Pre-requisites: Only students enrolled in the INTA 2000 course will be eligible
Tentative travel dates: November 7th-November 15th 2026.
Application deadline: May 31st, 2026, at 11:59pm.
Cost Estimate: $4200-$4500
- Included: airfare, accommodations, local transportation, travel and health insurance, activity fees, park entrance fees, animal care equipment/materials.
- Excluded: course & tuition fees, required vaccinations and physician consults, personal purchases such as souvenirs, meals.
What you will learn
After completing a series of theory sessions and hands-on lab activities, 8 students will travel with 2 chaperones to Belize to work with Galen University to deliver a 2 day spay, neuter and vaccination clinic for local animals that would otherwise not receive care.
Students will assist with client education (explaining the procedure, the importance of spay and neuter, and explaining post-surgical home care), preparing the animals for surgery, helping the veterinarians throughout the procedure, monitoring animals post-procedure and demonstrating home care when the clients pick up their pets.
In partnership with Galen University, students will also learn to:
- Develop and implement strategies to build industry partnerships that facilitate the procurement of veterinary supplies for community outreach initiatives.
- Produce engaging social media content that explains how preventive veterinary care supports One Health principles and protects both animal and human well‑being.
- Participate in international veterinary outreach efforts in Belize through coordinated collaboration with Galen students.
- Demonstrate an understanding of international zoonotic disease challenges and recommend preventive actions within a One Health framework.
- Work effectively as part of a group to achieve shared goals and complete project tasks.
- Examine the environmental impacts of climate change on coral reefs and aquatic species and articulate their significance within a global One Health context.
About INTA 2000
The objective of the INTA 2000 Field Course Experience is to help facilitate a deeper understanding and exposure to specific work-related competencies relative to the individual student’s interests. By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Identify and explain thoroughly the top 5 competencies required in the chosen field (including but not limited to communication, leadership, specific hands-on skills, etc.).
- Relate previous experiences, including coursework and other learning opportunities, to the field work experience.
- Identify and examine avenues of attaining additional information relative to the identified competencies.
- Critically analyze sustainability and climate change issues related to the enterprise.
- Critically analyze their experience and communicate their conclusions in a variety of formats.
Activities Can Include:
- Working with Galen University on a spay/neuter/vaccination clinic
- Community outreach animal health educational campaign at local elementary schools
- Visit to Green Iguana Conservation Project
- Humane society outreach
- Belize Zoo Tour
- Gales Point Manatee Tour
- Crocodile Research Coalition Lagoon Tour
- Snorkeling
- Assisting the Placencia Humane Society with Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) for strays.
Funding assistance
Students are invited to submit an application to the Study/Work International Fund (SWIF). SWIF was established by Dalhousie University as part of the Student Assistance Program, SWIF provides financial assistance to Dalhousie and King's students who want to take part in an international field course or study abroad. There is a maximum award of $2,000 CAD per applicant. SWIF supports study, work, or practicum placements for which Dalhousie University will give a degree credit.
Deadlines for submitting your funding application vary depending on the term of your international experience. Deadlines are as follows:
- Fall: September 30
- Winter: January 31
- Summer: May 31