RVC or USA(cornell/tufts/ohio)? Please help!

[futurehealervet]

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Hi, I know there are other threads where you get input on school choice but given that the advice changes based on the specific schools, I decided to start a new thread. I was lucky enough to get accepted to cornell (IS), tufts and ohio in the states but just found out I got into RVC as well. I'm really torn. I know they are all great programs so, putting aside cost for the moment, I'm trying to figure out how reasonable it would be to move overseas. How hard is it to get a job/ form a network in the US after going to vet school in the UK? Is it easy to have pets there (I have a dog)? Is this a silly/impulsive thing to consider when it would involve much less risk/change/anxiety staying put? It feels like this is a great opportunity to really shake things up in my life and have an ADVENTURE but vet school is already such a big change….HELP!!!! (Just as a side note, a very big thank you to everyone on this forum who has helped me for the past couple years during my prevet experience and its been a real thrill to be part of yours. Good luck in vet school everybody!)

 

[TakeMeToTheZoo]

I am sorry to get your hopes up, OP, but don't have an answer for you. Rather, I am facing the same dilemma (US v UK) right now!!

In addition to your great questions, I would like to ask those who went to the UK for school if EMS gets in the way with doing externships/internships/working over the summer? Did you ever feel like you were missing out on any opportunities because of EMS requirements???

 

[lei325]

I felt the opposite, actually. I used the EMS requirements as an opportunity to do externships and visit places I was thinking about applying for internships. It didn't always work out perfectly, but I don't think it limits you in any way. And at RVC you can get a job working at the school bars to make money, as long as it is less than 20 hours a week (visa requirement). Also, you're qualified to practice in Europe with the degree you receive, so it opens up a lot more opportunities career-wise in the long run.

I would look at the breakdown of cost, truthfully. I got into RVC and waitlisted at Tufts, so it was my only real option. And I'm glad I got to go, don't get me wrong, but I might have made better financial decisions in undergrad in hindsight.

Also also: if you want adventure, UK all the way. It's awesome. I loved it. Travel was easy, it was cool living in London for a bit, and it made me a better person.

 

[HowIMetYourPet]

I too am facing this decision! I haven't heard from my instate yet, but I've been accept3d oos here (Illinois) and to RVC and Edinburgh. I'm having the same debate! I'll be watching this thread closely!!

 

[Staffie]

lei325, you mentioned the possibility of working in the RVC bar as a student. I was wondering how feasible it is to work during the first year of the 4 year program? I currently work in a lab in London and there's a good chance I could switch to part time and do 8-10 hours/week once school starts. Is this doable? What sort of hours are you in school during that first year? I know you're supposed to have Wednesday afternoons off, but what are the hours usually like the rest of the week? I'll be living about an hour away from school so I'll be spending a lot of time each day commuting (hopefully I can study some on the way), so I'm a bit worried about overloading myself.

To the OP, I personally would recommend going wherever is cheapest. But, I've always been one for adventure, so I understand wanting to try somewhere completely new (I've lived abroad for most of the time since finishing undergrad and I really value all of my time spent in other countries). It's a fun place to live with loads going on. If the difference in cost isn't too great to scare you away, I would definitely consider the RVC. When else will you get the chance to live in the UK and have the rest of Europe on your doorstep? One warning though: don't come to the UK if you're not adaptable and open to change. It's a big step moving to a new country. Some people get really homesick and can't handle it. If living in a foreign country is stressful for you, having all the stress from vet school on top will likely make it worse.

I know some students do have dogs, but it can be tricky finding a place in London that allows dogs. It's probably easier for the latter 3 years in Hertfordshire. I don't have any pets at the moment, so I'm probably not the best one to advise. Good luck with your decision!

 

[bunnity]

What kind of dog? Certain breeds are banned in the UK.

 

[futurehealervet]

What kind of dog? Certain breeds are banned in the UK.

Thanks for the replys guys! I have a mini schnauzer, thats fine right? Also, she was docked and cropped when I got her but will that be an issue/ make people perceive me in a negative light since thats not allowed in the UK?

 

[ameropean_chelsea]

Thanks for the replys guys! I have a mini schnauzer, thats fine right? Also, she was docked and cropped when I got her but will that be an issue/ make people perceive me in a negative light since thats not allowed in the UK?

The docking/cropping laws are relatively new (within the past 10 years), so there are going to be a lot of dogs there that had the procedures prior to the law that are obviously still alive (for example, my parents have a JRT we got from Wales when we lived there and his tail was docked before the law). So she won't be alone. You don't need to feel embarrassed or ashamed or anything.... I just wouldn't go round advocating for the procedures for obvious reasons.

There are plenty of things the Brits do that Americans don't and vice versa and everybody has competing theories on what's right and acceptable and so on. Cultural awareness and consideration needs to come from both sides. Respect begets respect (usually). So whether it's your dog's tail or something else, sometimes all you need to say is: I get why you do such and such here, but we just happen to do it differently across the pond. Let's all meet at the pub over cider and somebody explain cricket to me blah blah happy ending.

Be aware though... you will get called Yankee Doodle and be the butt of a lot of America jokes. You just gotta laugh it off and sling it right back. It's a sarcastic culture. =)

 

[shortnsweet]

Loved the UK. EMS allowed me to do 26 weeks of externships as opposed to 6 weeks a lot of US schools give you....So I definitely thought that was an advantage. Haven't had any issues getting an internship/residency in the states...and all of my friends who have moved back now have jobs too. Cost can be an issue, but I think the life experience is well worth it.

 

[lei325]

lei325, you mentioned the possibility of working in the RVC bar as a student. I was wondering how feasible it is to work during the first year of the 4 year program? I currently work in a lab in London and there's a good chance I could switch to part time and do 8-10 hours/week once school starts. Is this doable? What sort of hours are you in school during that first year? I know you're supposed to have Wednesday afternoons off, but what are the hours usually like the rest of the week? I'll be living about an hour away from school so I'll be spending a lot of time each day commuting (hopefully I can study some on the way), so I'm a bit worried about overloading myself.

To the OP, I personally would recommend going wherever is cheapest. But, I've always been one for adventure, so I understand wanting to try somewhere completely new (I've lived abroad for most of the time since finishing undergrad and I really value all of my time spent in other countries). It's a fun place to live with loads going on. If the difference in cost isn't too great to scare you away, I would definitely consider the RVC. When else will you get the chance to live in the UK and have the rest of Europe on your doorstep? One warning though: don't come to the UK if you're not adaptable and open to change. It's a big step moving to a new country. Some people get really homesick and can't handle it. If living in a foreign country is stressful for you, having all the stress from vet school on top will likely make it worse.

I know some students do have dogs, but it can be tricky finding a place in London that allows dogs. It's probably easier for the latter 3 years in Hertfordshire. I don't have any pets at the moment, so I'm probably not the best one to advise. Good luck with your decision!

It's doable. I didn't work during that first year but I know plenty of people who did just fine working 10-20hrs a week. As long as you make sure you're giving yourself enough time to revise you'll be fine.