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- Veterinary Internship on South Africa Wild Coast
What is the Veterinary Internship on South Africa Wild Coast all about?
We will be running special sessions for advanced vet students to experience what it’s like to be a vet in South Africa. If you are a second or third-year vet student, this internship is perfect for you!
You will have the opportunity to work on wildlife and experience game capture, as well as work with small animals in a community setting, and also handle care for agricultural livestock. All three components of the internships will be addressed equally.
The vet student sessions are small with a maximum of 7 to 8 students per sessions. With small groups, you will benefit from intensive mentor sessions and a lot more hands-on practical experience than you would otherwise.
You will be supervised by a highly trained and qualified individual with experience in Zoology, conservation management and specifically trained for dealing with dangerous species.
Students will work in various reserves, farms and rural villages and are mobilized where the work is.
Why choose this Conservation Veterinary Internship?
Veterinary Science internship abroad will enhance your practical experience in the field. Gaining veterinary work experience and skills in the developing world will enhance your resume / C.V. when it’s time for you to enter the job market. You will be able to learn new skills and experience a different type of veterinarian care. This is also a great way to combine traveling abroad and studying.
Role of the Conservation Intern in South Africa
During your internship, you will work with a local dedicated vet as a mentor. You will get some hands-on learning experience while working in an African veterinary environment. During the three weeks internship, you will be involved in three main areas split equally: wildlife, community vet practices and agriculture livestock. You will be involved with some of the following:
- Immobilizations, transportation and release of wildlife species.
- Wildlife identification and games counts
- Darting and assist administering with anti-parasitic drugs on a variety of animals
- Preventative treatment of endo- and ectoparasites for animals within reserves boundaries.
- Mental and physical treatments and care for captive wild animals
- Conservation, hunting and the five freedoms
- Small animal care in low-income communities
- Wound care, follow-ups and community education on handling pets
- Surgical observations
- Livestock and large animal aspect of veterinary work including cattle, sheep and equine
- Abattoirs and disease control
What skills do I need to be a Veterinary Intern?
This veterinary internship is designed for second and third-year vet students. No first-year students allowed. Students participating in this internship must be flexible with the type of animals they will be assisting with.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
Gain hands-on experience to your studies of animal sciences, veterinary or zoology
Experience working in a developing country with livestock, wildlife and small animals
Develop your skills and add a fantastic experience to your resume / C.V.
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS

Where will I work in South Africa?
About the Location
Interns will be based in the coastal town of Chintsa on South Africa’s beautiful Wild Coast. Chintsa has several restaurants and pubs to enjoy with other students on the projects or volunteers staying in the area. You will be able to make some new friends as it is a popular summer destination for volunteers and expats.
Accommodation
Accommodation is shared and there are two “Vet Houses” with WIFI situated a few minutes’ walk from the beach.
What to do in your spare time
You will also be able to plan some fun famous activities like visiting the Addo Elephant Reserve, go bungee jumping, take a wild coast adventure, go explore on a quad bike or go horseback riding. Cape Town is also a short flight away if you want to have a weekend get-away.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Cost: £3998 / $6240 for 3 weeks.
- Requirements: Age 18+
- Location: Chintsa, South Africa
- Working hours: All day Monday through Friday
- Project availability: 19th June-10th July 2023
- Arrival day: Monday
What is included
- Accommodation: Dorm in a house with others, communal areas including kitchen + some nights away due to the nature of the internship
- Food: 3 meals per day (self-catered lunch and breakfast)
- Airport pick-up and drop off in East London, South Africa
- Training: Pre-departure information pack and information pack
- All project-related transportation
- Excursion planning: Staff will help plan activities and excursions (extra fees will apply)
- Learning Reflection Document
- Certificate on completion of Internship
- Supervision from qualified professional
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

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