The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine Chilean Exchange Program is a student exchange program between the College and Universidad Mayor in Santiago, Chile. Established in 2002 under the direction of Dr. Edward Robinson, emeritus professor and former Matilda R. Wilson Chair, students travel to their exchange country—from Chile to the United States or the United States to Chile—to experience international clinical settings.   

The Chilean/United State Exchange Program is only available for third- and fourth-year DVM students who are in good academic standing and have received a Spanish language education certificate of completion. Students also must be mindful and respectful of different cultures and demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively. 

My participation in the Chilean Exchange Program at Universidad Mayor in Santiago, Chile, was an amazing experience and I had many unique opportunities during my three weeks there. I visited an equine breeding farm, an alpaca farm, a Polo club, a horse racing track, sheep farms, and their off-campus teaching farm. I also spent time at their brand new on-campus small animal hospital as well as their off-campus emergency clinic, where I joined students on their clinical rotations—neurology, anesthesia, and surgery.

The entire time I was in Chile, I was able to further develop my Spanish language skills and learn about Chilean culture. I stayed with a host family, which includes a recent graduate of the veterinary program. During the weekends, I toured Santiago, hiked Cerro San Cristobal, and visited the port city of Valparaiso. I had a blast traveling and expanding my veterinary skills and knowledge.

I am so grateful to both schools—the College and Universidad Mayor—for making this once in a lifetime opportunity possible. 

Being an exchange student at Universidad Mayor in Santiago, Chile, was the experience of a lifetime! I feel fortunate to not only have engaged in veterinary activities while I was there, but also to have experienced the local culture. I now have a Chilean family; they took me to family dinners, birthday parties, local markets and fairs, and taught me about local dishes and favorite traditions. Even though I’m no longer in Chile, we use a free messaging app to keep in touch daily.

On the veterinary side of my experience, I learned a great deal—specifically, about poultry. I had the opportunity to visit Don Pollo—an agriculture and crop production business—and was invited to enter their biosecure breeder flocks and operations. I would like to thank, Don Pollo and their parent company, Agricola, for hosting me and allowing me to enter their facility.

In addition to expanding my poultry knowledge, I also learned about horse racing, equine theriogenology, and alpaca welfare. Not to mention, my Spanish language skills improved, as I spoke 100 percent Spanish for the 3-weeks I was there—I loved it.

Overall, the Chilean exchange program exposed me to new aspects of veterinary medicine, Chilean culture, and the Spanish language. I am forever grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to serve as an MSU ambassador!