South Africa is modern and energetic, the perfect place to gain experience in your chosen career. We'll place you in a delightful small veterinary practice in Cape Town, under the supervision of an excellent vet who will endeavour to give you as much knowledge and experience as possible.

PLACEMENT OVERVIEW

Location: Cape Town Start dates: Available all year round, you choose your start date Duration: From 2 weeks to 6 months, subject to visa requirements Requirements: No qualifications necessary, but if you are studying or qualified, you'll be able to do more involved and specialised work. Minimum age 17. Compensation: Unpaid Price: £1,895 for 4 weeks, ranging to £3,395 for 12 weeks. Full Price List and other Currencies      What's included: ►Arranging the internship, ►Full pre-departure support and assistance, ►Payment Protection insurance ►Accommodation ►Food ►Meeting you at the nearest airport/station ►Transfer to your accommodation ►In-country team support and backup ►24-hr emergency support ►Certificate of Completion. What's not included: Flights, travel insurance, cost of visa, transport to and from your project  return transfer to the airport.

You'll work in a general vet practice in Cape Town - small, but very friendly. It is typical of a veterinary clinic in South Africa and in this particular clinic, the lady vet who'll supervise you goes to extraordinary lengths to ensure that you gain as much knowledge and practice as possible. The practice deals mainly with domestic animals, but you may also get an occasional opportunity to help out at the Blue Cross Animal/Veterinary Hospital, which is much bigger. (The Blue Cross is a privately-owned veterinary practice that deals with a wide range of veterinary procedures and if you spend time here, you should get exposure to larger animals such as cattle and horses.) WORK CONTENT As this is a small practice, your work responsibilities will differ according to what is required at the time you're there. The practice opens at 8.30 but you will be expected to come in around 9:00 am.  The practice has surgery in the mornings between 09.00 and 12.00 and in the afternoons between 15.30 and 18.30.  Lunchtime is usually between 12.20 and 15.00 depending on how busy they are. You will be free to leave the surgery during this time. You will have opportunities to shadow the Vet with plenty of scope for observation and some hands-on work. Depending on your experience and confidence, you may be able to participate in basic and simple procedures under supervision, such as making blood smears, analysing urine samples, learning to prep surgical sites, etc. This will also depend on whether the Vet feels you have the capabilities to take part in these activities. "I've been very busy, LOVING working with Dr. Wahl at the vet clinic. I couldn't be happier and love both her and her staff. I've seen a variety of procedures so far and am already perfecting my stitching technique. Cathy has been arranging for me to travel around to a few other vet clinics too, which has been great. I've met loads of people here and am having a fabulous time!" Devon Swartz At times you may find the work to be slow as it only becomes busy when animals are brought in. During these periods, there will be a variety of different jobs that you’ll need to assist with and some of these will not be directly related to working with the animals, such as attending to the upkeep and cleaning of the premises, or helping out with Reception. In other words, you should be prepared to do anything and everything that needs to be done during the time you’re there. Back to Top

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PLACEMENT:

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and South African culture.

• You'll learn a lot from experts in your field about how they work in a culture that is very different to what you're used to.

• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.

• An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market

• And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:

• 5-DAY OR 7-DAY SAFARI from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route: taking in Dolphin and Whale Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world), and a guided tour of the Cango Caves.
• 1 WEEK WHALES, SHARKS AND DOLPHINS Project: This is an extraordinary and exciting project in a beautiful location, surrounded by white beaches and blue ocean. And two hours from the world's third favourite city - Cape Town. What more could anyone want?
• SURFING COURSES: In the buzz city of Durban.
• PARAGLIDING COURSE: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you to do solo paragliding around the world.

A ten minute walk from the centre of the bustling Cape Town CBD is the quieter, more chilled out area of Green Point. Here we use St Johns Waterfront Lodge, one of the better known backpackers’ lodges for your accommodation. It is not only close to the city, but also to the famous V&A Waterfront (5 min walk) and literally a hop, skip and jump away from the ocean. Among a host of other activities, from here you can visit the world-famous Robben Island by boat, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 27 years!

Apart from other Travellers volunteers, this hostel mainly attracts international travellers to Cape Town. It is uniquely built on two plots so literally has two of everything, including two pools! They are very friendly and will always help you where needed. They can answer any questions or can even help when you need some TLC because you feel a bit homesick!

The Main Lodge is the centre of all the lodges and is a meeting point for everyone. You can discuss your day in the living room, have a nice chat out on the terrace, go for a swim, watch a movie, etc. Included in the placement cost is a bed in one of the large 8-bed dormitories, so you will be sharing. However, there is an option of choosing a single or double room if you are happy to pay the difference, but we do find that volunteers staying in the larger dormitories tend to make friends easier and be a bit more social. Remember, safety by numbers is always the most responsible way to do things!

This lodge has a living room, lots of bathrooms and a two well-equipped kitchens. It also has a lovely big (recently renovated) living area with satellite TV, a cosy bar and very comfy couches. In the main outdoor area, there are two pools, the braai (South African for BBQ) area and lots of tables and benches in the beautiful garden. There is a payphone inside the main lounge and a FREE internet service. St John’s has also recently fitted a CCTV security system, so you can live with peace of mind, knowing that you are safe and sound.

TRAVEL:
To read about Travel arrangements and what happens when you arrive in your new country, please click here.

Support & Backup: To read about the excellent Support & Backup we provide before you leave and during your programme, please click here.
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