Interested in Going on an international volunteer vet trip with other SDNers?

Veterinary Science Graduate Certificate from UofI
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twelvetigers said:
Keep signing up guys! I think I'll pay the deposit tomorrow or Thursday to make it official.
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Just submitted the application. Now if August would just come a little quicker...
 
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So where exactly do we have to fly into for the august trip?? Just trying to figure out flight costs so I know what the total will be...I have some extra loan money left over from my masters so it might go towards this instead of being paid back right away :D
 
jos05 said:
So where exactly do we have to fly into for the august trip?? Just trying to figure out flight costs so I know what the total will be...I have some extra loan money left over from my masters so it might go towards this instead of being paid back right away :D
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If you go here:

http://www.vidavolunteertravel.org/schedules.php

And click on "See Details" below the trip's dates, it will expand and show you arrival and departure information. For the Aug. 8th through 20th trip, we fly into San Jose, Costa Rica by 2 pm on Aug. 8th, and leave from Managua, Nicaragua anytime on Aug. 20th.
 
Thanks! Plane tickets definitely not as expensive as I thought, just submitted my application!
 
I got the approval from my parents! Now I just have to decide whether or not I want to take extra classes this summer. If I don't (leaning towards not) then I'll 99.9% be going!
 
Can we pay the deposit right away, or do we have to wait to get our application approved or something? Couldn't find that anywhere on the website, might be missing it though. Don't wanna buy plane tickets till I am sure they are going to let me go haha. Really excited!!
 
jos05 said:
Can we pay the deposit right away, or do we have to wait to get our application approved or something? Couldn't find that anywhere on the website, might be missing it though. Don't wanna buy plane tickets till I am sure they are going to let me go haha. Really excited!!
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I got an email shortly after paying the application fee saying that $500 was due by whatever date.

(Can you tell I'm on break and haven't done a worthwhile thing this afternoon?)
 
(Can you tell I'm on break and haven't done a worthwhile thing this afternoon?)
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haha sure you are, you are helping me! :) And I just got something saying I submitted my application, but when I emailed them it said they are out of office until next week because of easter, so maybe that's why. I'm definitely going though!!
 
I just submitted as well. Here's the list. Come on, we need more people! :D

twelvetigers
scb44f
Qwerty85
ckd816
bruinvetman
jos05
heylodeb
tco87

For traveling partners, I put "other SDN forum members" lol.

ETA: GAH plane tickets are expensive. :(
 
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I'm so excited! The August 8th Trip works perfectly since my job at the local JC starts on August 21. awesome.

However, the hubby is being, well, slightly less than excited about this opportunity. I'm working on it..slowly but surely I'll whittle him down! I won't be able to pay my deposit till the last minute since I'll be trying to pick up some extra tutoring in order to pay for it. (Anyone want biology tutoring for $1,000/hour?? lol)
 
I can't decide what to do!! Man... it only costs about $250 to get from Phoenix to Costa Rica but it costs $500 to get home from Nicaragua! I'm mulling that over and also trying to decide if I want to be gone and possibly working on my birthday but I'm sure the whole thing will be worth it. When I told my mom about it she was so supportive that pretty much the first thing she said was to "make it official" or something along those lines. I have a feeling I'll be deciding in the next few days. :)
 
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C'monnnn dooo ittttt

I'll probably have to fly to Florida, stay the night, and then leave the next day in order for it to be affordable. Leaving from Tulsa makes me bounce all over the place and costs a lot, so if I can just do Southwest to Florida... but Sunday flights are all too late...
 
So how does the application fee stuff work? I noticed you can apply and then pay on a separate page it looks like... will they not look at your app until the fee is paid? And it's $100 right?
 
I don't think they'll look at until it's paid. They use paypal, so you can use that or a credit card. Yeah, it's $100. They won't respond until Monday, seems like.
 
Yeah flights from florida, at least orlando, really aren't that bad! Orlando is closest to me so I'm gonna try to buy those as soon as possible.
 
I just got an email from VIDA!

I am pleased to see that you have chosen CRN080810 for your group of SDN Veterinary students as advised by Marla, as our August schedule is very full this year and it would be difficult to add additional groups at this time.* Since you will be the primary contact person for your group, you are entitled to the benefits of a VIDA Coordinator which would be the equivelant to a full trip credit in the event that 15 SDN members enroll due to your efforts (or 15 people).* In the case that you do not wish to receive personal credit for your coordinator efforts, we would gladly offer a $100 discount to all of the members of your group.* We ask that anyone who is enrolling in your group, please add "SDN member" or your specific name in order for you or your group to receive credit) as this is technically an "Open group" which means it has no University affiliation and anyone can join those groups.
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So make sure you say that you're in SDN on the app!

As tempted as I am to take the fee waiver, I'm not sure that's fair since I haven't really done anything, you know? So I will probably do the $100 thing. But I need 15 of you, and so far we have 3. So who knows.
 
Oh crap, I didn't do that. Should I just fill out another one?
 
So jealous! I definitely can't go because of money issues (although I want to). But I've been watching this thread closely to see if you guys get the full 15... I hope you do! I can't imagine a better group to go with. :)

As HopefulAg suggested, PLEASE let rest of SDN live vicariously through your awesome photos and stories!
 
A few excerpts from the coordinator's packet they sent:

Costa Rica - In Veterinary Medicine, we will mostly do small animal surgical clinics as the animals (even the street animals) are typically in good condition for surgery and many rescue organizations and communities value these castration clinics. If your group is Costa Rica only and Vet only, then we will probably make a visit to Hacienda Moravia, a working ranch and hacienda with over 1,000 head of cattle, 70 horses, and other animals, which belongs to Johnny Soto, DVM Equine Specialist. We may also have a sloth experience at Aviarios Sloth Sanctuary, the only one in the world ,or visit La Marina Foundation for some exotic animal interaction.

In Costa Rica, we often participate in a tour of the capital city of San Jose, a visit to Sarchi and Grecia (two beautiful towns) to do some sightseeing and souvenir shopping. We go hiking in National Parks such as Carrera National Park, Cahuita National Park, and beautiful white sand and black sand beaches. Often on the route to Panama we will participate in white water river rafting on the Pacuare river. Our groups visit volcanoes such as Poas, Irazu, and Arenal, as well as Canopy Tours or ziplines. Sometimes we will take our volunteers on coffee, pineapple, or banana plantation tours.

Nicaragua - In Veterinary Medicine, we usually participate in small animal castration clinics, but we must educate people and convince them to castrate their animals, so our clinics are not usually as full and overwhelming as those in Costa Rica. We also work with large animals doing de-worming, vitamin therapy, and education with owners.

There are many beautiful recreational opportunities to enjoy in Nicaragua. We explore the beaches of San Juan del Sur, visit an active volcano (Volcano Masaya), visit a local souvenir market in Masaya, and do tours of Managua. We also often go to a zipline/Canopy tour in Granada called Mombacho Canopy tour, which is a volcano site as well. The highlight of the trip is often a visit to the spectacular city of Granada, which is the oldest city in Central America and has beautiful architecture and horse drawn carriages. In Northern Nicaragua, we often visit a canyon and do some hiking and tubing down the canyon river. Other opportunities include a visit to the Managua Zoo and a snake farm for the veterinary teams.

What VIDA Adventures include (in your payment):
- Airport pick up and drop off
- All transportation between sites
- Accommodations with host families and/or hotels.
- 2 Meals per day during clinic days and 1 per day on non-clinic days
- Full day of in country orientation and Medical/Dental/Veterinary Manual
- 24 hour staff assistance
- Survival Spanish class
- All medicine, equipment, supplies, and professionals needed to complete successful clinics
- Evening group activities
- Some recreational activities
- Border and Customs fees
- Statement of volunteer service hours; Letters of recommendation will be assessed on a case-by-case basis
- Post adventure follow-up

Flights: Volunteers are responsible for purchasing their own airfare. We must receive their flight information no later than 45 days prior to travel, so that we can ensure that our VIDA Staff members can pick them up at the airport. It is best to arrive by 2pm on the arrival date whenever possible.

Veterinary Observation Sheet: (Volunteers need to arrange observation hours independently via local humane society or local vet's office). Volunteers should scan, save as a PDF or JPG file and send us this form at least 3 weeks prior to your VIDA Adventure, so that we can verify their hours.

I'll need an email address, I suppose, and then you guys can print it out yourselves. If you are 100% for sure going, you should probably send me your email address anyway.

I also have a list of the sorts of donations they need most and will post that later.

Orientation: Veterinary volunteers will perform spay/neuters of small animals, as well as de-worming and vaccinating both small and large animals under the guidance of local veterinarians. In orientation, they will learn about common illnesses in animals, observe a professional veterinarian in a castration, practice measurements for pre-anesthesia, anesthesia, vaccinations, etc., and learn suture techniques from local professionals.

There's some other neat information in here (beyond what is found on the website) but I'm tired and have an exam tomorrow so this will have to do for now.
 
twelvetigers said:
*pokes thread hopefully*

Someone ask me some questions or something!

Have your friend join SDN and then join the trip! :hungover:
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I do have one question I can get out of the way now. I haven't invested in a good pair of work boots yet, but need to for various reasons including this trip. What are your guys' favorite brands?
 
I'm no help there. It says we need boots 'depending on the season' but I was thinking more like rubber boots. Otherwise, I think we wear tennis shoes or whatnot.
 
twelvetigers said:
I'm no help there. It says we need boots 'depending on the season' but I was thinking more like rubber boots. Otherwise, I think we wear tennis shoes or whatnot.
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Yeah, I wasn't sure what they meant by "rubber boots". Even if they don't mean work boots, I don't have those.

Tiktaalik, what time of year did you go? And if it was around August, did you take those ambiguous rubber boots?
 
Well I don't have much more to add other than the fact that I'm 99% sure I'm going!! This will be my graduation/birthday present from my family. :) I've found flights that will work with the schedule and budget (sort of!)... and I should be submitting my application tomorrow. So when we put that we're an SDN member we put it in the name section? Or the travel partners?
 
Yay! That's 4 people officially going, right? So exciting :)

ETA: I believe you put it in the travel partners?
 
scb44f said:
Yeah, I wasn't sure what they meant by "rubber boots". Even if they don't mean work boots, I don't have those.

Tiktaalik, what time of year did you go? And if it was around August, did you take those ambiguous rubber boots?
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I went right the same time you guys are going, Aug 1-13. I only brought crocs, sandals and hiking boots. I mostly had few troubles, although be certain to bring multiple types of shoes with you in your day pack every day, because you never know what kind of terrain you're hitting. I wore crocs in clinic, sandals in town, hiking boots on trails and with large animals. This worked out pretty well. Rubber boots would have been ideal, but they were also too large and heavy to pack.

However, if you guys are going to Costa Rica, you'll probably be going to the rainforest. In that case, you're going to want something waterproof, but you won't want super-heavyweight knee-high rain boots, because you'll have to be walking around in them and they'll chafe. When I went to the rainforest in Ecuador (different trip), I brought waterproof hiking boots, and they were good enough, but not perfect. I think, frankly, that no outfit is really going to be perfect, so you might have to find a compromise that works for you.

Edit: In Nicaragua and Honduras, it rained some, but not too much. I can't speak for Costa Rica - I think it might be rainier there, but I'm not sure.
 
There's a box that asks something like, "Are you ina group/do you know anyone else on this trip?" it's pretty clear.

I have some pretty comfortable rain boots (they have real insoles) but they are also blue and green polka dotted. Not sure how that would go over.
 
These trips don't seem very long, are there any trips that are a month or longer? I really want to go abroad, but want more "bang for the buck" :/
 
Can you stay longer @ the clinics if they go to all the trouble of training you?
 
Howister said:
Can you stay longer @ the clinics if they go to all the trouble of training you?
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From their website's FAQ section...

I would like to volunteer for more than 2 weeks, is that possible?

Yes, there are several ways that you can volunteer for more than 2 weeks. The Tropical Adventures organization based in Costa Rica offers individualized volunteer programs for extended periods of time in areas of conservation/wildlife, community development, children and families. Please visit www.tropicaladventures.com for more details.
Another option is to volunteer for one of our “Partners for a Brighter Future” once you are finished with your VIDA adventure. Please see our list of “Partners for a Brighter Future” and contact them directly to coordinate your extended stay. Volunteer opportunities with these programs will vary in cost.
VIDA is currently accepting volunteer interns for a minimum of 12 weeks in beautiful and tropical Costa Rica. Want to immerse yourself in Latin American culture and improve your Spanish? Want to spend your summer or January term volunteering or interning in Costa Rica? Come and join us, experience the ideal learning environment where creativity flows and a team environment really exists.
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twelvetigers said:
There's a box that asks something like, "Are you ina group/do you know anyone else on this trip?" it's pretty clear.

I have some pretty comfortable rain boots (they have real insoles) but they are also blue and green polka dotted. Not sure how that would go over.
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Those might work, as long as you wear comfy socks.
 
totally awesome idea! i had been looking at doing this for a long time, but didn't want to go alone. it seems like you guys are set on August, which doesn't work for me since i'll already be in Scotland, but if by any chance it gets moved to June-ish.....i'm a definite.

y'all are going to have so much fun and i'm jelly belly right now
 
And, FWIW, i think TT should get the total waiver because she will be the point person for organzing the whole deal and there will be a good deal of personal time invested in doing so. And honestly....not to sound....you know....but, 100 bucks off per person is a drop in the bucket when you are spending probably 20 times that to go on the trip. Just my humble little opinion.
 
twelvetigers
scb44f
Qwerty85
ckd816
bruinvetman
jos05
heylodeb
tco87
scarcelyheard

I have to talk to my parents about this. I'll try to have a look at the website, make sure it is something I can do, then talk to them by the end of the week. I have a feeling that it's going to be too pricey. I'm in desperate need of experience. Is it possible to get your 20 hours of surgical experience after registering? I have probably 20 already from 2 different clinics so far, but one of them I'm no longer in touch with.
 
flyhi said:
And, FWIW, i think TT should get the total waiver because she will be the point person for organzing the whole deal and there will be a good deal of personal time invested in doing so. And honestly....not to sound....you know....but, 100 bucks off per person is a drop in the bucket when you are spending probably 20 times that to go on the trip. Just my humble little opinion.
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I wouldn't mind that, dinner on her though :p
 
And beers :D . Sorry, hope i didn't step on any toes, but somebody should get the big break if they are going to be the point person.

TT - don't they also do trips with doc/dentist types in one big group? They split off when they get there, but it's under the same 'mission'. I could be wrong, but if so, I would think you could easily get 15 if you hit up the allo side and had a big ole group going.....
 
I'm not sure if it means just vet people, or anyone. I'll have to ask.

If I do take credit, I'll buy all the SDNers dinner at least once! :)

Scarcelyheard, my fingers are crossed that you could come. I think you can get the 25 hours anytime within the next few months if you haven't already.
 
flyhi said:
And, FWIW, i think TT should get the total waiver because she will be the point person for organzing the whole deal and there will be a good deal of personal time invested in doing so. And honestly....not to sound....you know....but, 100 bucks off per person is a drop in the bucket when you are spending probably 20 times that to go on the trip. Just my humble little opinion.
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I would be cool with this. Plus, it's really a better deal anyway because 15 people at $100 off each is $1500, but waiving just TT would be $1700! AND we never even would've known about the deal if she hadn't taken the initiative to contact them on our behalf :)
 
Omg, my parents said I can go :scared:

I have to get ahold of my vet this week. If that works out, I have to stop into the travel agent and talk about flights. Since we're arriving in San Jose and leaving from Managua, it wouldn't be roundtrip... I'm hoping that it won't be too much of a price difference... I should know by the end of the week what's up.

I'm starting exams soon, so it's going to be stressful getting all of this and my app done... I also have to get in contact with someone to figure out what shots I need. I read on this thread that rabies isn't mandatory?

Hopefully the exchange rate doesn't change dramatically either...

... but I'm stoked... doing surgeries??? That is soo cool.
 
Yay!! That's great! Can't wait to meet you!!

From reading the website, I believe only being up to date on tetanus is required. Lucky for me I got bit a few weeks ago and had to get it again.:D
 
jos05 said:
Yay!! That's great! Can't wait to meet you!!
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Can't wait to meet you too.

Didn't someone here say there are from BC?

I'm so excited that I just want to dance around the apartment. I have to shower and get up early for a review session though... blah.
 
Yay, awesome!!

They want tetanus plus the usual hepatitis shots that you probably needed to enroll in college anyway. You also need travel + health insurance, but that came out as $60 for me when I checked with World Nomads.
 
twelvetigers
scb44f
Qwerty85
ckd816
bruinvetman
jos05
heylodeb
tco87
scarcelyheard
dee vee emm

I've totally been wanting to go on this trip for a while and I come on here and you guys are already planning one!!

I mgiht see if I can do the Aug one you guys are going on, though I will be working on my MSc coursework project all summer so I'm not really sure how that will work out.
And if not I wanted to go on the one in September, but then I signed myself up for the MCAT the second week of Sept, so that's like right in the middle of the trip...lol.
Gahh now I've got some figuring out to do!!!:xf:

@Scarcelyheard.. I'm from Ontario but this is my first post in this discussion...
 
twelvetigers
scb44f
Qwerty85
ckd816
bruinvetman
jos05
heylodeb
tco87
scarcelyheard
dee vee emm
CupOfJeaux


Hey! I don't post here much, mostly just lurk, but I have been looking into these VIDA trips for a few months. Pretty sure I will be able to go on the Aug trip just have to work out some money stuff and work on my budget.:)
 
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