Analyzing International Vet Schools

By Author: E W
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Many people do not realize this, but there are only 28 veterinary schools in the United States. This limited supply leads to high costs and high competition for getting into these colleges. Ultimately, many worthy candidates do not end up making the cut. For this reason, more and more future veterinarians are considering international vet schools. Here, we will highlight some of the biggest advantages and disadvantages for students who make that decision.

Advantages:
Cost. International vet schools tend to be cheaper than those found inside the United States. An incoming student could pay up to 70% less than they would in the United States for the same number of credits.
Location. Studying abroad gives American students an opportunity to see parts of the world in a way that they will never have the opportunity to once they begin their working lives. It is one thing to visit the Caribbean for 1 week on a cruise, but living there for over a year gives one a much better understanding of what the culture is all about.
Affiliation. Some schools, such as the American University of Antigua, offer affiliations ...
... with accredited schools like Virginia Tech. If a student can get into one of these programs and transfer, it is really a best of both worlds situation.

Disadvantages:
Credibility. There is a negative aura that hangs around a degree from many of these schools. Some are likened to being nothing more than a degree mill. If you are considering looking at international vet schools, make sure that the ones you apply to have the necessary credentials and an overall plan to start you on the veterinary career that you want.
Quality. Not all foreign institutions offer the same level of instruction that you would find in the US. If a foreign school offers a curriculum that is based on its American counterparts, that is a huge advantage to the student if they are looking to practice in the United States.
Location. Yes, I realize that I also mentioned this in the advantages section. However, especially for US citizens, moving away from home to go to school is far. Moving away to go to another country for the multiple years †well, that can be just too daunting for some young kids.

Ultimately, it is up to every individual to determine what the right educational path for their future. But many are finding that the quest to become a veterinarian need not be limited to the borders of the United States. Is an international vet school right for you?
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-EWFor more information on:International Vet SchoolsRoyal Veterinary College