First summer of vet school

[katemez]

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Okay, this is looking ahead a bit, but I was wondering what people usually do during the summer after their first year in vet school? I'm in a bit of a unique situation since I'm going to Massey in New Zealand, and starting in their 2nd semester. So my summer break starts this November! Not too far off. Do people usually just work as an assistant in a clinic or something like that? I know that for Massey, I have a required number of practical work experience weeks on farms and such... I figure I'll be doing a bit of that. What are other people's ideas?

 

[wishes]

Wow, I would love to go to school in New Zealand. How exciting! I have heard it is beautiful there!
I know that many U.S. schools offer international programs (i.e., go to Kenya and work in a Gorilla rehab facility or with a wildlife preservation group) so I assume that these programs are also accesible to you in New Zealand.
Also, in the states students will go on trips with rural area veterinary services (RAVS) to get practice doing spays and neuters. Obviously this would be more of a second and third year thing, although I have heard of students going their first year. I imagine that New Zealand has some sort of equivalent program there. I also know that there are similar opportunities for people to do spays/neuters on stray cats in Hawaii. I do believe that this is more of a third, fourth, or even DVM level thing (RAVS trips are definitely available to students).
Good luck and congratulations!

 

[spikey]

Also, in the states students will go on trips with rural area veterinary services (RAVS) to get practice doing spays and neuters. Obviously this would be more of a second and third year thing, although I have heard of students going their first year.

yup, definately heard of this.

my vet mentor now told me that the first two summers she spent working. not sure exactly where, but i assume animal related, to get more money to keep you getting through the rotations for the last two years. i dont know firsthand, but thats what i was told. 🙂

 

[wishes]

My vet mentor now told me that the first two summers she spent working...to get more money to keep you getting through the rotations for the last two years.

Good point. The summer would probably be a great time to stash some cash because none of us are going to have much time to work during the school year!
Many veterinary schools will offer paid jobs to students in the summer either as veterinary assistants or in research.

 

[weeziefive]

I know that you, like me, will probably have to complete the Extra Mural Studies. My friend did RAVS last summer and he actually got to perform spays and neuters (with the assistance of a vet) and he was completing his first year. I would reccommend getting a variety of experience. I am fortunate to have an array of experience stemming from pathology, small animal, large animal and laboratory animal. But working and getting money is always a bonus. I am actually going to being contacting NVSL in Iowa to see if they will do an internship for me during my summer (their winter).