This program is designed for undergraduate-level students who are interested in researching ways to enhance the lives of the cats at the rescue. 

Participants must be at least 18 years old. Most are 18 to 25, but we also accept full-time undergraduates over 25. There are no prerequisites for this program. You do not need to be in school currently to apply. Individuals of any nationality may apply.

This program is limited to a maximum of 10 participants. 

Participants are expected to be positive, attentive, fully engaged, and eager to learn. This is a research program. Students will not be feeding or touching the cats, but studying their behaviors.

Big cats are obligate carnivores and must be fed meat in captivity. Please note that this program may include surgical practice or other educational procedures on the bodies of deceased feeder animals.

Regular tuition for the one-week program is $2,295. 

This program is limited to 10 participants. Your space is not held until your $1,000 deposit (credited toward tuition) is paid.

Tuition includes housing (hotel), the center program project, 24/7 on-site emergency support, breakfast, and lunch.

Tuition does NOT include airfare, medical insurance (the policy we suggest is under $25), dinners (other than the welcome dinner on Sunday), or snacks. Participants are welcome to drive – parking is available. Participants who drive or ride with other students may need to fill out an additional waiver and release form.

The closest airport is Indianapolis, IN Airport and it is 2 hours and 35 mins to Terre Haute, IN. 

The Gilman Scholarship could fund $5000 of your tuition plus there is an additional STEM Supplemental Award of $1000 you an apply for. The next round of applications has a deadline of Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.

If you are a US citizen receiving a Pell Grant and currently enrolled in college or university, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship! See the official website for the latest details and read about Loop Abroad students who have received this scholarship.

You can receive 1 credit from the University of Findlay for this program. (Additional fee applies.)Loop Abroad can also assist you in working to get credit directly from your school. This is a study abroad program and all students will participate in the lectures, labs, and assignments in the schedule. Credit is optional and can be removed anytime before April 1.

You will receive a certificate for 30 service hours upon program completion. You will be supervised by a teaching veterinarian in your classroom lectures, labs, and many of the animal activities – you should calculate your experience hours  based on your actual participation, but we estimate 10 veterinary hours, 8 animal hours, and 10 research hours.

The syllabus for this course, ASLA 458 Wildlife Research: Exotic Feline Rescue Center, can be found here on our syllabi page.

Students will learn about the cats’ behavior, habitats, and the challenges they face in captivity. This experience can be valuable for those interested in pursuing careers in animal care, conservation, or related fields. Note: This is NOT a veterinary medicine program. Students will earn research hours under the supervision of the EFRC staff and Loop Abroad Teaching Veterinarian.

A Loop Abroad staff member will be on-site 24/7 to help you each day and in case of an emergency. Housing will be simple, shared rooms. Rooms are shared with other Loop Abroad students of the same gender. Wifi is available. 

The program starts with the welcome dinner on Sunday evening. The welcome dinner is provided but other dinners are not. We provide breakfast each morning at the hotel and lunches Monday to Friday. We can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets and food allergies with advanced requests. The program will end on Saturday and breakfast is the last meal provided.