Spend your fall semester in San José, Costa Rica, immersing yourself in hands-on veterinary science and wildlife management at Universidad LCI Veritas, one of Latin America's most respected institutions. This 13-week program combines 16 academic credits with 200+ hours of fieldwork in clinical veterinary and wildlife settings, giving you the practical experience you need to advance your career in animal health and conservation.

You'll work directly with small animals, marine species, and Costa Rica's iconic wildlife—including sloths, jaguars, and marine mammals—under the supervision of trained professionals at world-class facilities including veterinary hospitals, wildlife rescue centers, and field stations. The two mandatory courses, Wildlife Management and Conservation Initiatives and Veterinary Clinical Practice and Skills, are taught in English by seasoned veterinary professionals and wildlife management experts. You can also choose from electives in marine biology, wildlife conservation, and genetics, tailoring your learning to your interests.

Beyond the classroom, you'll participate in marine conservation projects, spend five intensive days at rescue centers learning conservation work firsthand, and gain supervised clinical experience with diverse species. All interactions prioritize ethical care standards and proper animal handling, ensuring you develop not just technical skills but also professional responsibility in wildlife and veterinary medicine.

Your living experience includes a homestay with a local family, providing immersion in Costa Rican culture and Spanish-language practice. Breakfast and dinner are included daily, and you'll have internet access to stay connected. The program fee covers tuition, housing, meals, extensive excursions (including three-day trips to Manuel Antonio National Park and Arenal Volcano), cultural activities, and 24/7 emergency support with comprehensive insurance.

Costa Rica's tremendous biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and commitment to conservation make it an ideal classroom for pre-veterinary students. You'll explore pristine national parks, visit coffee plantations, learn about indigenous cultures, and participate in cooking classes and language exchanges with local students. Whether you're pursuing veterinary medicine, wildlife management, environmental science, or biology, this program offers the career-focused, hands-on experience that sets strong applications apart and deepens your understanding of tropical veterinary medicine and global conservation challenges.

The program is supported by an on-site director and staff committed to your success, from pre-departure preparation through post-return alumni networking via the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and AIFS Abroad's global community.