Frequently Asked Questions!
Q. How much does it cost and what funding opportunities are available for CVM students?
A. The cost of traveling abroad varies for different regions of the world; in general, the total cost including airfare can range from about $2,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the destination, length of stay, housing and food costs, and other expected and unexpected expenses. You should give some thought to the issue of financing your trip as part of your planning process. You can get further suggestions on cost, financial aid and scholarships from the NCSU Study Abroad website at http://www.ncsu.edu/studyabroad/cost/index.html
Funding opportunities include:
- CVM Travel Fellowship (typically about $300-500 per award)
- NC State Study Abroad Scholarships
- IVSA
- SCAVMA
- Dodge Foundation, other foundations
- Local churches, community groups, Rotary clubs, etc.
Q: How do I apply for a CVM Travel Fellowship?
A: CVM Travel fellowships are awarded each year based on availability of funds provided through the office of the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. The deadline for submission of proposals is November 2nd and award decisions are made before the Thanksgiving break. There is only one submission/review/award per year. Students who have taken or are registered in VMC991W, and who are proposing to participate in VIP programs receive preference. Regional coordinators must have already been notified and be familiar with your plans. The relevance of your proposed experience to your stated career goals is also given preference during the review process. All proposals will be reviewed by a panel of members of the International Advisory Council.
Q. Where can I get the application form for a CVM Travel Fellowship?
A: The application form can be downloaded in text, HTML or MS Word fromat from the Forms page.
Q: Do I have to take VMC 991W if I have traveled a lot on my own?
A: The course is recommended for all students who are interested in an overseas experience relevant to veterinary medicine; preference for college sponsored awards will be given to students who have taken the course. Exemption from the course will be provided under exceptional circumstances and must be approved by the Director of International Programs and the appropriate Regional Coordinator; students will have to provide a detailed report documenting their previous overseas experiences, its relevance to veterinary medicine and addressing all the issues covered in the course.
Q: Can I apply for summer financial aid if I am taking International Veterinary Field Studies VMC 999?
A: Yes. Most students opt to register in the fall to avoid extra tuition, but if you are eligible for summer financial aid it can be advantageous to register in the summer.
Q: Can family or friends come with me on a VIP trip?
A: It is possible, but only if there are spaces available on the trip and approval is given by the project coordinating faculty member. NCSU DVM students have first priority for these trips, followed by DVM students from other schools. If approval is given, spouses or family may participate and are expected to follow all of the same rules as the veterinary students.
Q: Can I create my own experience for VMC 999?
A: Working with your regional coordinator it may be possible for you to create an experience that would satisfy the requirements of the course. The regional coordinator is responsible for assuring that the experience meets all fellowship guidelines and has the final word on whether or not an experience would qualify.
Q: What about vaccinations and health risks?
A: Each student is responsible for investigating the health risks of places they are intending to travel using information provided at the CDC websites, NCSU Student health services, and other resources. It is your decision as to whether or not you want to take the recommended vaccinations or medications; all students are required to sign a waiver in this regard. Each student traveling abroad is required to carry the travel health insurance offered by the main campus international programs office. Further information can be obtained through the NCSU office for Study Abroad.
Q: What about foreign animal diseases? Do I have to do anything?
A: The NCSU CVM VTH guidelines for travel abroad and best practices should be followed. If you are traveling in a foot and mouth disease endemic area you must not be involved in any activities that bring you in contact with ruminants, horses, swine or other susceptible species for 2 weeks on return to the US or any other FMD free area. For seniors taking VMC 997 this means it is best to register for a block in pathology, clinical pathology, small animal medicine or surgery. Avoid any blocks that would bring you to a large animal area. Students returning for an endemic area should NOT go to TAU (Teaching Animal Unit) or the barns to purchase dog food for two weeks. Many students take inexpensive foot wear on their trip and leave it behind when they return. Others bathe their shoes and exposed clothing in a vinegar wash to reduce the chance of spreading virus. If you are traveling to an exotic Newcastle's disease area, do not interact with poultry or pet birds for two weeks. Classroom activities are OK so long as there are no laboratories where you would come in contact with inappropriate species.