Stories about our
Students

First Time Abroad?

As world-travelers ourselves, we're proud many students choose Loop Abroad  for their first trip abroad - and sometimes their second and third!

Loop Abroad student petting porcupine

If you've never traveled abroad before, you're probably a little nervous. Don't worry! While part of the fun of travel is encountering unexpected things, we'll do whatever we can to prepare you for your Loop Abroad experience.

In order to travel abroad, you will need a passport. Information on any required visas or vaccinations will be included in the information you receive upon admission.

Most of our two-week programs offer a group flight from the US (you can find whether a group flight is available, as well as the estimated cost and departure city on each program page) For programs with a group flight, you will all fly together to your program location, where our team will be eagerly waiting at the airport! For programs without a group flight option, we can help you choose an appropriate flight and our team will be at the airport waiting to meet you when you arrive!

You will never be on your own during your program. And we will be available before your trip to answer questions about everything from what to pack to what to wear on the flight to how much spending money to bring. You will find that your program location is exciting and different, but that it is easier than you might think to adjust.

Check out the stories below from a couple of our students whose first trip abroad was with Loop Abroad and find out why Loop has been ranked as one of the best veterinary programs for study abroad!

My First Trip Abroad

By Enajite I., Alumna

"The Loop Abroad Vet Trip of 2013 was my first time on an airplane or out of the country at all! Looking back, I’m so glad my first time was with Loop. With multiple flights and layovers endured while traveling to and from Thailand, I am a traveling pro."

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Loop Abroad was my First Trip Abroad

By Belle B., Alumna

"The program was outstanding in so many ways from answering all my questions before I left to keeping in contact with my parents to showing us so many different parts and angles of the culture to always making us feel safe. If given the chance again, I would accept in a heartbeat. This experience changed my life in so many ways and so I met so many people that I will never forget."

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Independent Reviews

Looking for the perfect study abroad trip isn’t as easy as shopping on Amazon, but we still have plenty of reviews for you to read!

Check out reviews of our summer programs at Go Overseas and Go Abroad, two independent organizations that collect student reviews.

Loop Abroad was named a Top Rated Organization for 2023 and 2022 by GoAbroad.com with an average rating across over 500 reviews of 9.8/10!

 

 

GoAbroad.com Top Study Abroad Program 2018 badgeOur Thailand College Pre-Vet Medicine program was named GoAbroad’s Top Rated Study Abroad Program of 2018! Read more about the honor here!

Jump shoot of Loop Abroad studentsWe are happy to continue working hard to improve our programs each year based on student suggestions.

Over 200 students and parents shared reviews of their Loop experiences on our Facebook page and rated us 4.9/5!

Meet Our Alumni

It’s the best way to find out if a Loop Abroad trip is right for you.

When choosing a study abroad program, there’s a ton of info available. Sometimes the most helpful thing is to talk to someone who’s been there before. A Loop Abroad alumni would be happy to talk to you and answer your questions.

Was it fun? Was it safe? What should I pack?

Read the stories written by Loop alumni below. Keep in mind that itineraries vary by program and develop from year to year. Your experience may not be 100% like the experience of our alumni – every program is unique!

talk to an alum

Brittany Diaz, College Veterinary Service

Texas A&M

"All of the staff were great! They really focused on making our experience safe, meaningful, and fun! The vets were very knowledgeable and did a great job teaching us and helping us practice the skills we learned."

read more

Enajite Igho, High School Veterinary Service

Ethel Walker School

"Prior to the trip I had never even been on a plane!... One of the best attributes of Loop Abroad and the amazing people involved is their ability to make you feel right at home even when you are thousands of miles away."

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Sarah Beagan, Thailand 101

Wittenberg University

"In order to pay for this adventure, I did a lot of fundraising, which ended up paying for more than half of my trip.... This program is a way to bring students who come from all over and are all different together with the common goal of helping these animals and having an adventure.

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Samantha Prester, Kansas State University Private Group

Kansas State University

"As we left Chiang Mai, I could not help but to be sad to leave behind not only the beautiful city we were able to explore, but also the people and animals we had met along the way."

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Anneka Mehan, College Veterinary Service

Trent College, UK

"The College Veterinary Programme and it was the best decision I have ever made. My passion for animals grew at a very young age and it has always been my ambition to go into an animal based career."

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Allison Faust, College Veterinary Service

University of Pittsburgh

"All of my fellow group members were super personable and shared a common passion – animals. I made many life-long friends from around the world on my trip that I hope to see again soon."

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Alistaire Ruggiero, College Veterinary Service

Smith College

"I began looking for an abroad pre-vet program that I could participate in that would allow me to have a substantial amount of hands-on time with animals while giving me the opportunity to simultaneously explore a foreign country."

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Kaitlin Thompson, High School Veterinary Service

Flower Mound High School

"My journey with Loop Abroad began one day when I was scrolling through my FaceBook newsfeed. I clicked on a post and I am so happy I did!"

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Kendra Libby, High School Veterinary Service

Branford High School

"This was my first time traveling abroad, and it was also my first time traveling without my family."

read more

Quinn Munro, Thailand 101

University of Colorado, Boulder

"Loop Abroad really provided me with an eye-opening and life-changing experience."

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Morgan Cornett, High School Veterinary Service

Ocean Lakes High School

"It’s really easy to make friends on the trip, even for shy and quiet people like me. I made some amazing friends who I still keep in touch with."

read more

Sarah Hopper, Experience Thailand: Elephants and Everything Else

Cinco Ranch High School

Hello potential Loop Abroad participant! My name is Sarah and I was a volunteer with Loop Abroad in 2015 on the Elephants and Everything Else...

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Katie Rose Fitch, Thailand 101

Lambton College

Thailand 101 equaled to be the best two weeks of my life! From the beginning of applying to saying our sad goodbyes at the airport....

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Lindsey Fenton, College Veterinary Service

Purdue University

So you desire to see the wonders of Thailand, eh? Well let me tell you, you are taking a step in the right direction. Traveling thousands of miles with Loop Abroad this past summer to discover this magnificent country was hands down one of the best decisions of my life.

read more

In the News

Our students are big news when they return home from their trip of a lifetime!

 

 

Loop Abroad was named a Top Rated Organization for 2022 by GoAbroad.com with an average rating across all our programs of 9.6/10!

 

 

 

GoAbroad.com Top Study Abroad Program 2018 badge

 

Our Thailand College Pre-Vet Medicine program was named GoAbroad’s Top Rated Study Abroad Program of 2018! Read more about the honor here!

 

 

 

AVMA posts about Michigan State students on Loop Abroad trip to ThailandThe American Veterinary Medical Association calls Loop Abroad’s College Veterinary Service Program in Thailand ‘A dream come true’… and we couldn’t agree more! The AVMA is the nation’s leading advocate for the veterinary profession, an organization that protects, promotes and advocates for the needs of all veterinarians and those they serve. See their post here.

Ansley Still, Loom alumna, returned to campus to make a strong case against elephant hunting in her piece – “Elephant Hunting Isn’t Conservation” – published in The Current, the Eckerd College newspaper.

Man and elephantRemember when @Daxon AKA Allan Daxon AKA the animal selfie king traveled with us to Thailand on our Thailand 101 program? Check it out on his instagram page.

Learn more about the amazing participants we’ve had in our programs, and check out stories about our students from print and the web below.

Dr Erika Blanco, Loop Abroad Site Director in Australia, featured in the Canvas Rebel

"...I began traveling to the other side of the world in Australia to help teach pre-vet students about conservation veterinary medicine and native Australian species with Loop Abroad. I plan to continue to develop my knowledge in both Western and Eastern Veterinary Medicine and help promote positivity and happiness for all those within the veterinary community."

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Parker Luke Wilson ’23 featured at Front Page News of Georgia College & State University

September 29, 2023

"I learned so much there and gained a ton of leadership skills. I assisted in and viewed many surgeries and necropsies, performed husbandry care and was even able to feed baby sloths. My Loop Abroad program was out of this world. All the animals we saw were wild, and free and that was beautiful."

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Laura DiCarlo ’23 featured in Sheridan Newsroom, Sheridan College, Canada

September 25, 2023

The experience of being with the elephants, DiCarlo says, was indescribable. Free to roam the wilderness of their natural habitat, they were not controlled by anyone and could choose their own person, the ‘mahout’, to bond with. “We would often see an elephant and his mahout walking about in the sanctuary, their bond so strong that it almost made me jealous,” she says.

“We had to move away if an elephant came towards us. The sanctuary is their safe space, their forever home.”

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Mia Bodnar-Cohen ’23 featured in Michigan News, University of Michigan

September 22, 2023

“My experience abroad in the beautiful country of Costa Rica was life-changing,” Bodnar-Cohen said. “I worked with animals that I would never get the chance to in the United States. And as a pre-veterinary student, caring for animals unique to Costa Rica provided me with knowledge and experience that I would otherwise not have.”

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Paige Briggs ’23 featured in Half Moon Bay Review News, California

September 15, 2023

“We had two male lions cross right in front of our jeep as they were following two lionesses stalking a huge herd of buffalo,” Briggs said. “So I’ll definitely be going back.”

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Jahari Mitchell ’23 featured in Tap into Hillside News Online

September 13, 2023

Mitchell, 21, was part of a small team that volunteered at the Runaway Creek, taking part in a howler monkey release project. He and others shadowed a jaguar keeper and studied jaguar behavior. They also took a course in the behavior, conservation and ecology of key wildlife species in Belize, which included jaguars and primates.

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Sadie Gidner ’23 featured in CALS Communications News, University of Vermont

September 8, 2023

"Sadie and her team provided care for the animals at the zoo, including feeding the animals, building and helping to provide enrichment for them. She was also able to travel to Kruger National Park to observe African wildlife, where she was able to see zebras, African elephants, giraffes, and many other types of African mammals and other wildlife."

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Katie DeAngelis ’23 featured in TAPintoMontville News Online

August 12, 2023

Of her trip, Katie says, “Working along side such experienced veterinarians from all walks of life and working with Australia native animals was such an amazing and rewarding experience!”

Katie is a Sophomore at University of Tennessee Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee, majoring in Animal Science Major with a pre-veterinary science concentration and a minor in wildlife and fisheries science.

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Laura DiCarlo ’23 featured in Orangeville.com News, Canada

August 5, 2023

“It was an experience that really still stays with me, and it still hits me and feels unreal,” DiCarlo said.

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Julia Turissini ’23 featured in Charlestown Patriot-Bridge of Waterville, Maine

August 1, 2023

Of her trip, Julia says, “My semester with Loop Abroad exceeded all expectations about the amount of veterinary experience I would gain. I was especially impressed by the diverse range of specialties we were exposed to such as small animal, equine, marine, exotics, and wildlife. A highlight for me was the opportunity to shadow elephant veterinarians through their day to day tasks at Elephant Nature park, where they treat a variety of traumas from the patients’ pasts in the tourist or logging industries.... I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking to broaden their horizons and gain more veterinary experience.”

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Amelia Pound ’23 featured in Union-Recorder of Milledgeville, Georgia

July 27, 2023

“...This program has changed my life and helped change my perspective on various environmental issues as well as educating myself in treatment of captive animals and how to properly rehabilitate animals releasable to the wild. Gaining experience in this field is something very important to me as I progress toward applying to veterinary school - it is something that will separate myself from other applicants as well as making me a more qualified student in this competitive field.”

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Hannah Tienter ’23 featured in The Watertown Express

July 26, 2023

Of her trip, Hannah says, "This trip was academically and culturally important. I gained experience in the veterinary field working with shelter dogs and elephants. I've never thought I would be working with elephants. Never doubt yourself and try new things!"

Hannah is a Sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Martin in Martin, TN, majoring in Pre-Veterinary Medicine.

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Loop Abroad featured by Miami University of Ohio Education Abroad

July 21, 2023

"I chose to study abroad because I wanted to experience life in a new country. I had never been abroad before, and I wanted to learn from locals about their country and culture. Loop Abroad provides incredible experiences that you can't get anywhere else. They had so many countries and programs to choose from, all of them centered around veterinary medicine, which I wanted to get more experience with. This Approved program offered me opportunities that are difficult to find through the other study abroad options." -Evelyn Holman '23, Loop Abroad Australia, Summer 2022

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Brycelyn Ramirez 23′ featured in The Daily Texan

July 20, 2023

Dr. Everly said she’s excited to see a new, more diverse and empathetic veterinary field as travel programs like Loop Abroad grow in popularity.

"It’s nice to have insight into veterinary medicine practices across the world,” Ramirez said. "…I learned a lot more there in two weeks in Thailand than I did in the first clinic I ever worked at.”

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Kristin Bruton and Ja’nay Settles ’23 featured in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

July 17, 2023

“The trip was an amazing way to meet new people and get hands on practical experience," Bruton said. "Learning specific equine medicine techniques was a different aspect than sitting in lecture. This trip was a great way to apply lecture material in real life clinical situations.”

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Kristin Bruton and Ja’nay Settles ’23 featured on Everything Lubbock (Texas)

July 11, 2023

“Volunteering and shadowing Dr Anna Varadi has been an absolute blessing, and I am grateful for all the support I have received that got me here," Settles said. "Learning the overall anatomy, how to do various procedures – including a SubQ and IM injection – and various other information about equids as well as the history of the horses at the center will forever be instilled in my memories!”

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Emily Feliciano ’23 featured in The Almanac News

July 10, 2023

While the trip was all about learning, working and connecting, Feliciano and her group also went on safari, where they saw the big five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and African buffalo.

"I was not expecting to see (the big five) at all," she smiled.

The best part of the trip was, of course, working with the animals.

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Ashlyn Jensen ’23 featured in Green River Star

July 9, 2023

"Jensen and her team provided care for the animals at the Cango Wildlife Ranch, including feeding the cheetahs and helping to provide enrichment for them. She was also able to go on a game drive to observe African wildlife, where she was able to see zebras, rhinos, giraffes, and many other types of African mammals and other wildlife."

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Halle Broughton ’23 featured in NBC Montana News

July 3, 2023

“Going to Thailand has been a dream of mine for about twelve years, so when I found out I got accepted into this program I was over the moon with excitement. I have always had a passion for travel and culture, as well as a love and passion for animals and this trip combined both in the most magical way imaginable. The staff at ENP and Loop Abroad were so patient, accepting, welcoming, kind and knowledgeable. The experiences I had were incredible, ranging from elephant care and medicine, small animal practice and management to Thai culture and language,” - Halle Broughton of University of Montana Western alumna

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Jasmine Lapsley ’18 featured in ‘Veterinary Medicine News’ of NC State University

June 7, 2023

Jasmine Lapsley, DVM Candidate at North Carolina State University and Loop Abroad Alumna of the Thailand Veterinary Semester Abroad '18 returned to Thailand as a Group Leader in Summer 2023 as well as traveling to Belize as a Group Leader in Summer 2021.

"This week I had the opportunity to help pre-veterinary students learn so many things. They learned about eco-tourism and how to support ethical animal encounters when traveling abroad, conduct diet studies on the elephants at Elephant Nature Park, and participate in vet rounds. The students and I were able to be involved in the medical care of some of the elephants at the park alongside the veterinarian!" -

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Loop Abroad dental programs mentioned in American Student Dental Association magazine

June 6, 2023

"I have learned that this profession can open many doors, and you should explore every door that is opened for you.... The foundation recently partnered with Loop Abroad, which is ranked as one of the best veterinary programs for study abroad." -Dr. Charles Dyer IV, DDS, MS, PC

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Dr. Erica Ward, Loop Abroad Academic Director, co-authors research on elephant parasites in Parasites & Vectors journal

March 6, 2023

"The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), which is an endangered species, harbors several parasites. Among the ectoparasites that it harbors, ear mites of the genus Loxanoetus have the potential to cause external otitis, an inflammation that may also be associated with the presence of other microorganisms. We assessed the relationships between ear mites, nematodes, yeast, bacterial rods, and cocci sampled from the ears of captive Asian elephants in Thailand. In addition, we discuss the possibility that dust-bathing behavior may be triggered by ear mite infestation, and that this in turn may lead to contamination of the ears with soil microorganisms."

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Sydnee Durnell ’22 featured in the Findlay Newsroom

December 28, 2022

UF senior, Sydnee Durnell took advantage of the opportunity, traveling to Thailand to study small animal medicine and elephant veterinary medicine. “This experience gave me the opportunity to learn about elephant rescue and rehabilitation, and how to serve in a foreign country and expand my knowledge in veterinary medicine,” said Durnell.

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Priscilla Martinez ’22 featured in The Poly Post, student newspaper at California Polytechnic – Pomona

December 8, 2022

“My takeaway was that one of the things I would like to do is work as a veterinarian and I would like to work with large exotics.” said Martinez.

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Natalie McCarthy ’22 featured in Hobart and William Smith Colleges News

December 7, 2022

“Working in another country exposed me to different perspectives on many aspects of veterinary medicine,” says McCarthy. “These new perspectives have made me more considerate of the different perspectives I may encounter both in the veterinary field and in my life.”

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Naia Brandt ’22 featured in Downers Grove Living Magazine!

November 7, 2022

Naia says, " Being a part of such a huge community was absolutely incredible. Volunteering and learning with the wonderful staff and meeting so many friendly people left me with invaluable memories that I will take with me into my future schooling and career. I could not recommend this program enough to anyone who is interested in veterinary medicine and studying abroad."

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The Association of American Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) promotes Loop Abroad veterinary internships

November 5, 2022

The AAZV now promotes our veterinary internships as opportunities for pre-vet and vet students!

The AAZV has "over 1000 members working in clinical zoo medical practices, diagnostic laboratories, reproductive and pathological laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and a wide range of governmental health and wildlife management agencies throughout the world."

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Sydney Campbell ’22 featured in Bristol Herald Courier

October 17, 2022

As an animal science student, Campbell and other students from UT, spent three weeks at the sanctuary helping rescue animals, studying conservation, and learning hands-on what it’s like to be a veterinarian.

Campbell, who is pursuing a career as a veterinarian, said the experience was fascinating even though she doesn’t plan on working with exotic animals in the future.

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Loop Abroad funds wildlife research led by one of the first female veterinarians to graduate in Malawi.

October 1, 2022

Doctors Muonaouza Deleza and Love Kaona were the only women who graduated from Malawi’s first class of veterinarians at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) in 2019.

She first worked for the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, rehabilitating injured and rescued wildlife and has since undertaken wildlife health monitoring at Kuti Wildlife Reserve, funded by Loop Abroad.

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Sydney Campbell ’22 featured by University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

September 26, 2022

This summer, Sydney Campbell, 22, of Gladespring, VA spent three weeks in Thailand helping animals, studying conservation, and learning hands-on what it’s like to be a veterinarian. Traveling with study-abroad organization Loop Abroad, Sydney was selected as part of a small team that volunteered giving care at a dog shelter, worked directly with rescued elephants at an elephant sanctuary, and volunteered in marine conservation on the island of Koh Tao.

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Eleanor Rosmando ’22 featured in Patch

September 23, 2022

“Not only did this trip fulfill my childhood dream of seeing an elephant, but I got to learn all new skills I would not have gotten to do otherwise,” said the 20-year-old, animal-science major.

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Cameron Nau ’22 featured in The Repository

September 21, 2022

Cameron Nau, 21, a University of Findlay senior, recently spent two weeks in Thailand helping animals as part of the study-abroad organization Loop Abroad.

“I hold my time in Thailand near and dear to my heart," she said. "The people, staff and culture are remarkable. Through my time at Elephant Nature Park and in Chiang Mai vet clinic I have expanded my veterinary knowledge by working and volunteering with many amazing animals and professionals.”

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Theresa Lamantia ’22 featured in The Indiana Gazette

September 15, 2022

“I waited two years for this trip and it did not disappoint! I learned so much about elephants, small animal medicine, and Thai culture, all while making lifelong friends and unforgettable memories. It was the trip of a lifetime!”

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Brianna Diaz ’22 featured in The Pilot

September 13, 2022

“This trip merged my interest in companion animal and wildlife medicine, creating an unforgettable experience!”

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Victoria Dunlap ’22 featured in The Daily Jeffersonian

September 2, 2022

"This opportunity provided me with so much valuable experience, both personally and professionally. I learned a lot about the field of vet medicine, while also helping local dogs and rescued elephants."

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Bridget Abel ’22 featured in Atlantic Canada Saltwire

August 31, 2022

"Abel, who will be entering her second year at the Atlantic Veterinary College this year, just returned from Thailand where she and a fellow veterinary student, Annika Landry, spent two weeks working with an international organization that cares for abused dogs and provides sanctuary for rescued elephants.

Abel, whose goal to be a wildlife veterinarian, said it was the experience of a lifetime."

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Aria Foster ’22 featured in LaGrange College

July 12, 2022

Seeing an elephant up-close in its natural habitat is a rare opportunity, one Aria Foster ’24 experienced while providing medical care for these animals at a rescue sanctuary in Thailand this summer.

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Iowa Wesleyan University Provost joins study abroad trip to Belize

May 26, 2022

“Study abroad will change your perspective on life,” noted Delaney Adams, a junior digital media design student. “It will open you up to new friendships you’d never expect and cultures you never knew about.

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Chloe Creque ’22 named top of her class

May 2, 2022

“This summer, Chloe will spend two weeks in Sydney, Australia with Loop Abroad... where she will study zoo medicine with koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, wallabies, and other native animals at the Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park.”

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The International College of North Chiang Mai again welcomes students from Loop Abroad for their veterinary semester abroad

January 18, 2022

On Tuesday, January 18, 2022, the Center for International Relations of North-Chiang Mai University welcomed students and staff from Loop Abroad (USA). Mr. Narong Chavasin, President of North-Chiang Mai University, gave a warm welcome to the students and staff.

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Dr Erica Ward, Loop Abroad Academic Director, featured in Michigan State Magazine

November 1, 2021

“I have seen how our programs expand the worldview of younger generations and inspire them to care about conserving nature,” Dr. Erica Ward says. “While students volunteer, they support organizations that help animals, whether through spay/neuter campaigns, wildlife rehabilitation and release, or improving welfare for captive wildlife. When students return home, they share what they learned with others.”

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Loop Abroad Works with UW-Platteville to Offer Virtual Programs

September 16, 2021

Because of the pandemic that rattled all campus activities, most of the study abroad programs were either canceled or were offered as a virtual option. There were two virtual programs we offered that had involvement: Loop Abroad Vets Around the World and the UW-Platteville Exchange at Hochschule Darmstadt.

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Malawi’s first female veterinary graduates!

February 14, 2021

Doctors Muonaouza Deleza and Love Kaona were the only women who graduated from Malawi’s first class of veterinarians in 2019. One of them had her research funded by Loop Abroad through one of our virtual programs. We are so thankful for our virtual research students for supporting awesome, important, real-world research that they're learning from and participating in!

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Madison Stahle ’20, featured in the Boothbay Register

February 2, 2020

"This trip was a once in a lifetime experience for me. It has opened many doors for me in furthering my career, from connecting with veterinarians around the world to learning techniques such as blood draws on elephants."

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Dr. Erica Ward publishes article on Asian Elephants

EVALUATION OF PLASMA CARDIAC TROPONIN I IN ASIAN ELEPHANTS ( ELEPHAS MAXIMUS) USING TWO CLINICAL ANALYZERS

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Sydney Page ’19, featured in URI Today

January 7, 2020

"We served as the vet techs at the clinic and learned all the skills to give pre-medications, monitor the animals through the surgery, administer anesthesia and monitor their recovery. We helped them spay 125 animals in four days.”

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Lindsay Gallant ’19, featured in The Guardian

January 5, 2020

“Working hands-on doing marine and coral reef conservation and restoration was by far my favorite part of the trip. Diving into this area of veterinary medicine opened my eyes to a whole new world of opportunity that I cannot wait to explore and it’s all thanks to Loop Abroad.”

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Morgan Cashell and Stephanie Verkuilen ’19, featured in The Pulse

November 22, 2019

“Each of the elephants at Elephant Nature Park had a background behind them— they came from the logging industry, or the tourism [industry] or just abandoned or something. They had stories.”

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Jasmine Lapsley ’19, featured in North Carolina A&T Profiles

November 5, 2019

“We were responsible for so much, like pre-operation drugs and animals that we don’t get to work with here. We got to go behind the scenes at Chiang Mai Night Safari Zoo and work in a real clinic and had to speak to actual customers like we were real vets.”

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Emily Kimpling ’19, featured in the Rockdale Citizen

October 28, 2019

"The knowledge and experience I gained is something I will carry with me the rest of my life. Words don’t describe how thankful I am to Fercare for everything, especially all they do for the conservation of cheetahs."

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Tania Senter ’19, featured in Animal Care Clinic

October 7, 2019

"The process of planning this trip was definitely challenging and put me in a position of great responsibility, but being able to share my love for veterinary medicine and provide so many students with this opportunity has been the most rewarding experience of my life."

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Naiel Aslam ’19, featured in C&G Newspapers

October 4, 2019

“Asian elephants are such beautiful animals, but their struggles are not nearly as known as they should be. More awareness is always good. I absolutely fell in love with the elephant sanctuary and Thailand overall. The founder of the park, Lek Chailert, was one of the most inspiring people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.”

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Emily Rosenberg ’19, featured in the Daily Freeman

September 29, 2019

"You learn so much about veterinary medicine on this trip and make friends and memories. I highly recommend anyone interested in veterinary medicine or think that they want to go to veterinary school apply for a Loop Abroad program."

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Brittney Hein ’19, featured in Alaska Highway News

September 25, 2019

"It was a great experience getting to work with AmaZOOnico, a rescue, rehab, and release centre for mammals, reptiles, and birds. It was great getting to learn about wildlife conservation in the Amazon Rainforest."

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Texas State Group ’19, featured in the University Star

September 19, 2019

"Hearing the stories about each elephant was pretty inspiring because (the sanctuary) does so much to rescue these elephants for them to finish out a good life."

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Maranda Barker ’19, featured in Murray Ledger & Times

September 17, 2019

"I was able to contribute to Thailand conservation efforts, become SCUBA certified on a Thai island and learn about elephant veterinary care under a veterinarian."

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Sam Super ’19, featured in the Grand Valley Lanthorn

September 16, 2019

"I work in a clinic at home where I do all the receptionist work, so I hear about the vet side of things but don’t get to work with it a lot myself. So this was an incredible hands-on experience for me."

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Nina Biundo ’19, featured in the News-Herald

September 15, 2019

"I had the opportunity to care for creatures who had suffered at the hands of humans. I have a passion to help creatures that cannot help themselves."

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Maria Berry ’19, featured in the Grand Blanc View

September 12, 2019

"Working with elephants was so humbling! We also practiced clinical skills in small animal medicine. This experience was enriching, and it brought to light the struggles of Asian Elephants and other animals overseas."

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Findlay Students ’19, featured in Findlay Merit Pages

September 11, 2019

"Two University of Findlay students recently completed a trip to South Africa for hands-on training with African animals."

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Kate Stuart ’19, featured in the Greenville Journal

September 1, 2019

"I fell in love with the exotic flora and fauna of South Africa when I first went in 2017 following high school graduation. Since then, I’ve gone back two more times, and each year my passion for conservation deepens"

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Isabel Mocca ’19, featured in CAHNRS News

August 26, 2019

"This program made me a better student and future vet. I became much more well-rounded in animal healthcare, was able to see first-hand what is faced in the real world as a veterinarian. I was able to learn under some spectacular vets, which fueled my love for animals and learning even more."

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Kate Stuart ’19, featured in Furman University News

August 19, 2019

"Because this specific program was held at a zoo, I was able to encounter even more species than I had been exposed to before. My time spent there gave me such a respect for accredited zoos and animal sanctuaries."

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Samantha Froot ’19, featured in KYW News Radio

August 17, 2019

"Froot says the babies were a blast, so energic and fun loving."

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Courtney Garner ’19, featured in The Gadsden

August 17, 2019

"This was an experience of a lifetime. I have learned so much about the culture and the veterinary field here in Thailand. Working with the elephant vet at the Elephant Nature Park was a memory that I will cherish forever."

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Delaware Valley Group ’19, featured in The Intelligencer

August 8, 2019

"Elephants are a very dynamic, magnanimous species, a keystone species in that if you preserve them you’re preserving a lot of other lives along with them. They are a very important part of the ecosystem."

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Delaware Valley Group ’19, featured in Bucks County Courier Times

August 8, 2019

"I know for certain that my passion is helping animals and learning as much as I can about them."

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Joy Reeder ’19, featured in the Gallatin News

August 7, 2019

"It is a very hands-on and intimate program. They make sure you get a piece of the pie as far as experience."

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Arianna Holmes ’19, featured in Tuskegee University News

August 7, 2019

"Holmes and her team observed and worked with veterinarians to care for a variety of species — from big cats such as lions and tigers to primates such as lemurs and gibbons."

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Arianna Holmes ’19, featured in The Covington News

August 2, 2019

"This was the opportunity of a lifetime. I gained so much hands-on experience I would not be able to do in the United States and got to work side-by-side with some amazing vets. This experience solidified my desire to become a veterinarian!"

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Nikki van Brugge ’19, featured in The Saint Scene

August 2, 2019

"Working alongside rescued elephants has opened my eyes to want to do more."

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Delaware Valley Group ’19, featured in Delaware Valley University News

July 30, 2019

"A group of 32 students from Delaware Valley University traveled to Thailand, where they learned about helping rescued animals as part of their Tropical Shelter Medicine class."

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Sophie Loughran ’19, featured in the Stowe Reporter

July 25, 2019

"I had an amazing time working with Australian wildlife and culture. Loop Abroad has done an amazing job putting together these programs, and I will carry this new knowledge with me as I continue to work towards vet school."

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Josie Kroeger ’19, featured in The Parthenon

June 25, 2019

"We worked with elephants, and watching them interact was life-changing. I can’t stress that enough. You can see them in the zoo and on TV, but actually witnessing them interact with each other, the way they treated their babies and respected their elders, it was groundbreaking."

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Traveling in the Veterinary Field by Loop Alum Amber LaRock

June 24, 2019

“If you are anything like me, you have a wild case of wanderlust and a need for adventure. Though you may feel like there aren’t many options for you other than to settle into a practice in your home town, I’m here to tell you about how great of a need there is for veterinary professionals all over the world.”

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Katie Condon ’19, featured in the Lake Forest Leader

May 19, 2019

"I think the best part of this program was not only learning a lot, but also getting to apply what you learned in real life situations with a variety of animal species."

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Cassidy Price ’19, featured in Honors UTK

May 1, 2019

“The grant from the 1794 Scholars Program gave me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and understanding of my field by experiencing veterinary medicine in a different culture.”

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Jadyn Sander ’19, featured in the Guttenberg Press

April 15, 2019

"It was also an honor to learn about the culture and volunteer for the local communities."

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Ciera Keller ’19, featured in the Putnam County Record

March 27, 2019

"It was amazing being submerged in the culture and learning all about Thailand."

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Faith Vaughan ’19, featured in Connect Oregon

March 15, 2019

"We learned how to care for elephants in a place where they are in a more natural habitat than they used to be."

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Fisher Chaput ’19, featured in the Winnipeg Sun

March 3, 2019

"Spending a month in Thailand was an experience one young Winnipegger just might remember longer than an elephant."

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DelVal University Veterinary Medicine Lecture on Elephants

February 28, 2019

"Are you curious about veterinary medicine or wildlife conservation? Join Delaware Valley University to hear a guest lecture from Dr. Erica Ward, a veterinarian who has experience caring for elephants in Thailand."

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Kennedy Herbsleb ’19, featured in the Lodi Enterprise

February 27, 2019

"Being in the dog clinic and doing rounds with the elephant veterinarian really helped me decide what I wanted my future to look like."

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Haley Ochocinski ’19, featured in the Lakeland Times

February 22, 2019

"Tell people you went to Thailand and chances are you’re going to get asked if you rode an elephant. Haley Ochocinski has been there twice and the answer is no, she hasn’t, and she’ll be more than happy to tell you why not."

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Delaney Maher ’18, featured in the Journal Star

December 13, 2018

"I don’t have words to describe what we saw there, what that experience was like. It never really leaves you."

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The Importance of Early STEM Support

November 1, 2018

"Through studying and exploring STEM subjects at an early age, students learn to develop logical and analytical skills allowing them to become more literate in many different ways."

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Alexandra Honey ’18, featured in the Napa Valley Register

October 27, 2018

"From handling wombats and pygmy possums to learning how to suture and perform necropsies, this was a once in a lifetime experience and I am so grateful for my time down under."

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Lindsay Rinner ’18, featured in The Norwalk Reflector

October 24, 2018

"I got to do hands-on veterinary medicine — stuff vet students don’t get to do until a year in — on dogs, cats and elephants."

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Jordan Sirois ’18, featured in The County

September 23, 2018

"Even though the cultural differences between the U.S. and Australia aren’t extreme, I think it’s important to understand that not everyone grows up the same way you did."

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Alexandra Ruiz Justiniano ’18, featured in WIPR

September 17, 2018

"The experience was fascinating and it opened my eyes to understand that this is what I have to do."

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Alexandra Ruiz Justiniano ’18, featured in el Vocero

September 15, 2018

"My passion has always been animals. I had to face many fears to go after my dream of studying Veterinary."

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Claire Popke ’18, featured in Edmonds Beacon

September 7, 2018

"Having the opportunity to work alongside a veterinarian to treat cats, dogs, and Asian elephants has truly been a once in a lifetime experience."

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Jodi Nagel ’18, featured in Yavapai College News

September 7, 2018

"The entire Loop Abroad experience gave Jodi a sense of purpose -- she has applied to Arizona State University to continue her education in wildlife biology -- and a new worldview."

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Lizzie Potalivo and Samantha Garcia ’18, featured in Daemen College

September 7, 2018

"Caring for the elephants while also respecting their space and previous trauma was a unique experience that I would not have been able to experience anywhere else."

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Fiona Hynes ’18, featured in Woodbridge Town News

August 30, 2018

"I’ve learned so much from this. Working so closely with elephants was a life changing experience. I got unbelievable veterinary experience."

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Jessica Francis ’19, featured in the UDaily

August 30, 2018

"After that, Francis practiced her veterinary skills closer to home, at One Health, in Wilmington, Delaware."

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Haley Burgart ’18, featured in the Hutchinson Leader

August 25, 2018

"Getting into vet school is competitive. I needed to get as many different experiences as possible so I could stand out. Veterinarian schools have low acceptance rates."

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TAMU Students ’18, featured in Thailand One Health

August 23, 2018

"Texas A&M University students published a blog regarding their exciting experience abroad in Thailand!"

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Christa Haywood ’18, featured in C&G Newspapers

August 20, 2018

"Although I only got to experience Chiang Mai and its surrounding areas, everyone that I ran into there was so kind and funny, and had a positive radiance to them."

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Brittney Hein ’18, featured in the Omega

August 13, 2018

"Though Feracare specializes in the care and maintenance of South Africa’s cheetah population, they do have other big cats on site. Hein helped with one lion named Halo who was paralyzed after pinching a nerve in her spine."

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Alicia Martin ’18, featured in the South Western Ontario

August 7, 2018

"I’ve always liked animals, so going there and seeing what other people were doing with different animals just confirmed that’s what I want to do."

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Nathan Gozdor ’18, featured in Hometown Life

August 5, 2018

"Being able to provide medical attention to cats, dogs and elephants has been the most rewarding experience I have ever partaken in. Helping others, especially animals who can’t help themselves, is a great passion of mine."

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Brittney Hein ’18, featured in Alaska Highway News

August 2, 2018

"They have a bunch of animals there that they've rescued from bad situations, and they're trying to educate the communities across South Africa about conservation. They try to keep them as wild as possible, they're not trying to make it a tourist attraction. They just need help."

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Brooklyn Basran ’18, featured in The Valley Sentinel

August 2, 2018

"Brooklyn helped to feed and care for elephants, as well as learn about their diagnoses alongside an elephant vet."

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Hannah Scott ’18, featured in the Argus-Press

July 30, 2018

"Our group was given the opportunity to partake in an ecological monitoring program in Koh Tao. Even if we were just certified Open Water Divers, we had the chance to help out Advanced Divers! Not many people are given that chance, and the fact that we could learn, observe and help make a difference really meant a lot to me!"

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Samantha Garcia ’18, featured in the Queens Gazette

July 25, 2018

"Taking part in spay/neuter surgeries and getting to shadow an elephant vet were amazing experiences I wouldn’t be able to have in many other places."

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Julia Feldman ’18, featured in Cal Poly Pomona News

July 25, 2018

"This was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it was so fun and educational."

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Dominique Hart ’18, featured in the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs

July 20, 2018

"Being able to help the dogs and elephants face to face, and live among them, made me feel like I was genuinely making the world a better place."

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Sophie Loughran ’18, featured in the Stowe Reporter

July 12, 2018

"Not only did I get to explore Thailand, but I learned so much about veterinary medicine."

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Spencer Boaz ’18, featured in the Shawnee Dispatch

July 11, 2018

"Getting to work with elephants is a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget."

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Kelsie French ’18, featured in the LCU Chaps

July 10, 2018

"I wish I had the words to describe to you how amazing that place (Elephant Nature Park) is. What they stand for and believe in is inspiring, and how they love and care for those animals is what I strive to do someday."

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Katherine Bederka ’18, featured in Hometown Life

June 27, 2018

"It was such an amazing experience getting to aid in surgery, learn catheter placement, draw blood and perform a diet study on an elephant."

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Erryn Smith ’18, featured in Delaware State News

June 25, 2018

"The knowledge and beauty I experienced in Thailand was expansive and unforgettable."

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Makenna Eldredge ’18, featured in the Frankfort Times

June 12, 2018

"I’m so motivated to share my observations and my experience with others about animal welfare. My trip definitely changed my life."

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Jaden Prevost and Kiley Lafferty ’18, featured in MSU Today

June 11, 2018

"Volunteering with elephants, dogs and cats was incredibly rewarding, and I am so grateful to have been part of this program."

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Iowa Wesleyan University Becomes Loop Abroad School of Record

Iowa Wesleyan University

Iowa Wesleyan University serves as the School of Record for Loop Abroad, allowing Loop Abroad students to get college credit for their participation in Loop Abroad programs. "Loop Abroad, under the dynamic leadership of Addam and Jane Stine, who built the program in Thailand, also offer opportunities in Australia and South Africa.   The program will not only offer Iowa Wesleyan students the unique opportunity to be involved in pre-veterinarian studies as undergraduates, but will give them a unique cross-cultural experience in another world region.  As a school of record, Iowa Wesleyan gets to make education possible for students around the United States.   We are delighted about this partnership and look forward to seeing the potential continue to flourish.”"

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Kaycie Kasza-Hook ’17, featured in Merrimack College

October 27, 2017

"We got to clean the wounds of elephants that had stepped on landmines."

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Presley Miller ’17, featured in the Midland Reporter-Telegram

October 24, 2017

“We actually got to watch and assist in the spaying and neutering, which was really cool to be right there and be able to observe and ask questions.”

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Lindsey Isernia ’17, featured in the Martinsville Bulletin

October 22, 2017

"If given the opportunity, Isernia said she’d jump on the chance to travel with Loop Abroad again and help even more species."

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Robert Stilz ’17, featured on the Berry College Facebook page

October 21, 2017

"Both programs prepared me by teaching me how to work with animals of all kinds and teaching me about veterinary medicine."

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Victoria Abernathy ’17, featured in the Stanly News & Press

October 19, 2017

“It was definitely a culture shock. The most amazing aspect would have to be caring for the elephant wounds.”

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Devin McClain ’17, featured in the Penn newspaper

October 16, 2017

"Repairing the warning line that prevents boats from going into reef areas was probably the biggest accomplishment. I felt like we were helping the environment and helping the community.”

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Alex Ashton ’17, featured in the Marietta Daily Journal

October 15, 2017

"I immensely enjoyed my time and I feel so fulfilled after learning veterinary skills to help care for the injured rescued animals. This place has given me memories to last a lifetime.”

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Jordanna Rabadi ’17, featured in the Poughkeepsie Journal

October 11, 2017

“Our students are some of the most amazing people I have ever met," Jane Stine, the program’s managing director said.

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Megan McDowell ’17, featured in The Independent Florida Alligator

October 10, 2017

“It was great because all the people I worked with were very passionate and genuine for their love for elephants, which I could relate to,” she said.

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Heather Lockhart ’17, featured on Truman State University website

October 9, 2017

“Traveling to Thailand through Loop Abroad has impacted my life greatly,” Lockhart said. “All of the hands-on experience with dogs and elephants has deepened my love for animals and desire to attend vet school. It is the opportunity of a lifetime, so if you get the chance to go abroad, do it.”

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Samantha Colucci ’17, featured on NJ.com website

October 10, 2017

"Thailand is a magical place, and I learned so much about my career path. I would do this again in a heartbeat!"

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Hannah Williams ’17, featured in the Robertson County Times

October 8, 2017

“Loop Abroad allowed me to have hands-on experience in the field of my future career!”

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Courtney Brown ’17, featured in the Republic Monitor

October 2, 2017

"The people were amazing there. The veterinarians there were so dedicated to letting us have as much hands-on opportunities as possible."

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Jacqueline Carter ’17, featured in The Dinuba Sentinel news

October 2, 2017

"To be such a small part of their healing process will stay with me forever.”

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Samantha Epstein ’17, featured in The Ithaca College News

September 28, 2017

“We worked with a local village and learned how to plant rice in their field,” Epstein said. “Even though there was a language barrier, we were laughing the whole time and it was amazing.”

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Patricia Elwood ’17, featured in International Programs, UTIA website

September 27, 2017

“This was the trip of a lifetime! I learned so much and met so many fantastic people & animals.”

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Halley Psathas ’17, featured in The Newnan Times-Herald

September 26, 2017

“Loop was truly amazing. I never imagined living among elephants and impacting the world by just coming on one trip. I hope to one day return."

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Kaitlyn Bunde ’17, featured in Hometownlife.com

September 22, 2017

“The skills I acquired working with vets at Elephant Nature Park are skills I will carry with me for the rest of my life., It was interesting to observe these differences and learn to adapt.”

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Danielle De Visser ’17, featured in Waterloo Region Record

September 21, 2017

"We tossed the ball in there just for the sake of it and she went crazy for it, She ran around kicking it, passing it back and forth between us. She absolutely loved it."

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Danielle Dixon ’17, featured in The Northern Kentucky Tribune

September 19, 2017

"My time in Thailand was truly a life-changing experience. From bathing in the River at Elephant Nature Park to assisting in four surgeries, I will hold these memories with me for the rest of my life. Thank you, Loop Abroad for providing me with the trip of a lifetime!”

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Mona Bandyopadhyay and Maria Pulice ’17 featured in Ann Arbor News on Mlive.com

September 18, 2017

"Spending part of my summer in beautiful Thailand has made my love for veterinary medicine even stronger."

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Gabrielle Johnson ’17, featured in The University of Wisconsin-Platteville website

September 13, 2017

“This experience has also taught me to never stop exploring; you will always learn something new no matter where you go.”

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Nikka Robinson ’17, featured in New Hampshire Union Leader

September 8, 2017

"I never thought I could learn as much as I did during my time in Thailand, and I will definitely be coming back," said Robinson. "It truly was an experience of a lifetime."

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Alana Mehay ’17, featured in The Oakland Press

September 4, 2017

"We provided care for the animals at the wildlife centre, including feeding the cheetahs and helping to provide enrichment for them."

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Aren Schluessler ’17, featured in The Hastings Star Gazette

August 29, 2017

"I got to interact with the ambassador cheetah named Nova, a porcupine, an ostrich, a zebra named Pajamas and a few other animals."

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Alison Robertshaw ’17, featured in Journal Tribune

August 27, 2017

“This is a great experience to have, even if you aren’t looking to do something with animals,” Robertshaw said. “I’d recommended it to anybody.”

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Ambria Mays ’17, featured in the Lincoln Memorial University Newspaper

August 25, 2017

"On a regular basis, we encountered wild horses, ostriches, a zebra names Pajamas, a mule names Hercules, and of course the many cheetahs on site."

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Tiffany Sindel ’17, featured in The Alma College News

August 24, 2017

“'Being up close to these animals, whether it was feeding the cheetahs at the wildlife center or watching wild animals on safari, was a life-changing experience."

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Shaena Hanson ’17, featured in Sioux City Journal

August 21, 2017

"If given a choice of trying something new, I've always gone for it. If I fail, hey, at least I gave it a shot."

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Audrey Smith ’17, featured in Reflector.com

August 20, 2017

"Smith and her team took a course in the anatomy, behavior, and conservation of big cats."

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Kaelyn Barkley ’17, featured in Demopolis Times

August 17, 2017

"This trip has made me a better person and given me many tools to take with me on the path to my profession. We learned techniques for structuring and physical examinations."

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Parisa Ardemani ’17, featured in Mercer Island Reporter

August 7, 2017

"Ardemani and her team provided care for the animals at the wildlife centre, including feeding the cheetahs and helping to provide enrichment for them."

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Kristen Estes ’15, featured in the Falmouth Enterprise

August 6, 2015

“I liked that we could be hands-on in the surgery,” Ms. Estes said. “Everyone had a role to assist.”

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Mackenzie Woods ’17, featured in Uconn website

May 27, 2017

“This has easily been one of the most important choices I've made towards becoming a veterinarian. The experiences I've gained, whether it be intubating a dog or learning to restrain baby ostriches or even giving elephant vaccinations, have not only prepared me for vet school but have also taught me valuable lessons that I will use for the rest of my life.”

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Antonia Langfeldt ’16, featured in The State News

March 2, 2017

“I did have some culture shock, but it really helped me grow not only in my veterinary experience, but also as an individual.”

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Jacqueline Carter ’17, featured in the Dinuba Sentinel

February 16, 2017

“The Elephant Nature Park veterinary work was life-changing,” she said in a release from Loop Abroad. “To be such a small part of their healing process will stay with me forever.”

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Stacia Minter ’17, featured in New College Stories

February, 2017

“Gaining hands-on veterinary experience with the elephants was a life-changing learning experience.”

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Rachel Kranick ’17, featured in The Dunmorean News

February 1, 2017

"Some of the older elephants have trouble kneeling down in the river to wash themselves, so we grabbed some buckets and helped them cool off while they were eating a basket of watermelons."

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Katelyn Meadows ’16, featured in the Milford Chronicle

January 5, 2017

“I went to Thailand to receive education and hands- on experience that I could not have gotten here in the United States because of limitations. The program I was in is called ‘Loop Abroad.’ They have many programs that teach various subjects."

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Jennifer Colangelo ’16, featured in the Worcester Magazine

December 29, 2016

Jennifer Colangelo is a junior at Becker who spent two weeks in Thailand with Loop Abroad. “For a week we worked with dogs and cats, and during the second week we worked at an elephant sanctuary.” Colangelo was with four other Becker students learning clinical skills for their future.

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Stephanie Rubino ’16, featured in the Associated Press

Nov 27, 2016

"Cleaning feet and swabbing ears may not be how many college students envision spending their summers. But for Stephanie Rubino, it was a dream come true."

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Claire Hilton ’16, featured in the Rapid City Journal

Nov 27, 2016

"It might have been while Claire Hilton was applying salve to a wound on the skin of an elephant that the 16-year-old realized she found her life’s calling."

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Piper Gauthier ’16, featured in the Quad

November 21, 2016

"My experiences in Thailand, particularly working with Taichoon, made me want to give back to my community, country and people all over the world."

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Vasiliki Wilk ’16, featured in the Murray State News

November 9, 2016

“It’s not necessarily to go and change you by any means but just to learn,” she said. “A lot of people get wrapped up in our world and believe that’s the only world there is, but we are like a pinpoint in a map of the whole world.”

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Jaidyn Zong ’16, featured in the Register-Guard

October 16, 2016

“It’s been my dream forever,” the 16-year-old said. After spending two weeks in Thailand learning hands-on what it’s like to be a veterinarian, Zong said she’s confident that she will want to take care of animals for the rest of her life.

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McKenzie Beals ’16, featured in the Friend Sentinel

August 31, 2016

"They say that an elephant never forgets. If that’s the case, there’s a couple elephants in Thailand that will never forget McKenzie Beals."

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Tori Parker ’16, featured in the Daily Aztec

August 29, 2016

“The trip was about becoming a more worldly person and figuring out what kind of career you wanted,” Parker said.

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Sarah Osborn ’16, featured in the Western News

August 16, 2016

"Despite the shock, Osborn said that it’s important to appreciate every culture’s differences.
“It’s a completely different culture. Even though you do something differently, doesn’t mean it’s wrong.”"

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Nicole Muehl ’16, featured in the Courier

August 15, 2016

“I love elephants, so for me to have a chance to go there, I mean, I’ve always wanted to do that. It’s kind of like a bucket list thing for me,” said Muehl, a 21-year-old animal science major with a pre-vet emphasis."

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Amy Waycaster ’16, featured in the Augusta Chronicle

August 14, 2016

“You don’t get the opportunity to do hands-on stuff for a long time” in U.S. programs, she said. Waycaster said that was part of the attraction, to “get to do stuff that I wouldn’t be able to do here. Plus you get to work with elephants.”

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Elizabeth Swiesz ’16, featured in the Press Republican

August 5, 2016

“I’ve loved elephants since I was a little kid," she said. "It (Loop Abroad page) popped up on my Facebook because one of my friends tagged me in it. It was all oriented around the elephants helping them and helping kids in the local villages. I love that type of stuff, and I love animals."

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Loop Abroad Students ’16, featured on the Save Elephant Foundation Website

July 3, 2016

"Save Elephant Foundation has been working with Loop Abroad for over three years, bringing students interested in animal sciences to observe the elephants at Elephant Nature Park and gain an idea of what it is like to work in the field."

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Hannah van Severen ’15, featured in the Barrie Examiner

October 25, 2015

Last April, Hannah van Severen texted her mother at 5 a.m. to announce she had found her calling. “I've always loved elephants and always loved traveling so when I saw this ad on Facebook, I knew it was exactly everything I've always wanted to do,” van Severen said.

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Jade Descant ’15, featured in La Louisiane

October 1, 2015

"A one-week encounter made a lasting impression that set the 23-year-old nursing student on a new course. After she graduates from UL Lafayette, Descant intends to return to rural Thailand to work as a nurse for a year."

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Lindsey Fenton ’15, featured in the Kokomo Tribune

September 27, 2015

"Kokomo native Lindsey Fenton put her budding veterinary skills to use this summer helping rescued elephants, dogs and cats in Thailand."

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Samantha Miller ’15, featured in the NWI Times

September 24, 2015

“I think my trip to Thailand has made me realize that what I really want to do with my career is spend time practicing international veterinary medicine. I think it would be an amazing opportunity and I’m excited to someday get to do this as my career."

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Yvonne Lim ’15, featured in the Daily Orange

September 13, 2015

For one assignment, Lim had to monitor the diet of a 70-year-old elephant named Saza, who Lim said “acted like a cranky old lady."
“When she got thirsty, she would quickly walk across the field to the hose and I had to chase her.”

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Nicole Killigrew ’15, featured in the PolyCentric

September 11, 2015

“I traveled so far to get to Thailand, why not make the most of it and do all that I can while I’m there, because who knows when I’ll be going back?” she says. “It also gave me an opportunity to give more. There’s a lot that needs to be done at the Elephant Nature Park.”

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Allison Faust ’15, featured in the Pitt News

September 11, 2015

"For Allison Faust, hands-on job training is important — so much so that she went all the way to Thailand to get it."

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Rachelle Boneff and Lindsey Fenton ’15, featured in the Exponent

September 10, 2015

Boneff liked how she was able to work with the elephants one-on-one. Fenton saw this as a rare opportunity to work with elephants and learn a new culture. “I want to experience all that I can, and learn as much as I can to ensure that I am the best me I can possibly be for my future patients.”

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Rachel Gacksetter ’15, featured in The Davis Enterprise

September 9, 2015

“Working with the rescued dogs at ARK and rescued elephants at ENP taught me so much about veterinary medicine and being in Thailand was a great cultural experience.”

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Amanda Shrewsbury ’15, featured in the Colorado State University News

September 9, 2015

"This trip was a wonderful opportunity to experience and learn about another culture as well as learn about local and global issues and their working solution."

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Lindsey Cuellar ’15, featured on Cincinnati.com

September 9, 2015

“There was nothing like the Elephant Nature Park. The elephants were so amazing and wonderful to learn from and observe every day.”

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Alexa Radley ’15, featured in the Herald Mail Media

September 7, 2015

"I learned so much about exotic veterinary medicine as well as elephant husbandry," Radley wrote. "From this experience, I gained more confidence in myself since I stepped out of my comfort zone. I also gained friends, veterinary knowledge and appreciation for another culture."

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Jordan Wilson ’15, featured in The Ennis Daily News

September 5, 2015

Jordan was part of a small team that volunteered giving care at a dog shelter and then spent a week working directly with rescued elephants at an elephant sanctuary.

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Laura Cortazzo ’15, featured in the Murray State News

September 4, 2015

“This not only changed my whole thought process of veterinary medicine, it has made me question a lot,” Cortazzo said, “I am not the same person.”

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Kansas State University Pre-Veterinary Club ’15, featured in the McPherson Sentinel

August 25, 2015

"This summer, nine students from Kansas State University's pre-veterinary club, spent two weeks in Thailand helping animals and learning hands-on what it's like to be a veterinarian."

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Lydia DeLeon ’15, featured in the Houston Chronicle

August 20, 2015

"The 17-year old took her first trip on an airplane, navigated New York City, traveled to Thailand and spent weeks caring for her favorite animal - the elephant."

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Megan Massey ’15, featured on HHJ Online

August 5, 2015

It is said, "an elephant never forgets.” It’s likely that Perry’s Megan Massey won’t be forgetting her experience with Loop Abroad this summer.

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Ayanna Ellis ’15, featured in the Victoria Advocate

August 3, 2015

"Ayanna said she walked away with a new perspective on life and a desire to educate herself on what else is going on in the world."

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Marijke Ijff ’15, featured in the Milton Hersey School Newsletter

July 29, 2015

“It was definitely an experience of a lifetime,” Marijke said. “The trip has taken my experiences from off the farm and into the greater world.”

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Maddie Serpa ’15, featured in the Record Bee

July 28, 2015

“It was amazing,” Serpa said. “I got to be up close and personal with elephants and learned how to neuter cats and dogs.”

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Lexi Pannepacker ’15, featured in the Onward State

July 27, 2015

“I thought giving back and doing something with what I love would be an amazing experience. I have always wanted to travel, but knew I couldn’t fit in a study abroad during the semester.”

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Amelia Smith ’15, featured in the Harlem Valley News

July 25, 2015

The opportunities that I was exposed to from neutering dogs to trying durian have made my trip so memorable. I don’t know any other place where I would be able to wake up in the morning and eat breakfast while watching elephants pass by the patio."

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Kyndale Chamberlain ’15, featured in the Foundation

June, 2015

"After earning her associate degree in May 2015, Kyndale had the opportunity to participate in Loop Abroad, a hands-on summer abroad program in Thailand for students working with animals."

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Marisa Ciappetta ’14, featured on Trib Live

October 6, 2014

Kissing elephants, hugging tigers, operating on cats and dogs — these are interactions veterinary student Marisa Ciappetta of Upper Burrell could wait years to experience in the United States. But she was able to do all of the above in Thailand over the summer.

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Katelyn Foster ’14, featured in the Victoria Advocate

September 22, 2014

"I have never done something so hands on. This really was a once in a lifetime trip," Foster said. "If you have the opportunity, you have to go."

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Hannah Eglinton ’14, featured in the Bangor Daily News

September 15, 2014

"This entire journey has inspired me to educate people in my community about elephants, a keystone species that is heading to extinction.”

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Megan Ballou ’14, featured in the Sentinel Source

September 13, 2014

“I’ve always felt connected more to animals than people, and I want to help them,” Ballou, 20, said this week. “Animals are just so forgiving to you. They don’t speak to you, but you have to figure out what is wrong with them, and when you do, they’re so appreciative.”

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Sarah Kreutziger ’14, featured on the Clemson University Conservation of Marine Resources Blog

August 26, 2014

"Meeting amazing people from all over the world, this trip was absolutely amazing and something I’ll never forget."

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Katherine Heller ’13, featured in the Houston Chronicle

September 9, 2013

According to a release from the high school, "Traveling with the Boston-based Loop Abroad, Katherine was part of a six-person team that volunteered giving care at a dog shelter and then spent a week working directly with rescued elephants."

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Cassie Majersky ’12, featured in Teen Travel Talk

March 25, 2013

"The craziest thing about my week was that by the end of it, standing next to the elephants was almost second nature. I highly recommend visiting the Elephant Nature Park if you are ever in Northern Thailand because it is a wonderful moment that will leave you speechless."

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Taran Weeks ’12, featured in The Recorder

September 8, 2012

After working in Hoi Ya, Weeks lived in the city of Chiang Mai, where he was able to spend time exploring the local culture. “We were able to communicate through body language, something I never had to do,” Weeks said. “But universally, people understand one another.”

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Madison Firkey ’12, featured on Seacoast Online

September 4, 2012

Teaching English, building a dam and painting a school were just some of the ways that Madison was able to help the village. In return, she learned to plant rice and had plenty of time to get to know the children of Hoi Ya and share stories with them.

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Loop Abroad Students ’11, featured on Dokmai Dogma blog

July 28, 2011

"Today we had the honour of receiving nine students and their four teachers from Loopabroad. These American junior high school students focus on tropical ecology and they were particularly interested in the Orchid Ark."

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