UTK Small Animal Veterinary Experience in Belize
This Summer 2 study abroad course provides an experimental veterinary clinical experience to undergraduate students. With the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic and local animal welfare organizations, students will be exposed to various methods, opinions, values, attitudes and ideas regarding small animal veterinary care.
Course Dates: June 2025
Application Deadline: March 21, 2025
Course: AGNR 491, 3 credits
Course Description
Small Animal Veterinary Experience (SAVE) is co-facilitated in partnership with the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic (BWRC), and local animal welfare organizations. At BWRC, students receive lectures, labs and clinical training. Public health and outreach clinics are conducted in and around San Ignacio and Belize. Students travel to various locations to conduct Animal Health Clinics, Educational Outreach, and Community Spay & Neuter Clinics in partnership with animal welfare organizations and veterinary clinics around Belize. Students will be exposed to various opinions, values, attitudes and ideas regarding small animal veterinary care.
Highlights
- Anatomy, radiography, parasitology, anesthesia and surgical procedures instruction
- Roaming Dog Surveys
- Canine and Feline Examinations
- Animal Health Checks, Outreach and Clinics
- Spay and Neuter Events
- Walking Historic and Cultural Tour of San Ignacio
- Black Rock Hiking and Swimming
Student Learning Outcomes:
- safely handle, restrain, and examine small animals
- perform basic clinical and laboratory diagnostic procedures
- describe common zoonotic diseases and their diagnoses, treatments, and prevention
- demonstrate an understanding of domestic animal anatomy and radiography
- correctly perform basic suturing
- demonstrate and understanding of cardiopulmonary physiology as related to the perioperative patient
- correctly calculate drug dosages
- safely and effectively administer and monitor anesthesia to the perioperative patient
- communicate effectively with local communities about preventative healthcare for domestic animals
Course
AGNR 491: International Experience in Agriculture and Natural Resources (3 credits)
Academic Information
Students will be enrolled in 3 credits of AGNR 491 during the Summer 2 Session. Successful completion of the course includes full participation in the Belize abroad experience. A minimum of 2 orientation sessions will occur prior to departure.
Students should meet with their academic advisors to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and that the course is degree applicable.
- Open to all majors with preference given to students in the Herbert College of Agriculture, specifically the School of Natural Resources
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA at time of application and until program departure
- At least Freshman standing
- Must be in Good Academic Standing and Good Conduct Standing with The University of Tennessee.
- Must attend all program meetings
2024 program costs are still being determined and subject to change. An estimated program fee based on 2023 program costs is provided at this time.
| Summer 1 Budget | ||
|---|---|---|
| Budget item | Estimated Costs | |
| Program Fee | $3,250.00 | |
| Global Programs Admin Fee | $175.00 | |
| Billable subtotal: | $3,425.00 | |
| Estimated Roundtrip Transportation from Knoxville | $800.00 | |
| Passport | $165.00 | |
| Estimated Additional Meals | $50.00 | |
| Estimated Personal Expenses | $300.00 | |
| Non-billable subtotal: | $1,315.00 | |
| Total: | $4,270.00 | |
