Student AVMA (SAVMA)

Student Exchange Programs (IVSA) FAQ

 International Opportunities for Veterinary Students

IVSA USA of the International Veterinary Student Association

Q: How do I qualify for an IVSA exchange?

A: You must be a current student at the time of the veterinary exchange and you must be a member of the Student Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA).

Q: What is the deadline for arranging an IVSA exchange?

A: We request that students apply 6 months prior to the date of their anticipated exchange. If applications are received under that time, we will try our best but we may not be able to place the student.

Q: What are the guarantees that I will get an IVSA exchange?

A: Although we try our best to find a spot for every student, some IVSA member countries may be more active than others during certain years. Availability of exchanges will depend on the ability of that country's Exchange Officer to place students in their country.

Q: How much will it cost to participate in an IVSA exchange?

A: The cost varies depending on whether the host country exchange has a location that provides housing. Many places do try to find housing for students but it is not guaranteed. Flight and living expenses are not covered by the program. There are no other fees that SAVMA charges to participate.

Q: Do I have to know a foreign language to participate in an exchange?

A: It depends on where the student would like to go and whether there is a doctor in that country that speaks English. We do not currently have a list of countries with language requirements. Upon submission of application, the EO of the preferred exchange country will be contacted with your language proficiency or lack of for a possible exchange match.

Q: How does an exchange qualify for the SAVMA International Veterinary Exchange Committee (IVEC) Scholarship?

A: Students must be SAVMA members and have an international exchange arranged prior to the scholarship application deadline. For information on the SAVMA IVEC scholarship, please download the guidelines and application at https://www.avma.org/About/SAVMA/WhatIsSAVMA/Pages/International-Veterinary-Exchange-Committee.aspx

Q: Do I have to apply through IVSA for an international exchange in order to qualify for the SAVMA International Veterinary Exchange Committee Scholarship?

A: No! Students are allowed to create their own international exchange and qualify for the scholarship as long as no stipend has already been granted for the exchange. The procedures are outlined at https://www.avma.org/About/SAVMA/WhatIsSAVMA/Pages/International-Veterinary-Exchange-Committee.aspx

Q: What are the visa requirements for the country I want to exchange to?

A: Visa and other great international travel information can be obtained through the following governmental website: http://travel.state.gov/

Q: Who do I contact if I have more questions?

A: Contact the SAVMA International Exchange Officer at SAVMAIEOatgmail [dot] com (SAVMAIEO[at]gmail[dot]com) if you have further questions. Please remember that your Exchange Officer is a veterinary student as well and will try to return correspondence and arrange your exchange in as timely a manner as possible.

Q: Do I have to apply through the IVSA to participate in established international programs?

A: No, you do not. Please only apply through the IVSA exchange process if you want to do an individual or group exchange in another country. The other established international programs that are outlined on this website have their own application requirements, and are not directly associated with IVSA.