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.
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.
Itinerary – Tentative
Program Dates: June 7 – June 24, 2025 (Arrival in Zimbabwe June 9th – Arrival in the US June 24th or 25th depending on flight)