Education Abroad

VM 504 - International Field Studies

Definition

The International Field Studies is a formal, structured externship program which is a means of instructing veterinary students in an overseas Veterinary Education Abroad in a public/private practice or other institutions, related to international veterinary medicine (IVM).  These institutions may include Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Bank and Animal, Plant Health Inspection service of the USDA and other organizations which may help Washington State agriculture in international trade.  The externship must be under the direct supervision of one or more veterinarians, agriculture or public health professional.  The site of the program is chosen by the Washington State University - College of Veterinary Medicine (WSU-CVM) in consultation with the student (or chosen by the student and approved by the college).  The focus area may be generalized or specialized to include (but not limited to), clinical practice, exotic/zoo animal, aquaculture, avian, public health, regulatory medicine or research emphasis.

Prerequisites

VM 501- International Veterinary Medicine

Enrolled as a veterinary student at WSU-CVM

Register field study with WSU Education Abroad Office (Bryan Hall 105)

Objectives

The program supplements the IVM information and practical animal experience provided in the professional curriculum at the WSU-CVM.         

More specifically it should:

1.  Acquaint the student with delivery of veterinary services in an international environment.

2. Acquaint the student with animal husbandry, food safety and disease diagnostic techniques; control of animal diseases, including zoonotic diseases used in the host country.

3. Acquaint the student with the philosophical approaches and ethical relationships among veterinarians in private or public sectors of a foreign environment.

4. Increase student's knowledge of the socioeconomic and cultural systems affecting veterinary medicine in a foreign country. 

5.  Increase the student's contact with a variety of for profit and non-profit organizations involved in IVM work, including non-government organizations, pharmaceutical/animal feed and other animal related industries.

6.  Supplement the material and program of the IVM teaching at WSU-CVM with practical experience in an environment different from Washington State/United States. 

Principles of Program Operation

1.  The minimum length of time at any site is three weeks.  Additional time for travel, etc. must be considered.

2.  The duties of the student shall be set by the mentor at the externship site prior to the student's assignment with consultation and approval of the program coordinator at WSU-CVM.  In general, the student shall have no primary responsibility, but work under the supervision of the mentor to perform assignments which encompass all aspects of professional activity in the experience.  The daily activities should not be less than 40 or more than 60 hours per week and the duties will be assigned by the on-site mentor.

3.  Mentors should be progressive, professionally competent who will function as teachers in a busy environment.

4.  The site of the program should provide a learning environment with emphasis on gaining experience associated with IVM.  Students should not be assigned housekeeping duties beyond those normally performed by the mentor.

5.  Housing, expenses related to travel, food, passport, visa, immunization etc. are responsibility of the student. 

6.  Adequate professional and personal insurance is mandatory.  The student should confirm that his/her accident/health insurance provides coverage in the destination country and the mechanism for activation of the insurance benefits.

7.  WSU will not be responsible for any liability claims by the student for acts of war, terrorism, etc., in the host country  

Credits

1. One week (40 hours) of externship would represent one semester credit.
   2. S, F grade (Satisfactory or Fail) will be given for the externship.  The grade will be based on - active participation, demonstrated knowledge base, hypothesis generation; information gathering; technical, communication and interpersonal skills.  The mentors, at externship site and at WSU will have the major input in the grade.  The mentors may consult the program coordinator.

      The Externship Site Mentor's Responsibility

      1.  Conduct him or her self in a professional and ethical manner.

      2.  Assume the responsibility of a faculty member during the instructional program.  Meet with the student weekly to discuss the externship performance, problems and goals, etc.        

      3.  Supervise all aspects of the student's professional activities.  The mentor should not consider the student as a substitute employee.  The externship is a portion of the student's professional curriculum.  The student should not be left unsupervised as it detracts from the educational experience.

      4.  Instruct the student so that they understand their duties regarding the externship site.

      5. Assign student to cover as many aspects of IVM as possible.

      6.  Assign responsibilities of the student in accordance with local (state), and the country's (federal) legal limits.

      7.  Prepare the student evaluation form and participate in the assignment of a grade.

      The Student's responsibility

      1. Consider the on-site mentor as a faculty member.  Follow instructions on all professional matters as given by the mentor whose decisions are final.  This includes fulfilling his or her time commitment to the educational opportunity that has been offered.  Present a 30-60 minute seminar on WSU veterinary education, and other related topics at the host institution. 

      2.  Conduct him or her self in an ethical and professional manner; and maintain professional appearance and integrity at all times.

      3.  Provide his or her own clothing and footwear, unless other arrangements are specifically made.

      4.  Keep all professional matters confidential.

      5.  Submit the evaluation form to the WSU program coordinator within two weeks of conclusion of the externship.

      6.  Present a seminar on the experiences to the WSU faculty and students.

      Incompatibility of externship site and student:  If the mentor feels that the continued presence of the student in the program is unacceptable, removal of the student may be requested. If the student feels that their continuation within the program is unacceptable, they may request removal.  If reasonable conciliation measures have failed, the student will be removed. 

      Contacts
      International Veterinary Education Program Coordinator: Dr. Mushtaq Memon
      Vet Med Student Services & Course Registration: Barb Robbins
      Education Abroad Externship Coordinator: Kate Wray Chettri

      Funding Your Experience
      Check http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/international/
      Also, please see the handout on funding your experience. You may also apply for the Education Abroad Scholarship. Details and application materials are under the Scholarships section of the Education Abroad webpage.