The Gilman Scholarship offers awards of $5000 for undergraduate study abroad for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university. Talk to us about applying!
Large Animal Veterinary Practice in the Tropics
National Pre-Vet Club’s Large Animal Veterinary Practice in the Tropics
Pre-Vet and Animal Science Study Abroad
This study abroad program is designed for the veterinary, pre-veterinary, animal science or zoology students to gain working knowledge of the husbandry, and health issues confronting farm and large animal including horses, sheep, pigs, and cattle in Belize.
Hands on from the start
You will get the opportunity to learn hands-on veterinary examination techniques at working ranches and farms as well as learn about large animal agriculture in Belize, including analyzing laboratory specimens in a laboratory. Lectures focus on the selection, nutrition, reproduction and management of horses, beef cattle, goats, swine and sheep. Other topics taught in this course include animal anatomy and physiology, animal agriculture economy, animal diseases and animal research. On Saturday, the course includes a free small animal clinic which may involve vaccinations, physical exams, or surgeries, depending on what’s needed in the community at the time. Students will have free time on Saturday afternoon, and there is the option for a fun and affordable beach trip on Sunday.
In this course you will develop a basic understanding of the role of livestock in agriculture (Belize and globally). The course goal is to expose students to the practice of farm animal medicine and the production systems involved. It will introduce basic concepts and principles of animal nutrition, growth, health, behavior, reproduction, and genetics, as well as practical commercial applications, such as ration formulation, disease prevention, artificial insemination, genetic selection, and crossbreeding systems. Labs and field trips to a variety of farms in the area provide opportunities to gain practical experience and a better understanding of the lecture material.
Who it's For
This group is open to students referred by the National Pre-Vet Club. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Most are 18 to 25, but we also accept full-time undergraduates over 25.
Students must have a 3.0 GPA and upload a 1-2 page essay that describes what you would bring to the program and what you hope to get out of it. Individuals of any nationality may apply.
Each group of up to 12 students will share site staff and classroom time, and work together on projects on-site. There may be two groups on site. All programming is in English – no Spanish skills are required (but if you have them, you’ll have some opportunities to use them!)
Program Dates
SUMMER 2027
July 10 – July 24
Subjects Covered
Class schedules may be subject to change depending on farm availability
Horses
Beef & Dairy Cattle
Sheep & Goats
Pigs
Spay Neuter Clinic
Free Time To Discover Belize
PROGRAM TUITION
Tuition
Program tuition is $3,380 $3042, not including international airfare. This tuition represents a 10% discount on our regular program tuition for your group. No additional discounts or aid are available.
Interest-free payment plans are available. Current college students may be able to use federal financial aid toward their tuition.
The first $500 of your tuition (your program deposit) holds your space in the course. This deposit is non-refundable. All prices are in US dollars.
Your deposit is due by Oct 1, 2026, to secure your private group booking. Balance of your tuition is due by Feb 1, 2027.
Included:
- Course
- Housing
- Airport pickup
- Class excursions
- Breakfast each day
- Orientation
Not included:
- $30 Application fee
- Personal budget for meals, tours, laundry, evening activities, souvenirs, etc
- Transcript
- Airfare
- Medical insurance (required)
SCHOLARSHIP AND FUNDING IDEAS
Want to study abroad but not sure if you can afford it? You are not alone! While studying abroad gives you an appreciation for the world outside of your home country, grows your character and confidence, and gives you great opportunities, many still worry about paying off student debt in the future. Thankfully, you can pursue a couple of options that may make that trip of a lifetime a little bit more affordable.
Crowdfunding
Many of our alumni have been successful raising money from friends, family, and community through crowdfunding. Tell your story, share your passion, and people may want to be a part of your adventure and growth!
The Gilman-McCain Scholarship is open to US citizen undergraduate students who are child dependents of active duty service members and receiving any type of Title IV federal financial aid to participate in study abroad programs worldwide.
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