Loop Abroad High School Veterinary Service Program

My name is Morgan and this past summer was my first time being involved in a summer program with Loop. I had an amazing time, and the people were amazing. It’s really easy to make friends on the trip, even for shy and quiet people like me. I made some amazing friends who I still keep in touch with. One thing that was difficult for me though was that I am a picky eater. I’m not a fan of spicy food, so I brought snacks and bought some at the 7/11 while I was there. The 7/11 has a variety of things which helped me a lot when it came to food. I would recommend bringing some snacks, but be willing to try a tiny bit of everything you are offered, I was surprised at some of the things I ended up liking once I tried them. Another obstacle for me was that I get car sick really easily. Even though I had to deal with that, I still had an amazing time with all of the support and care I got from my fellow companions on the trip and the staff members. Everyone was so nice and so willing to help me, and that made me feel ten times better. One thing that stood out to me the most was that my veterinarian gave up going to see one of the temples to stay back with me so I wasn’t alone and did something else with me. It’s one of the nicest things anyone has done for me and that’s just one out of the many things people did to help me. I’m so thankful for everyone that I met on this amazing trip. So, I was involved in the High School Veterinary Service program. Some activities that I loved were getting to work up close with the elephants and the veterinarians at ENP, the kitchen chores at ENP, going to the Sunday Market and the Night Bazaar, getting to volunteer and assist in surgery (neuters) at ARK, and getting to travel with and meet so many amazing people. It’s an amazing opportunity and once in a life time experience. I enjoyed everything about Thailand and recommend that everyone should at least go once. I actually am participating in the college veterinary service program this summer; that is how much I enjoyed my two weeks there. I wish I could’ve stayed longer and did an add on.

While I was traveling in Thailand with Loop abroad, a series of unfortunate events occurred to me back at home. I learned that I had a friend commit suicide, my grandmother had died of cancer and my uncle had been moved to a nursing home. I got nothing but comfort and support from the program's staff and the people I attended the program with. They kept me going after all the bad news and helped me enjoy my experience even though back home things weren't going so well. Loop Abroad was very helpful in keeping me calm and helping me experience my trip to the fullest under the circumstances.

This program will truly open your eyes to the world around you. I learned so much about myself, veterinary medicine, and the culture surrounding me. I would not trade the two weeks that I spent in Thailand for the world. I met wonderful, interesting people that I will stay in touch with for life. Being able to spend hours and hours watching, studying, bathing, feeding, and treating elephants at the Elephant Nature Park is truly a privilege. I was moved by the immense spirit that these animals possess and their outstanding intelligence.

The Animal Rescue Kingdom was also fabulous to spend time at. I was really impressed by the depth in which we were able to study and practice veterinary skills each day. Connecting with the dogs and people at the shelter was incredibly rewarding. The last two days at ARK were surgery days, which were very fun and exhilarating. We had a cat neuter day and dog neuter day. During down time, it was nice to begin to say goodbye to all of our furry friends and give baths to the dogs. This was the time when I made my greatest connection with one of the dogs named Nakhon. I will never forget him and maybe one day I can find him a home here in the US.

Although we had down time, there was never a dull moment. Many times I sat with my friends to read and journal, listening to the elephants, birds, and cats. The night markets were very fun and were great confidence builders, especially after you navigated the market successfully and came out where you wanted to.

Overall, if you are an animal lover, are comfortable with being dirty and sweaty (all the time), want an unforgettable experience, are looking for an animal-filled two weeks, and are interested in veterinary medicine, this is a perfect program for you.

Thank you, Loop Abroad!!! You've changed my life.

On this trip I learned so much about veterinary practice and the journey of becoming one, which was my main goal. I am usually one to just finish my goal and be quite while I am doing it. This trip helped me to come out of my shell of just completing my goal and being the quite one. I made so many friends and learned so much about the beautiful culture in Thailand. This trip definitely took my experience level off of the farm and into the world. I would suggest this trip to anyone who really wants to learn about being a vet and someone who wants two weeks full of memories for a lifetime. During the trip there was not one time where I felt unsafe. This trip is so rich in knowledge and fun.

From the minute I arrived at JFK until the minute I returned, I felt that I was in great hands. This was my first trip alone, and I admit I was a bit nervous about EVERYTHING! I needn't have been. By the time we had cleared security I had new friends and people to talk to during the VERY
LONG flight.
Thailand is a beautiful country with kind and friendly people. Of course,
I loved working with the elephants. That is a memory I will keep close in
my heart for the rest of my life. There really aren't words to describe the affect these majestic animals had on me. Learning so much about the plight of elephants has given me a deeper understanding of our relationship with nature. I learned about different societies and
about the worldwide effort to save elephants. I will always keep
that struggle front and center in my life.
I learned so much....about animals and people and myself.
The new friends I have made will remain close. We shared an amazing experience and that brought us so close together.
I have always had an interest in Veterinary Medicine. This experience confirmed for me that I do want to be a vet. We had real hands on opportunities to work closely with vets. It was fascinating.