Program Reviews

This trip was actually the first trip I have taken outside of the United States! The staff was extremely helpful with everything including flights and making sure everyone was safe and having fun throughout the whole session. I personally loved getting to know the group that I stayed with and I think being in a group of people that all had the same enthusiasm and interest made it so much better. I enjoyed learning so much about Australian wildlife and about Australia in general. While there, we had the opportunity to split into groups and learn about a specific animal or species and then observe and create enrichment for them. I was in a group that focused on the dingoes, which are really amazing creatures that are sadly a vulnerable species in Australia. My group and I had a wonderful time learning about their history and creating a fun exercise for them.

I definitely would recommend this trip to everyone, and I will never forget this experience!

With Loop Abroad I was given the opportunity to travel outside of the United States for the first time ever!! I can’t thank Loop enough for giving me the most amazing experience I could ask for. Loop made travel simple and easy and help eliminate the difficulties of most travel accommodations. Loop gave me hands on experience with veterinary procedures, cultural experiences, and volunteering opportunities. The tour guides that Loop chose were amazing! They always made sure they were nice and made you feel at home with them. They never failed to help get anything you requested. One night we all wanted ice cream so our tour guide found us an ice cream place within walking distance of our hotel and took us. They also were very accommodating with the food options!

I have never been on a study abroad program quite like Loop Abroad's program before. I have never felt so at peace and open minded as I was when being immersed into the Thai culture. The staff, students, and the people who live in Thailand were all so nice, willing to help with anything, and made the trip a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have learned so much from working with the staff especially the American and Thai veterinarians. They taught me not only veterinary skills of which I never would have had the opportunity to learn and practice with in America, but they also taught me life-long lessons, that I will be able to carry with me no matter where I go in life. I am truly thankful for this experience, and would recommend it to anyone who has any interest in animals at all. There is something for everyone on this trip. Within two weeks, I was able to make friendships that I am still in contact with today, and that I know will last a life-time.

This program was a great way to learn about the Amazon and the problems it’s facing, the animals are facing, and the people who live off the rainforest. We were able to help the vets at Amazoonico and learn about native animals to the forest. We helped with rounds, learned about native animals, learned spanish, and had a ton of fun. There’s a lot of hiking, so be prepared for that. Also everything gets dirty, so bring clothes that you don’t mind ruining. I loved learning about the culture and you get plenty of it. We went rafting, learned vet skills, tours the city, ate all the food, and danced a ton. We all bonded with each other a lot and I had so much fun meeting everyone from all over the country and world. I loved seeing all the animals and learning how I can help.

This was my first study abroad program that I've went on and my first time in a different country. I found the enrollment process and the days leading up to our departure very smooth and easy to follow/do. I was nervous to travel abroad because I did not know anyone going into this trip. Everyone from Loop Abroad was so friendly and made me feel comfortable in this adventure I was taking. All the other students were so awesome and I truly met some amazing people. The veterinarians as well as rangers at Walkabout Wildlife Park, where we spent the majority of our time, were amazing mentors and teachers as well. I really learned a lot about many different species of animals I have never had hands-on experience with until this trip. I would definitely recommend this experience to any individual looking to pursue veterinary school and wanting to build their resume while gaining one of the most memorable experiences, as well as to any individual looking to go into an animal-related career.

I came from South Africa to Thailand Bonus Week and that was definitely a culture shock to me. South Africa and Thailand are very different countries with very different cultures and belief systems. In the program, we were able to help prepare the sugar cane for the elephants and then feed them. We were then able to walk with them to the river and watch as they rolled in the hills and played in the river. The rest of the day was filled with lecture and free time. As much as I enjoyed this program, I wish we could have had more contact with the elephants. We only saw them in the mornings. But we got to walk around the village and greet everyone who lived there. You definitely get a real Thai experience. We ate food prepared by our host family every day and the staff were so kind and helpful. They were always willing to explain things to us and they even taught us a bit of the Thai language. You get an immersive Thai experience, and the elephants are the cherry on top.

I was terrified to go on this trip. I had never been on an airplane much less another continent. The staff were upfront with us and told us what to expect when we arrived. We were given a play by play of how our days were going to go and a schedule of the next days activities. That calmed me down, knowing what was going to happen. Everyday was an AMAZING day. I have never woken up each day and been so excited that I couldn't stop myself from smiling. Every morning we got to eat breakfast surround by the cheetahs in their camps. At one point, we literally got to play with young cheetahs to help with their ambassador training. The lectures caught your attention and I never got bored or drifted during any of them. I honestly can't tell you how amazing my time was. The fact that we were able to feed the cheetahs, touch them, hear their stories and help make their lives better by doing chores around the property. It was a trip of a lifetime and I am so grateful that I was able to go. I was able to see the beauty of Africa and I will always be grateful for Loop Abroad. I bonded with every student and staff there and one of the hardest things I have had to do is say goodbye to them at the end. We became a family and one that I will never forget.

This two-week program was the highlight of my summer and will be a commemorative experience for the rest of my life. Working with cheetah's in South Africa attracted me to the program but the memories I made with the people and animals is what has stuck with me most. I have a renewed sense of appreciation for the wildlife field and the people who work in it and for it. Plus I have so many answers to questions I never thought I would be asked nor that I thought I would be asked. I was nearly excited to return home because of all my new information and stories I was ready to share. South Africa is a beautiful place and so is FeraCare, from the horizons and sunsets to the animals roaming the property to the people who made my experience what it was. I would return in a heartbeat.

I really recommend this trip for anyone that is studying in the animal health field. My trip to South Africa was life changing and its an experience that helped me gain knowledge in vet medicine and in life in general. I went to Johannesburg and stayed at Lory Park Zoo for two weeks and learned a lot about zoo medicine. We were able to work with 5 main groups of animals which were primates, birds of prey, reptiles, cubes and big cats. This gave us the chance to learn about these types of animals. Some of the stuff we learned about was their health concerns, feeding, behavior, and environmental needs. Everyday was different and we were able to do some hands-on activities with the animals. This trip taught me and showed me a lot of stuff and I am thankful I went. We got the chance to go on a safari as well and it was amazing seeing the animals in their natural habitat. I overall recommend this trip.

The program gave me the opportunity to realize that working with wildlife is what i want to do in life! Each week was amazing and i learned a lot! Each week was completely different! With the elephants we gave them food, got to treat their wounds and got to do research! We also worked with the dogs from elephant nature park! The second week was at a dog clinic where i got to experience different techniques that would help in the field! We also got to explore the markets in thailand and eat delicious food! The staff and doctors there were pretty amazing and made sure that we were okay and that we learned! I would recommend this program to everybody interested in wildlife animals! Looking forward to participate again until i have been everywhere!