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Perfect 4.66rating (29)

Wildlife Vet Externship

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Gain real-world experience of sanctuary-based vet work that can count towards your qualification.
  • Support a high-impact organisation working hard to protect Malawi's wildlife and combat wildlife crime.
  • In addition to clinical and lab work learn about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation and take part in rescues and releases when they occur.

Highlights

  • Gain real-world experience of sanctuary-based vet work that can count towards your qualification.
  • Support a high-impact organisation working hard to protect Malawi's wildlife and combat wildlife crime.
  • In addition to clinical and lab work learn about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation and take part in rescues and releases when they occur.
  • Work alongside some of the best names in their field, including primate experts and Malawi's top wildlife vet.
  • Explore the 'Warm Heart of Africa' with game drives in Liwonde National Park, snorkelling or diving in Lake Malawi, horseback riding at Kande Beach, and cycling in Kuti Wildlife Reserve.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Gain valuable experince in wildlife veterinary medicine at Malawi's only sanctuary.

    Join us at Malawi's only wildlife sanctuary to gain valuable work experience to support your studies. As a vet or veterinary nurse student you can get a real insight into sanctuary-based vet work in Africa's 'warm heart'. We are the only organisation sanctioned by the Government of Malawi to conduct ...

    About the program

    Join us at Malawi's only wildlife sanctuary to gain valuable work experience to support your studies. As a vet or veterinary nurse student you can get a real insight into sanctuary-based vet work in Africa's 'warm heart'. We are the only organisation sanctioned by the Government of Malawi to conduct wildlife rescues nationwide and Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is the only sanctuary in the world to hold accreditations from the Pan African

    Sanctuary Alliance, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the Born Free Foundation PAW scheme. Working with us will give you the
    chance to learn from a team of local and international experts dedicated to the very best of practice.

    The specific tasks will vary according to the types of animals we are caring for at any particular time, but you can expect to get involved in a mix of clinical work and wider welfare activities. Clinical work can include diagnostics, lab work and procedures. Externs will also be expected to get stuck into the day-to-day care of our animal residents including enrichment, integrations, observations and animal husbandry. Our aim is always to rehabilitate animals and return them to the wild.



    Typical day

    The working day starts at 8am when you will head to our state-of-the-art clinic to support our Head Vet with any clinical or lab tasks. This will depend on what animals are at the sanctuary and in need of medical care. After a lunch break the afternoon will involve a mixture of animal welfare duties ...

    Typical day

    The working day starts at 8am when you will head to our state-of-the-art clinic to support our Head Vet with any clinical or lab tasks. This will depend on what animals are at the sanctuary and in need of medical care. After a lunch break the afternoon will involve a mixture of animal welfare duties for the residents - of which there can be 200 at any given time - and supporting the vet team with any administration work. Students finish at 5pm when it's time for dinner and relaxing at our Volunteer Centre and sharing stories with fellow students and volunteers.


    Free-time activities

    Malawi is known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa' for its friendly people, warm climate and stunning landscapes. Lilongwe is a safe, clean city and you are welcome to try the local restaurants, local markets and sample the nightlife.
    On your days off you could go diving or snorkelling at Lake Malawi, go ...

    Free-time activities

    Malawi is known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa' for its friendly people, warm climate and stunning landscapes. Lilongwe is a safe, clean city and you are welcome to try the local restaurants, local markets and sample the nightlife.
    On your days off you could go diving or snorkelling at Lake Malawi, go on safari at Liwonde National Park or go hiking in the mountains of Mulanje.
    We can even arrange a safari trip to South Luangwa in Zambia which is renowned for its top game viewing.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    Veterinary medicine at Bachelors/masters student or equivalent level

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    For vet students only. Qualified vets and vet nurses are also welcome. For vet students needing to conduct any clinical research please submit your project requirements for review with your application.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 08:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Prices include:

    • Accommodation 
    • All meals, unlimited tea and coffee 
    • Airport transfers (on a Tuesday) and all work-related transport 
    • Orientation and full support during your stay 
    • Local SIM card and t-shirt 

    Prices exclude: 
    • Flights 
    • Visas 
    • Vaccinations 
    • Excursions, souvenirs, nights out, personal expenses, snacks, etc.

    Airport Pickup at Lilongwe International Airport

    It’s best to fly into Lilongwe (Kamuzu International Airport) and we will pick you up from there. Someone will be waiting fo you so look out for a sign with your name on it! The Wildlife Centre is about a 30 minute drive from the airport. If you are travelling overland get in touch and we can let you know the best way to get here. Arrivals and departures are on Tuesdays. 

    Accommodation

    Our accommodation building can host up to 18 people at a time across six bedrooms. It also includes a lounge, kitchen, inside and outside dining spaces, two bathrooms, laundry space, an outdoor deck and garden. The building is located in the middle of our wildlife sanctuary, which means that you’ll experience the magic of bush life after a hard day or work – spending evenings by the fire listening to the sounds of the forest. 

    Food & Beverages

    Meals are cooked by our local chef every day except on Sunday. The menu is vegetarian with a mix of international and local dishes. Let us know if you have other special dietary requirements, and students are welcome to buy in other luxuries or meat if they wish. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Lilongwe International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe. We assist you to find cheap flights to Malawi. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Malawi provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Malawi you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Malawi. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Placements start and finish on Tuesdays. We will pick you up from Lilongwe airport. If you are unable to arrive on a Tuesday let us know and we can make alternative arrangements for your transfer to the sanctuary. 

    We accept students throughout the year, but we only take four students at the same time to ensure you all have the best experience. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $749 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.66
    29 reviews

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Malawi > Lilongwe

    Meet your project coordinator

    Mercy
    29
    reviews
    4.66
    Perfect
    2007
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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