Veterinary Care Volunteer Project in Jamaica - St Mary

I gained a lot of perspective on the local culture of Jamaica as a developing country. It was very enlightening to be immersed into the local culture, I definitely learned a lot of new things! Most people do not value their animals the same way we do in Canada which was very eye opening, the vet team that we worked with tried their very best to help every animal in need with the limited supplies and knowledge they had at hand. It was very inspiring to see all of their efforts!

Being immersed in the culture of the country and going through our days as a local was a huge piece of the experience that I will keep with me forever! I was terrified to be a solo, female traveler arriving in a country where I knew no one and didn't understand how everything worked but the team was so great that integrating into the day-to-day here was easy. You gain so much independence from doing a project like this and really allowing yourself to live like a local. This also creates a unique relationship between you and the locals. They begin to recognize you, look out for you, and are always so excited to see you during your days of volunteering. To anyone who is hesitant about going, take the leap of faith! It is a safe, and meaningful experience you will take with you for the rest of your life and you'll have so much support along the way. I was so nervous to go and almost backed out the morning of my flight but because of the positive impact this trip made, I'm already looking at which one I can apply for next!

What an incredible trip to Jamaica! I reflect back on it often. As a solo female traveler looking for a 30th birthday adventure, my trip could not have been more perfect. I was terrified to travel internationally alone, but I have since booked another week through IVHQ for 2024. I plan to make an IVHQ project an annual vacation - an affordable way to travel the world solo and make an impact! IVHQ does a fantastic job of making sure volunteers are prepared both before and during the adventure.

I was surprised by how involved I was allowed to get with my project as well as how friendly the staff were. The biggest impact my volunteering trip had on me was the ability to show me what a career in veterinary medicine may be like.

My favorite moment from the volunteer experience was meeting new people staying at the same volunteering accommodation but all doing different projects - was fun to explore new places and do fun excursions as a group and have the work fun balance throughout the volunteering experience. The biggest impact my trip had was growing my surgical skills as I got a lot of hands on practice on day one competency which will be useful for me to begin my last two rotational years of vet school. Be open to volunteering, as it is a fun experience if you want to travel and see new things.

My experience with IVHQ Jamaica was outstanding and more than I could ever have hoped for. Placement at the veterinary practice was a great learning experience and the people were amazing. The volunteer house facilities and staff were top notch along with the food. Walking distance to beach and local venues. This IVHQ experience was one of the best things I have ever done and I would highly recommend to anyone. Rewarding, fun, fulfilling, relaxing... truly a mix of work and play balanced perfectly. Don't delay, book today! You won't regret it.