated Program Fee:Program cost coming soon (includes lodging, breakfast, several lunches and dinners, program-related transportation,
and entrance fees for program-related academic and cultural activities). It does not include plane fare, UGA tuition or UGA fees. Prices will vary depending on enrollment,
but should not exceed the current estimated program fee. Click here for more details.
Application Opens: August 26, 2024
Application Deadline: October 27, 2024
Program Contacts: Ms. Amanda Spohn (aspohn@uga.edu) and Dr. Hilda Mata (hmmata@uga.edu)
Applicant Eligibility
- Open to all students at the University of Georgia.
- Required
- Students must have completed or be enrolled in BIOL 1108/L by the time of application. BIOL 1108/L is a prereq for the courses taught in the program.
- Have university credit for at least two science courses (in biological sciences, chemistry, ecology, physics/astronomy) prior to application.
- 3.0 or higher GPA.
- Satisfactory academic and disciplinary records.
- Preferred
- Qualified students enrolled with a pre-veterinary intention will be given priority.
- Successfully completed at least two sciences courses at UGA (in biological sciences, chemistry, ecology, physics/astronomy) for a grade (A-F) .
- Successfully completed at least 30 credit hours at UGA prior to application.
Application Process
- Begin an application on the studyaway.uga.edu portal. Only application completed by 11/4/24 will be considered.
- Qualified applicants will be invited (via UGA email) for a brief interview with the program faculty. Please note that an interview does not guarantee admittance into the program due to the limited number of spaces. Interviews, however, are a mandatory part of the selection process.
- Once applicants are interviewed, they will be notified via their studyaway.uga.edu application portal whether they have been admitted or waitlisted.
- Admitted students will have 10 days from the date of acceptance to commit (or withdraw/decline) and pay a non-refundable $300 deposit. Waitlisted students will be admitted as spaces become available.
Faculty
Dr. Paul Eubig
Director of the Biomedical Physiology Undergraduate Program
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia
Amanda Spohn
Coordinator
Pre-Professional Advising Office
University of Georgia
Location
Itinerary - Tentative
Program Dates: June 7 - June 24, 2025 (Arrival in Zimbabwe June 9th - Arrival in the US June 24th or 25th depending flight)
| Monday, June 9th | Harare | Arrival EDU Africa Orientation Welcome Dinner |
|
Monday, June 10th |
Harare | VAWZ Engagement Harare SPCA |
| Tuesday, June 11th | Harare - Hwange | Transfer to Antelope Park AP Induction and Orientation |
| Wednesday, June 12th | Hwange | Vet programming with Dr. Nedi Reflection |
| Thursday, June 13th | Hwange | Veterinary Programming with Dr Nedi |
| Friday, June 14th | Hwange | Veterinary Programming with Dr. Gumbo |
| Saturday, June 15th | Hwange |
Veterinary Programming with Dr. Gumbo |
| Sunday, June 16th | Hwange - Gweru | Travel to Hwange Bush Orientation |
| Monday, June 17th | Gweru | Half Day Hwange Game Drive Dete Animal Rescue Trust (DART) Reflection Session |
| Tuesday, June 18th | Hwange - Victoria Falls | Painted Dog Conservancy Travel to Victoria Falls Vic Falls Viewing |
| Wednesday, June 19th | Victoria Falls |
VFWH Orientation and Programming |
| Thursday, June 20th | Victoria Falls | Veterinary programming with CARE Reflection Session |
| Friday, June 21st | Victoria Falls | Wellness Day/Optional Activities in Vic Falls town - Transformation Questionnaire 2 & Feedback Boma Dinner and Drum Performance |
| Saturday, June 22nd | Victoria Falls | Chobe Day Safari Braai Dinner |
| Sunday, June 23rd | Depart Victoria Falls |
Final Reflection |
