Have you ever thought about attending Veterinary School Abroad? In addition to 32 American Schools, there are 5 Canadian and 16 International AVMA Accredited Veterinary Medicine Colleges. While it will be a rewarding experience to live and learn abroad, there are some things to consider before applying.
University of Glasgow School fo Veterinary Medicine, Scotland
One important thing to consider about going to an International Veterinary School is the length of the program. While most Veterinary Schools in the US take four years to complete, schools abroad can take longer to complete and may consist of many students directly out of high school.
Depending on where you study, you may also be dealing with a language barrier. Most (but not all) of the AVMA Accredited Veterinary Schools teach most of their courses in English, but while working in a foreign country it is still important to be able to communicate with your clients to at least be able to take a basic patient history. Being able to live in a new country and practice speaking to your classmates and clients in their native language everyday is definitely a great opportunity to be able to master a new language.
Cultural differences can be a lot for students to try to assimilate into, including how at some foreign colleges students are required to follow a dress code when going to class. If you are vegetarian/vegan it is also important to consider how accessible meat-free options are in the country you wish to study in. Despite possibly feeling overwhelmed at first, being able experience living in a completely different culture than that of which you are used to may not only help you in your personal journey but also in your professional journey.
Cost is obviously a big factor when deciding where to go to Veterinary School. While the cost of tuition is a large chunk of the expenses, some other finances to consider are costs of flights to and from the US and the cost of living wherever you choose to study. Having to obtain a visa to live abroad may also be a pricey and lengthy process to consider.
Finally, once you have an idea where you want to study, it is important to look into the teaching curriculum at your school of choice. Having opportunity to experience a different climate and work with animals that may not be commonly observed in the US, you will also learn about different diseases and climate concerns that may not be included in US curriculum. It is also important to look into the type of education provided at the school of your interest depending on how you learn as teaching norms differ from country to country in regards to staff vs student ratio and how valued a theoretical vs. hands-on education is.
In all, there are a lot of factors that will play into your decision of where to attend Veterinary School, and the experience of learning outside of the US will be a truly exciting and enriching part of your overall education. There so many different options of where to study and we are confident you will succeed anywhere you decide to go!