Texas A&M Veterinary Students Go Global at IVSA Symposium
In early January 2017, nine veterinary students represented Texas A&M University at the 65thInternational Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA) Special General Assembly and Symposium at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. The nine Texas A&M representatives, Branden Nettles, Laura Hurst, Tony Blanco, Chandani Bahkta, Jillian Athey, Jivanni Shah, Jannina Saastamoinen, Selina Zalesak, and Taylor Strange, were among 113 veterinary students from across the globe who gathered to learn about the IVSA and the opportunities the organization offers. Travel funding for the Texas A&M students were provided by several entities including the Texas A&M One Health Initiative.
“Since the IVSA is an organization of veterinary students from a diverse array of 
countries, we discussed veterinary medicine with colleagues who have had an education different from our own,” the Texas A&M representatives said of their experience. “With how globalized our profession is becoming, hearing from colleagues with these fresh perspectives was one of the best opportunities we were given. We also had the chance to get a behind the scenes tour of a sea turtle rescue, explore the North Carolina aquarium, practice novel technical skills, and have some fun with a trip to a roller rink. One of the favorite nights of the IVSA event was cultural night, where students wore outfits from their country and brought food and drinks to share. This was a unique way to see the similarities/differences in cultures around the world, and have a good time with our new friends.”
The IVSA is a non-profit organization led by volunteer veterinary students from around the world. Their aim is to improve the standard of veterinary education internationally through the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and culture; ultimately pursuing their mission of benefiting the animals and people of the world by harnessing the potential and dedication of veterinary students to promote the international application of veterinary skills, education, and knowledge. Specific IVSA opportunities presented at the symposium included participating in international student exchanges, helping to raise funding for veterinary students in low gross domestic product areas, and making connections from all over the world.
“The week we spent at the IVSA conference changed our lives,” the students reflected. ”From creating global connections within veterinary medicine, to seeing so many different languages popping up on Facebook, to having a deeper understanding of the world we live in, IVSA now has a place in all our hearts.”
For more information about the Texas A&M chapter of IVSA, please visit tx.ag/cWcvqjl.
For more information about the IVSA, please visit tx.ag/Pmoge8E.
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