This Authentic Veterinary Experience is open to anyone studying/working in vet-med, animals sciences, animal care and conservation fields.

The 2 week course offers students a practical mixed animal veterinary experience that

reflects the real and unpredictable nature of veterinary work in South Africa.

The course includes exposure to wildlife, small animals, horses, farm animals

and a variety of cases in between, allowing students to experience the

diversity of mixed practice in a real-world setting.

Each course will be slightly different, as veterinary work cannot always be

planned or predicted. The cases, species and daily activities will depend on

what is happening at the time, giving students a realistic understanding of how

adaptable and hands-on the veterinary profession can be.

Wildlife remains a key focus of the course, offering students insight into the

important role veterinarians play in conservation, game work and wildlife

health. Where possible, students may be exposed to wildlife-related cases,

fieldwork and discussions that highlight the unique challenges and

responsibilities of working with wild species.

Students will have the opportunity to observe experienced veterinary

professionals, assist where appropriate, and gain practical exposure to animal

handling, clinical work, field situations, conservation-focused cases and general

mixed practice.

The aim is to create a valuable learning environment where students can build

confidence, ask questions, develop practical insight and experience the

excitement, responsibility and variety of veterinary medicine.

• Work directly alongside veterinarians and specialists with exposure to wildlife, small animals, horses and farm animals.

• Practical Learning opportunities.

• Real Clinical and field settings

• Veterinary and conservation discussions.

• Students can expect a practical mixed animal veterinary experience that reflects the real and unpredictable nature of veterinary work. Each course is unique, with exposure depending on the cases, species and opportunities available at the time.

• Possible experiences may include:

• WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION- RELATED CASES

• FIELD WORK AND PRACTICAL VETERINARY SAFETY

• FARM ANIMAL AND HERD HEALTH EXPOSURE

• EQUINE HANDLING AND PROCEDURES

• ANIMAL HANDLING AND SAFE RESTRAINT

• CLINICAL EXAMINATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS

• ASSISTING WITH TREATMENTS WHERE APPROPRIATE

• DIAGNOSTIC SAMPLING AND BASIC LAB WORK

• VACCINATIONS AND DEWORMING PROTOCOLS

• WOUND CARE AND PATIENT MONITORING

• PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS OBSERVATION

• EMERGENCY AND UNEXPECTED CASE EXPOSURE

• SMALL ANIMAL CONSULTATIONS AND TREATMENTS

• CLIENT COMMUNICATION AND CASE DISCUSSIONS

• LEARNING DIRECTLY FROM EXPERIENCED VETERINARIANS

• A REALISTIC INSIGHT INTO MIXED ANIMAL PRACTICE

Accommodation will be arranged for students for the duration of the

course. The aim is to provide comfortable and practical accommodation

that allows students to stay close to the veterinary work and course

activities.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided each day. Meal times may

vary depending on the schedule, as some days may start earlier, run later

or change according to the veterinary work taking place. Water will be

provided throughout the course.

Snacks and additional drinks are not included and will be for the student’s

own account. Uber Eats or other food delivery options may be available,

but these will be at an additional personal expense.

The mixed practice veterinary experience is primarily based in Gauteng, South Africa. Most of the veterinary work and course activities will take place in and around this area, giving students exposure to a range of mixed practice cases. Depending on the cases, opportunities and veterinary work available at the time, students may also have the chance to travel to other provinces for selected activities or field experiences. This flexibility allows the course to reflect

the real nature of veterinary work, where each day and each case can be

different.

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This course is tailored

The academic programme combines practical experience, theory and case-based learning.

Participants will learn through real veterinary cases, demonstrations, hands-on exposure where

appropriate, and discussions with the veterinary team.

Theory sessions will explain important concepts, procedures, safety considerations and the clinical reasoning behind the work being carried out. This helps participants connect classroom knowledge with real-world veterinary practice while developing a broader understanding of mixed animal medicine, wildlife health and conservation.

Throughout the course, participants will attend a series of guest lectures delivered by experienced professionals from a range of veterinary and conservation disciplines. Drawing on their extensive professional experience, these speakers will share valuable insights into current issues, specialist fields and emerging developments within veterinary and conservation science.

These sessions provide an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge, engage in meaningful discussions and explore specialised topics within a structured academic setting that encourages personal interaction and learning.

Travel Costs:

Travel outside of the course schedule is at the student’s own cost.

Airport Collection:

On the first day of the course, collection will be arranged from OR Tambo International Airport or Lanseria International Airport at pre-arranged times.

Students who arrive on a different date, or outside of the arranged collection times, will be responsible for making their own transport and accommodation arrangements.

Course Transport:

All transport during the course, including travel between scheduled

activities, will be arranged by the course organisers.

Visa Requirements:

Students are responsible for confirming whether they require a visa to enter South Africa. Visa requirements should be checked directly with the appropriate embassy, consulate or official travel authority well in advance of travel.

Luggage:

It is strongly advised that students pack essential items, valuables, toiletries and at least one change of clothing in their carry-on luggage, as checked baggage can occasionally be delayed.

A detailed packing list will be sent to accepted students once final selections have

been made. Students should expect to pack practical, comfortable clothing

suitable for animal handling, outdoor work, variable weather, and hands-on

veterinary activities.

Accepted students will be required to complete a medical information form

before the course begins. This will include emergency contact details, allergies,

chronic conditions, medication, dietary requirements, and any important health

information needed to ensure student safety during the course.

Due to the practical nature of the course, students may be exposed to animals,

dust, outdoor conditions, physical activity, and possible zoonotic disease risks.

Students must inform the organisers of any medical condition that could affect

their safety or participation. All medical information will be treated confidentially

and will only be used where necessary for student safety, emergency care, or

course planning.