COSTA RICA
PRE-VETERINARY FIELD EXPERIENCE
Earn 70+ hours of clinical and field experience under expert veterinary supervision in Costa Rica's rich wildlife ecosystem.
Program Overview
Dive into the world of veterinary medicine in Costa Rica on a high-impact, two-week pre-vet program designed for aspiring veterinary professionals. Over the course of 80 structured learning hours, including approximately 70 hours under the direct supervision of certified veterinarians, you’ll build critical clinical skills through hands-on animal handling, diagnostic labs, case discussions and field-based veterinary care across both domestic and wildlife settings.
Beyond clinical training, you’ll conduct structured research into a local animal welfare challenge facing the community and lead an interactive educational workshop to share your findings. Alongside animal-facing activities and tracked scientific observations, you’ll explore Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity and experience its vibrant culture, leaving with verified veterinary hours, research experience and real community impact.
On GLA’s Costa Rica: Pre-Veterinary Field Experience program you will:
- Develop an understanding of small-animal field surgery, including the fundamentals, protocols and standards of high-quality clinics
- Explore the importance of animal health and population management and their impact on community well-being
- Gain meaningful clinical and surgical experience through supervised participation in veterinary procedures
- Help provide need-based veterinary care and education in communities with limited access to veterinary services
- Strengthen your understanding of veterinary career pathways and refine their professional and academic goals
- Practice in a supervised, ethical clinical environment that prioritizes animal welfare, patient safety, and adherence to internationally-recognized guidelines
- Enjoy Costa Rica’s lush environment on a zipline adventure and in mineral thermal hot springs
Program Menu
COSTA RICA
PRE-VETERINARY FIELD EXPERIENCE
Sample Itinerary Coming Soon!
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
COSTA RICA
PRE-VETERINARY FIELD EXPERIENCE
Program Details
Dates & Tuition
2027 Session Dates
June 20 – July 03, 2027
What's Included in Tuition
In-country transportation
Lodging
3 meals per day
Professional full-time staff and experts
24/7 parent support hotline during program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
to hold your spot on-program.
Program at a Glance
Program Location: Costa Rica
Program Type(s): Career Exploration, Service Learning
Every GLA Program is Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Local Partner Spotlight
International Veterinary Training Center (VIDA)
VIDA’s Veterinary Program provides students with the opportunity to address animal overpopulation in underserved communities through high-quality spay and neuter clinics and animal welfare education. Through hands-on participation alongside local veterinary professionals, students develop and strengthen clinical and surgical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of community-based veterinary care. The program combines meaningful service, experiential learning and cultural immersion to create a transformative experience for both students and the communities they serve. VIDA operates its field clinics in accordance with the International Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA) Field Services Guidelines. Our approach prioritizes patient welfare and the safety of all participants, with an emphasis on high-quality anesthesia and pain management, appropriate surgical and postoperative care, and responsible standards for the participation of international veterinary volunteers in clinical and surgical procedures.
The Program Experience
Career Exploration
Elevate your pre-veterinary pathway by earning up to 80 structured experience hours including approximately 70 hours under the direct supervision of licensed veterinarians. Under professional supervision, students gain exposure to small-animal examinations, surgical preparation, spay and neuter procedures, anesthesia and pain management, and post-operative monitoring, according to their level of training and the needs of the clinic. Practice in a supervised, ethical clinical environment that prioritizes animal welfare, patient safety and adherence to internationally-recognized guidelines.
Complement your clinical rotations with community education initiatives: you’ll investigate pressing animal welfare challenges and lead an educational workshop for the local community and visit local families in their homes to provide practical education on animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, preventive care and the importance of spay and neuter programs. These initiatives create an opportunity to engage directly with community members, better understand their needs and share information that can support the health and well-being of their animals.
Through expert-led case discussions and interactions with animal care leaders, you’ll gain direct insight into veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation and the career paths available within global animal care.
Service Learning
Students work alongside local veterinarians and veterinary technicians during community-based veterinary clinics, providing essential care to animals in underserved communities. These clinics help expand access to veterinary services while giving students valuable hands-on learning opportunities and a deeper understanding of the role veterinarians play in promoting animal welfare and community health.
Interactive workshops introduce students to fundamental animal welfare principles and promote responsible practices that support animals’ health, safety and quality of life. Through educational activities and practical discussions, students explore topics such as responsible pet ownership, preventive care, humane animal handling and the importance of spay and neuter programs in improving animal welfare and addressing overpopulation in local communities.
Adventure
While veterinary care and hands-on work during mobile clinics are at the heart of this program, you’ll also enjoy Costa Rica’s inland region that is built for adrenaline and natural beauty. Zipline through lush rainforest canopy and unwind in natural geothermal hot springs surrounded by rolling hills.
Country Spotlight
Experience the spirit of Pura Vida across two cantons: the lush, mountainous interior of San José and the vibrant farm communities of Cartago.
Lodging: Stay in a comfortable hotel with easy access to nearby community clinics. All accommodations feature gender-segregated rooms with roommates and shared bathroom facilities.
Meals: Enjoy simple, fresh and healthy meals highlighting traditional Costa Rican staples and locally grown tropical fruits.
COSTA RICA
PRE-VETERINARY FIELD EXPERIENCE
Photo Gallery
COSTA RICA