Tanzania Pre-Vet Internship

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Want to gain a unique career experience? Ready to travel internationally with both independence and support? Consider joining one of our incredible veterinary internships abroad!

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Why Choose An Internship?

Our veterinary internships abroad offer a blend of career experience and travel, providing more flexibility than our study abroad programs. They are an excellent choice for students who want to gain valuable knowledge while still having the freedom to travel and explore independently. We simplify the logistics for you by handling the placement and housing, so you don’t have to navigate, find, and vet your own opportunity abroad. Like traditional internships, you will be placed with one of our partner projects, where you’ll spend approximately 35–40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, shadowing, observing, or assisting, as needed. This experience can be a valuable addition to your resume, and some colleges may even offer internship credit. However, please note that these internships differ from our standard programs—you won’t have a daily Loop Abroad staff member, a teaching vet, or pre-scheduled activities and transportation. Instead, you’ll have the independence to travel on your own, supported by your Loop Abroad and in-country coordinator.

Who It’s For

Designed for those with a passion for veterinary science and a desire to explore Tanzania, this internship offers a great opportunity to gain observational experience before beginning your professional career and applying to vet school. Based in Arusha, at a dedicated animal shelter and clinic led by a licensed veterinarian, this internship allows aspiring veterinarians and pre-vet students to immerse themselves in important work. By participating in animal rescue, clinical care, and community education, you will develop the skills and global perspective necessary to grow as a veterinary professional. This internship is great for those pursuing a career as a Veterinarian, Veterinary Nurse, Wildlife biologist/specialist, or other veterinary-related field.

If you and a friend are applying together and would like to intern together and be housed together, please contact us at [email protected] to assist you.

All participants must be fully vaccinated against yellow fever. No exceptions or exemptions can be made at this time. Applicants must be 18+, preferably with at least one year of undergraduate study completed, in a relevant scientific major such as biology, animal sciences, veterinary sciences, etc. Interns must have a genuine interest in veterinary sciences and a commitment to observation of both surgical and non-surgical procedures.

Overview

This internship offers a comprehensive veterinary internship under the mentorship of experienced professionals at a functional clinic and animal sanctuary in Arusha, Tanzania. During this internship, you will have the unique opportunity to develop practical skills by observing surgeries, treatments, and vaccinations, while gaining firsthand experience in both clinical and field settings. 

You will actively participate in the care of a diverse range of animals, including dogs, cats, chickens, donkeys, and cows, ensuring their long-term welfare and recovery. Additionally, you will explore rural veterinary practices by accompanying veterinarians on house calls and farm visits, where you will learn to navigate the unique challenges of diagnosing and treating common ailments in a resource-limited environment.

This internship provides a rare perspective on global animal welfare and the realities of veterinary medicine in a developing country. You will engage in community outreach to promote responsible pet ownership and build professional relationships with local experts.

Highlights

Highlights include:

  • Shadow medical procedures, including surgeries and treatments.
  • Support vaccination campaigns and provide immediate care to animals in need.
  • Participate in educational outreach programs on responsible pet care.
  • Engage in shelter maintenance and animal welfare improvement projects.

Dates and Tuition

The duration of the internship will be at least 2 weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks. Note: The internship placement is priced below for up to 6 weeks, but can be extended up to 12 weeks.
2 weeks: $2,100
3 weeks: $2,800
4 weeks: $3,500
5 weeks: $4,200
6 weeks: $4,900

Included: 24/7 in-country support, airport pick-up, fully furnished shared accommodation, local English-speaking coordinator, program, and host city orientation

Not included: airport drop-off, local activities, meals/drinks (of any sort), international/local travel costs (including public transport), visa (if required), vaccinations, travel Insurance (mandatory), background check (mandatory)

Gilman Scholarship

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 opens mid-August and the deadline is March 5, 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.

Housing, Meals, and Transportation

The accommodation is fully furnished (single or double bunk beds), with WiFi, shared with 1-6 other same-sex interns, and located in safe areas with easy access to public transport and close to the host site. The last night of the accommodation is the Friday night of the final week, leaving interns free to depart on Saturday.

Hours And Credit

You can receive one credit hour from Culver-Stockton College for every 40 internship hours for this program. (Optional. Additional fee applies.)

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Locations

Arusha, Tanzania

Known for its iconic wildlife safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, adventurous hiking experiences, pristine beaches of Zanzibar, and the cultural tapestry woven through historic Stone Town. Tanzanian culture is a blend of diverse traditions, cultures, and people. Tanzania is also a very peaceful country, and locals pride the nation on this, along with all the natural wonders it has to offer! Arusha is warm but mild compared to other parts of Africa, where the coastal regions are very hot and humid. The weather year-round is approximately 72°F / 23°C and can get up to 82°F / 28°C. There are mainly dry and rainy seasons, no summer or winter. The most popular time to visit Tanzania is between June and September or December/January.

Itinerary

As an intern, you will be expected to work a full day of clinic observations, Monday to Friday, 9 am-5 pm, and you will have the weekends off. On your days off, you are free to explore on your own!