Teaching Vet Students in Costa Rica

Finding Purpose Beyond the Clinic

Being an IndeVet means having the freedom to explore your passions, both within and beyond veterinary medicine.

For me, that includes wildlife conservation and teaching vet students. This June, I had the privilege of spending two unforgettable weeks in Costa Rica, teaching pre-veterinary students at a wildlife rescue center through Loop Abroad. Loop Abroad connects students with hands-on opportunities to study wildlife and conservation medicine around the world, all while earning college credit. Last year, I had the incredible experience of teaching with them in the Australian bush. And this year, in the heart of Costa Rica’s lush rainforest.

Bridging Cultures Through Language

Over the last 6 months, I have been enrolled in Spanish classes. As an IndeVet working in Miami, I knew I needed to elevate my communication skills and find more effective ways to interact during appointments in areas where Spanish is the predominant language. These classes have connected me with my family roots, allowed me to better connect with clients, and proved especially helpful during my time in Costa Rica. I was able to practice Spanish during our field trips and with staff at the rescue center. I also had to step up and speak on behalf of my students who were not fluent as well.

Life at the Rescue Center

Our program was based out of a rescue center on the outskirts of San Jose. Our group lived on-site and was responsible for volunteer work throughout our stay. The center is home to many non-releasable animals as well as those being rehabilitated for release. Those unable to be released were formerly illegal pets or had sustained life-threatening injuries that prevented their return to the wild. These animals became our patients, our teachers, and in many ways, our daily reminder of why veterinary medicine matters, especially in communities where human-wildlife conflict and the illegal pet trade persist.

A Global Team with a Shared Mission

I worked alongside an incredible team of veterinarians and support staff from Brazil, Hungary, Colombia, Mexico, and Portugal. We quickly became a tight-knit group sharing stories, skills, and endless cups of coffee. Together, we created a dynamic and supportive learning environment for our students. Our roles with Loop extended beyond the classroom as well. We were always there for our students, whether someone was sick, felt homesick, or needed support in any way. As staff, we all had experience working in developing countries, and it was our responsibility to guide our students in scenarios they might not have encountered back home. For some of them, it was their first time traveling alone or abroad. We had our teaching, nursing, and camp counselor hats on at all times.

Back to Teaching—and Loving It

It felt so good to be teaching again! I led lectures on rainforest mammals, physical exams, necropsy, and the basics of wildlife immobilization. Our students, who came from all over North America, were eager to learn and full of curiosity. During lab sessions, students practiced catheter placements, blood smears, blood draws, and even had the opportunity to learn how to use a blow dart which was my favorite lab of the week. Additionally, students performed necropsies on deceased animals, which strengthened their knowledge of anatomy and highlighted the incredible diversity among species. We even hosted a blow dart competition where the winning student went head-to-head with all three veterinary leaders and beat us all!

The Parrot Procedure Day

One particularly unique component of this year’s program was an annual procedure day involving 24 yellow-naped Amazon parrots. We guided students through the process of safe capture and restraint, which is crucial when working with avian species. Under supervision, students assisted with physical exams, nail and beak trimming, and observed an internist perform minimally invasive laparoscopic sexing procedures on each parrot. The day required all hands on deck and was exhilarating for everyone involved. It was an excellent opportunity for students to understand how fieldwork scenarios run and reinforce the importance of adapting and using available resources to provide the best possible care.

A Closer Look at Sloths—and Their Challenges

Perhaps my favorite part of the experience was learning more about sloths. We spent time volunteering with the rescue center’s sloth team, caring for sloths recovering from powerline electrocution injuries and those deemed non-releasable. Powerline electrocution is an all-too-common threat for arboreal species in Costa Rica as human settlements continue to infringe on forest borders. These cases sparked meaningful conversations about the role veterinarians and conservationists can play in protecting wildlife. And fortunately, the students (and I) could ask questions directly to our sloth expert and Site Director, Dr. Rapha.

Field Trips, Fun, and Unforgettable Moments

Beyond the classroom, we went on field trips to nature’s classroom in Costa Rica. We visited Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, where students spotted sloths and capuchins in the treetops. At Starbucks’ Coffee Reserve, Hacienda Alsacia, we learned about sustainable farming practices, and our voyage by boat to Isla Tortuga provided some well-earned relaxation along with a surprise appearance by a pod of dolphins. We also spent a day at Rancho Ventura, a horse farm for students to practice equine physical exams and learn about dentistry from an equine specialist. And of course, we had plenty of fun along the way. Group meals, bachata lessons, wildlife sightings at unexpected moments, and the kind of laughter that only comes from being together in a beautiful, challenging, and sometimes chaotic place. Together we conquered the rainforest, forming bonds that will last beyond summer. Huge shoutout to my students who joined me in making funny Instagram Reels and TikToks too!

Teaching, Learning, and Looking Ahead

Being part of Loop Abroad’s teaching team reminds me why I went to veterinary school: to make a difference, become a life-long learner, and mentor and inspire others who care about wildlife. I went to Costa Rica to teach, but like all great experiences, I ended up learning just as much about wildlife, teamwork, patience, adaptability, and the power of our global community. Nos vemos el próximo verano!