University of Wisconsin–Madison
Study Abroad
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IFSA Preveterinary Medicine

A collage shows a smiling person holding a goat, farm animals by a shed, a colorful building with an Argentine flag, and a group taking a selfie in front of a historic building.

Argentina, Buenos Aires

Offered through IFSA, this program is an approved affiliate program under the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) in partnership with International Academic Programs. You will be working closely with both CALS and IFSA on this program. 
This study abroad program is designed for pre-veterinary students to gain relevant knowledge through classroom coursework and hands-on learning through volunteering, internships, directed research, and networking. Take classes on topics like animal health management, animal genetics, and veterinary Spanish and engage in volunteer days or internships at an equine shelter, agricultural school, or veterinary college. In your free time, connect with porteños and explore Buenos Aires, a multicultural city known for its dynamic cultural scene, fascinating history, electic architecture, beautiful city parks, bookstores, and passion for tango. 
This program includes excursions and day trips to destinations like Salta, Jujuy, Tigre and Exaltación de la Cruz, allowing you experience other parts of Argentina.

Volunteer Opportunities

The IFSA Buenos Aires Program Center organizes non-credit bearing volunteer opportunities throughout the semester, usually as one-time activities or events. On occasion, more sustained involvement may be possible. Opportunities vary each semester. Possible opportunities include:

  • Ecoparque: Located in the former Zoo of Buenos Aires, the Ecopark is now a public park dedicated to environmental education, wildlife conservation, and sustainable landscaping, with hands-on opportunities in ecological restoration and wildlife care. Volunteers could assist in landscaping projects, planting native trees, nursery work (seeding, pruning), and supporting ecological conservation efforts. The Ecopark also has a Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in which students may aid in the care and rehabilitation of rescued wildlife, as well as participating in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation activities at the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.

  • CRRE Horse Rescue: CRRE Horse Rescue is a horse rescue organization located in Magdalena dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming abused, neglected, or abandoned horses. Volunteers assist with horse rehabilitation, feeding, grooming, medical care, and daily stable management. They could also support veterinary care, help with rescue operations, and rehoming efforts. Magdalena is located approximately 40 miles southeast of Buenos Aires.

  • Horse Shelter: A horse rescue shelter dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of neglected or abandoned horses offers volunteer opportunities to support their mission. The horse shelter in located approximately 32 miles west of Buenos Aires.

  • The School of Agronomy at Universidad de Buenos Aires: The School of Agronomy of the University of Buenos Aires is one of Argentina’s leading agronomy schools. The campus is located in Buenos Aires and it offers hands-on experience in agricultural research, sustainable farming, and animal husbandry. Interns and volunteers may assist in agricultural fieldwork, crop management, research projects, and sustainable development initiatives. This community-oriented opportunity offers volunteers the chance to work on animal care and public outreach initiatives, such as animal welfare education, public health campaigns, animal vaccination drives, and assisting veterinary teams in underserved areas.

Directed Research (*Four semesters of university-level Spanish or equivalent required)

Engage in individualized field research with faculty experts on a contemporary issue of interest. Regular meetings with faculty will assist in the formation and execution of research plans, and they will guide you on how to thoughtfully and critically integrate academic research with experiential learning. You will sharpen your written and oral communication skills through the development of articulate and comprehensive research that is respectful to the sensitivities of the local culture.

If you chose to research live human subjects, live animals or another topic that is deemed by IFSA to be required to be reviewed by the Institutional Research Board (IRB) at your home institution, then you will have to file your project with your home institution’s IRB board and submit your result to IFSA. Your IFSA Enrollment Counselor will review your application materials to help determine if you must file with IRB.

Research opportunities are conducted in Spanish. For more detailed information and examples of previous student placements, contact your IFSA Enrollment Counselor.

Internships (*Four semesters of university-level Spanish or equivalent required)

IFSA internships include real-world work experience, along with developing intercultural skills and experiences that are key to personal, academic, and professional success. Expect to devote a total of 120 hours working with your host organization, with supervision from your seminar instructor, coordinated by on-site IFSA team members. In addition, interns complete the International Internship Seminar for 3 U.S. semester credit hours. Internships are not remunerated.

Your goals are carefully considered, tailoring the placement process to ensure the best possible fit. Keep in mind that final placements depend on your skills (including your Spanish language abilities), prior experience, and availability. Although every effort is made to match your placement with your preferred field or area of business, it can’t be guaranteed. 

The following are examples of possible internship placements. Placement options vary from term to term.

  • El Paraíso Animal: This animal sanctuary focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating animals, providing them with a safe and caring environment. Interns and volunteers may assist in daily animal care, feeding, grooming, and habitat maintenance, support rehabilitation efforts, participate in rescue missions, and help with community outreach and education on animal welfare. El Paraiso in located approximately 32 miles west of Buenos Aires.
  • Fundación Vida Silvestre: Fundación Vida Silvestre is one of Argentina’s renown conservation organizations focused on protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices to preserve wildlife habitats. Interns and volunteers may assist in supporting conservation projects, wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, environmental education campaigns, and community engagement efforts to promote biodiversity protection and sustainable development.
  • Peludos Buenos Aires: Peludos is an NGO dedicated to improving animal welfare by organizing sterilization and vaccination campaigns, rescuing street animals, and facilitating adoptions. Interns and volunteers may assist in animal sterilization and vaccination campaigns, help in providing care for rescued animals, support adoption events and community outreach events on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.
  • The School of Agronomy at Universidad de Buenos Aires: The School of Agronomy of the University of Buenos Aires is one of Argentina’s leading agronomy schools. The campus is located in Buenos Aires and it offers hands-on experience in agricultural research, sustainable farming, and animal husbandry. Interns and volunteers may assist in agricultural fieldwork, crop management, research projects, and sustainable development initiatives.
  • Veterinary Hospital: The school’s teaching hospital provides care for animals, with a strong focus on clinical practice and research. This site could offer a hands-on clinical experience for aspiring veterinarians.
  • Community Program: This program is dedicated to improving animal health and community wellbeing through outreach initiatives. Volunteers could assist in organizing community health events, participate in animal vaccination campaigns and educational workshops on pet care and zoonotic diseases.
  • UBA Green Volunteers: This sustainability initiative promotes environmental stewardship and ecological conservation within the university and the community. Interns and volunteers could participate in environmental education, sustainable project development, urban gardening, community awareness campaigns, and eco-friendly animal care initiatives.
  • University of Business and Social Sciences: The rural Cañuelas campus of the UCES offers hands-on experience in veterinary and agricultural sciences through its degree programs. Interns and volunteers could assist with farm animal care, livestock management, animal health monitoring, and participating in veterinary clinical practice on large animals. Assignments may vary depending on specific agreements and placement positions available within the institution. Cañuelas is approximately 40 miles southwest of Buenos Aires.
  • Veterinary College: The Veterinary College is an umbrella organization of professional veterinarians who oversees veterinary practices in Buenos Aires, potentially offering internships or volunteer opportunities in private veterinary clinics. Given the chance, interns and volunteers could gain practical experience in private veterinary practices, assisting with routine exams, surgeries, diagnostics, animal care, and client communication in clinical settings, and participating in professional development activities.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Build students' knowledge and understanding of preveterinary topics
  • Expose students to a variety of veterinary professional paths
  • Increase students’ knowledge of host culture through community interaction
  • Extend students learning to explore new perspectives and to challenge themselves, maximizing their learning in unexpected ways
  • Help students feel connected to their peers, IFSA staff and others within the local community
  • Be facilitated through active and engaged learning through appreciative advising

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • No language requirement for the general program. Four semesters of university-level Spanish or equivalent are required for internship or directed research options.
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Veterinary Medicine

Classroom Language

English, Spanish

Housing

Apartments, Local Hosts

Program Duration

Fall: Late August to Early December
Spring: Mid-January to Early May

Application Deadline(s)

Spring 2026-27 9/18/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

Students on this program take 4-5 IFSA classes for a total of 12-16 credits, selecting from topics within preveterinary medicine and across the other IFSA tracks. Classes are taught in English. 

UW-Madison students are required to take at least 3 classes within the Preveterinary track. They can choose their remaining classes from within the Preveterinary track or from other tracks offered at this IFSA program location, which include Spanish language, arts and humanities, and health sciences courses.

Review the list of Preterinary track courses.

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

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Benjamin A. Gilman Int'l Scholarship Prgm

Description

The U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman Internatonal Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness.  The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.

Award Amount
Varies (up to $5,000)

Eligibility Criteria

Scholarships available for undergraduate students who receive federal Pell Grant funding. Scholarships up to $5,000 for a semester/year in addition to a possible $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement.

The Gilman Scholarship Program aims to support a diverse range of students who have been traditionally under-represented in study abroad, including but not limited to:
1. Students with high financial need
2. Students studying in non-traditional countries, especially those outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand (Note: Students may not study in a country currently on the Department of State's travel warning list)
3. Students with diverse ethnic backgrounds
4. All recipients are required to carry out a Follow-on Service Project that promotes international education and the Gilman Scholarship Program at the students' home institution or in their home community.

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, visit the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship website.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Study Abroad Advisor for assistance with the application essays.

Fund for Education Abroad

Description

The FEA is committed to increasing the opportunities for dedicated American students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships.  This scholarship is great for students who are early in the planning process of their study abroad experience as the deadline is early.

Award Amount
Varies

Eligibility Criteria

1. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
2. Must plan to study abroad for a minimum of 4 weeks in country
3. Is committed to supporting education abroad in his/her campus community through work with the FEA and his/her campus education abroad staff upon return

 

 

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, visit the FEA website.

Bryan Davia Scholarship

Description
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on any UW-Madison study abroad program. Preferences for this scholarship include a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, financial need, first generation college student, and first time abroad.  

The Bryan Davia Scholarship was created in his honor to commemorate his life and to continue to share his gift of enriching the lives of everyone around him. As someone who loved to explore the world and everything life had to offer, Bryan would want nothing more than to help others do the same. Bryan was a compassionate, outgoing, hard working alumni of UW-Madison who cherished his time studying abroad in Barcelona. During his time abroad, Bryan set out to discover everything his new home had to offer. Bryan possessed the ability to extract the energy of a city through the exploration of its music, nightlife, and food allowing him to fully integrate himself within his environment and it’s culture. Bryan understood the value of knowledge gained from experiences and social interactions, rather than just in a classroom. We hope the recipient of this scholarship shares his devotion to balancing hard work with an unrelenting desire to explore, discover, and enjoy every moment in their new city.

Award Amount
Varies

How to Apply
Students can apply for this award at Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH)

IAP Gilman Incentive

Description
IAP will provide a guaranteed $1000 scholarship to students applying to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for the first time and meet the Gilman's scholarship eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Students can only receive the IAP Gilman Incentive one time in their academic career. No additional application to IAP is needed and our staff will notify recipients after the Gilman scholarship deadline. Award Amount
$1000

How to Apply
For more information and to apply, visit the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship website. No additional application is needed for the IAP Gilman Incentive award. Students can only receive the IAP Gilman Incentive one time.

IAP Early Bird Scholarship

Description

Undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need are encouraged to apply for the Early Bird Scholarship from International Academic Programs (IAP).  You apply to this scholarship earlier than others, and also find out if you got it earlier – which is why we call it the “Early Bird.”

This $2000 scholarship is intended to:

This award does not cover pre-departure costs.  Instead it is applied to your account during the term you receive your program bill.

Award Amount
$2000

Eligibility Criteria

This scholarship is open to students who:

Additional consideration is given to students who have the following attributes:

How to Apply
Students can apply for this award at Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).

Study Abroad Scholars

Description

This competitive scholarship provides students with financial awards starting at $1,500 towards the eligible study abroad program of your choice, and the chance to share your experience with the UW-Madison community upon return. Students attending any program, except the funded Global Gateway programs, in IAP, CALS, ENGR, or WSB are encouraged to apply to become a Study Abroad Scholar.  Please read full scholarship details, including eligibility requirements, and considerations on the Study Abroad Scholars page.

CALS majors must apply for Study Abroad Scholars to be considered for CALS donor scholarships. Award Amount
$1,500-$8,000

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be considered for the Study Abroad Scholars scholarship for this application round, an applicant must:

Be in the process of applying, or have already applied, to an IAP study abroad program (UW Global Gateway Programs are not eligible)

Be a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate UW-Madison student

Academic merit and financial need will be considered

Submit completed application materials online by the posted deadline

 

How to Apply

Students can apply for this award at Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).

UW Global Gateway Fellowships

Description

UW Global Gateway Fellowships for Semester and Year-long Study Abroad are designed to provide undergraduate students the access to the UW-Madison approved semester or year-long study abroad program of their choice, including the semester-long domestic study away program, UW Wisconsin in Washington, DC Internship Program, which best meets their academic and professional goals. 

The Global Gateway Initiative is based on the following values:

This prestigious scholarship was established by International Academic Programs, in partnership with the Office of Student Financial Aid, to introduce students to the issues of globalization and prepare students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Award Amount
up to $10,000

How to Apply

Students can apply for this award at Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).

IAP WISc Scholarship

Description

This scholarship was established by International Academic Programs (IAP) to assist undergraduate student participants in the Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program with building their global competence and citizenship skills, which is the core goal of the WISc Program.  Each WISc Scholar is eligible to receive scholarships as follows: 

1) 1 scholarship of $2500 toward participation on a short-term study abroad program duration (winter intersession, spring break, or summer), and

2) 1 scholarship of $4000 toward participation on a semester program OR 1 $6000 towards a year long program.

These scholarships can be used for students attending any approved UW-Madison study abroad program. 

Award Amount
$2500-$6000

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible for student participants of the Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) Program at UW-Madison.

How to Apply

Students apply through the WISc Scholar Travel Grant application.

CALS Study Abroad Scholarships

Description

Students must have their primary academic program in CALS are eligible to apply for scholarships specifically for CALS majors. Students must apply for the Study Abroad Scholars scholarship through IAP to be considered for these awards.  Students must have also completed/submitted their study abroad application in order to be considered for a CALS study abroad scholarship.

Students who are completing the Global Health Certificate, but whose majors are outside of CALS (such as L&S) are not eligible. 

Award Amount
Varies ($1000-$2500)

Eligibility Criteria

Students must have their primary academic program in CALS to be eligible to apply. Students who are completing the Global Health Certificate, but whose majors are outside of CALS (such as L&S) are not eligible. Students must have also completed/submitted their study abroad application in order to be considered for a CALS scholarship. 

How to Apply

Students must apply for Study Abroad Scholars to be considered for this award through the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).

Questions may be directed to studyabroad@cals.wisc.edu.

Global Scholars Scholarship

Description

This scholarship is available to UW-Madison students participating in the following affiliated programs: Center for Educational Opportunity, Chancellor's & Powers Knapp Scholarship Program, First Wave, PEOPLE, or the Posse Program. The scholarship was designed to support Scholars who are engaging in study abroad or study away opportunities during the Winter Intersession and/or Summer; must be participating on an International Academic Programs (IAP) study abroad program, in partnership with CALS, Engineering, Business, & the International Internship Program (IIP). 

Award Amount
At least $1,000

How to Apply

The scholarship application is available through Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH). 

IFSA Scholarships

Description

Students participating on an IFSA study abroad program are eligible to apply for scholarships through IFSA.  Scholarship eligibility criteria varies, but has included: need and identity-based scholarships.

Award Amount
Varies ($500-$2,500)

Eligibility Criteria

 

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, visit the IFSA website.