What better way to get some insight and advice on international vet schools than from vet students currently studying at a foreign vet school? Here is a Q&A with two UC Davis alumni/former PSSD board members about the advantages and disadvantages of attending a vet school outside of the US. We hope you find their advice useful for when you consider which schools to apply to.
Celine Barbier
1. Which vet school do you currently attend?
I go to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh.
2. What inspired you to attend a foreign vet school?
I heard about the Edinburgh school via DePeters, the animal science nutrition professor. He was in touch with Brendan Corcoran, a professor of cardiopulmonary medicine at Edinburgh and helped co-organize talks about UK vet schools at Davis in Meyer Hall. The main points they raised at the talk are what interested me at first:
- Tuition is the same in the UK as an international student as it is in the US for in-state.
- The diploma is recognized in the US, Canada, UK, EU and countries part of the commonwealth.
- The facilities are new.
- Possibility to work at the Roslin institute.
On a more personal level, I am originally French so I liked the idea of going back to Europe.
Secondly, my interview at San Francisco went really well. I got to talk to the professors there. They were open, friendly and most of the people who interviewed along with me, while being smart were not competitive.
3. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages that come with attending an international vet school?
Advantages:
a. Meet people from all over Europe and travel around Europe easily
b. Create a network on the international level
c. A lot of americans attend school in the UK, they have contacts in the US and are able to help build the network as well
d. Be more independent
e. Discover diseases that are not common in the US
f. Learn about different vet techniques and be more mindful of cultural differences
g. Gain lots of practical experience via mandatory EMS (not found in the US)
h. Free health care
i. Get to live in a cosmopolitan city that is very active and easy to get around without a car
Disadvantages:
a. Cold rainy weather
b. Expensive when I do want to go home/family lives far away
Jose Ruiz
1. Which vet school do you currently attend?
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
2. What inspired you to attend a foreign vet school?
They offered me an opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian.
3. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages that come with attending an international vet school?
Advantages
a. Most, if not everyone is an international student (makes it easier to build friendships with colleagues)
b. The school’s location offers a wide variety of research opportunities associated with the Caribbean’s resources
c. Allows for personal growth and understanding of a different culture (will help with client relationships)
Disadvantages
a. You find yourself not sharing the same social and political views as many of the international students (disagreement is easy, understanding is difficult – This is a great learning skill for life)
b. The island life isn’t as fast-paced as it is in America (starbuck’s orders take about 3-4 min…. 10 min on the island)
c. It is hot, so stay in-doors (study, study, study!)