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Welcome to your program
Participate in an enriching three-month journey through Thailand, South Africa, and Costa Rica. This experience offers the opportunity to engage in spay and neuter surgeries, work alongside elephants, care for diverse South African wildlife, explore Thailand's coral reef ecosystems, and participate in the capture and release of sea turtles for research, among other impactful activities.
In addition to those, you will enjoy exciting adventures, including visits to vibrant night markets, thrilling safari game drives, and a tour of a Starbucks coffee farm. Prepare for an unforgettable experience that combines pre-vet experiences with cultural exploration!
This page will take you through everything you need to know about your program. You should READ every section. We've linked additional information under each topic as needed.
Housing
South Africa: Housing at Big Cats students will share rooms with 2-4 students with ensuite bathrooms. All rooms have central AC and heaters if needed. Housing at Lory Park Zoo is shared bedrooms with fans and shared bathrooms. There is two common areas with couches and TV for students to hang out at.
Thailand: Housing at ECO is shared bathrooms and rooms with AC and a pool. Housing at ENP is more rustic with no central AC, shared a bedroom, and an ensuite bathroom.
Costa Rica: You will have shared bedrooms with several bunk beds in one room with ensuite bathrooms. There is no central AC in the rooms. Housing during your turtles week will be rooms with up to 7 beds per room with central AC and ensuite bathrooms. Mosquito nets are not provided and are highly recommended. The housing is simple and rustic, but has electricity, wifi, and running water. Wifi may not be as strong as it is at home, and it would not be great for streaming video or similar activities. There is a Loop staff member available to students 24/7.
Food
South Africa: Breakfast is your typical American-style breakfast. Students will order lunch each day from the ranch and dinner will be traditional South Africa meals. Students will have a chance to purchase snacks in town but many choose to bring their own jerky, cheese, protein bars, tuna pouches, dried fruit, applesauce pouches, and nuts as supplemental snacks. Food at Lory Park Zoo is your typical American Food. For breakfast students have the option of eggs, toast, cereal etc. For lunch and dinner students will have options like, hamburger, hot dogs, sandwiches, pasta etc. For dinner there will be culture nights where traditional South African meals and Braiis, including pap, antelope, and stews. The zoo cafe also has snacks for purchase, such as chips, candy, chocolate, and soda.
Thailand: During the city week and Wild Tropics week students will eat at a variety of Thai places and American-style restaurants. At ENP students will have a variety of vegan food only.
Costa Rica: For your time spent at LAST all food will be your typical Costa Rica food! For breakfast, you will have options like, gallo pinto (rice & beans), pancakes, cereal, coffee, milk, tea, and fruits (pineapple, avocado, mango). Lunch and dinner will be rice with chicken, rice and beans with meat/ chicken/ vegetables; pasta, burgers, and nachos. During your Pre-Vet week for breakfast and lunch, there is a variety of fruits like mangos and pineapple, pancakes, typical Costa Rican rice, and beans. For dinner there more American-style food like pizza, burgers, and fries
Flights: posted in january
Flight information will be available in January 2025. We will have a flight plan for all studentsTaking the group flight is mandatory unless you live outside of the continental US. Solo fliers are subject to additional fees of up to $500. If you choose to fly off the group flight, you must first contact admissions@loopabroad.com.
Packing
The only items you are required to bring are those on the “required” lists. General required items (like your passport) are found on the ALL PROGRAMS packing list above. Program specific required items are found below under the REQUIRED section. For the rest of the items, you are welcome to use your discretion. There may be items missing from this list that you’d like to bring, and there may be items on this list that you don’t want to bring. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
You are required to reduce your packing to one suitcase/bag limit 40 lbs, one carry one, one personal item. You must be able to carry everything on your own! We know that it can be intimidating to travel for three months with limited luggage! But think of it as traveling two weeks at a time. You’ll be able to wash clothes between each program location. Your first two months have very similar climates and packing lists- you’ll need lighter clothes, sun protection, scrubs, etc. The last month will require more layers (it is cold in South Africa!). If you can, wear the clothes from the first two months as layers underneath your cold weather gear! Making a plan before you go and packing with intention will help you to be less stressed before you depart and while you are traveling around the world.
Required for this program
Towel- Some students prefer a microfiber travel towel. You may want two (one for bathing, one for swimming)
Winter clothes! Cango is near George, South Africa. It is SOUTH South Africa in a valley. It will be quite cold at all hours of the day. You are required to wear khaki, tan, light brown color working clothes at Cango.
Binoculars
Flashlight or headlamp
Refillable water bottle
Two scrub tops for surgery days (Loop Abroad scrub tops can be purchased on-site in Thailand for $20 each if you prefer)
Pants (leggings okay). We suggest light-weight pants that can get dirty (scrub pants or hiking pants are great).
One outfit you can wear to visit a Buddhist temple where your knees and shoulders must be totally covered. Lightweight loose-fitting pants (like scrub pants,Thai pants, a long skirt, etc) and a t-shirt works great!
Two bathing suits. Please be sure to bring at least one practical bathing suit (ie not a strappy bikini)
Adequate supply of reef safe sunscreen (without oxybenzone, octinoxate, or nano-minerals) for one day of swimming at Manual Antonio National Park and Isla Tortuga excursion and one week diving in Koh Tao. Regular sunscreen is okay for all other times.
3 bottles of mosquito repellant
Long sleeve rash guard or other sun-protecting shirt for on a boat (we also suggest pants or shorts that you can wear in the water)
Hat or cap (for sun) - you will be happy to have something that covers your face and neck!
1 box of mask
A rainproof, lightweight jacket or poncho (and anything else you need to work in the rain, such as rain pants and/or travel umbrella). You will definitely want a sturdy rain jacket suitable for heavy rain in tropical weather. *You are traveling during Costa Rica's rainy season*
Electrolytes (necessary after long days in the sun)
Motion sickness medication (If you get motion sickness in vans or boats)
Water resistant wrist watch with second hand
Shoes- You are required to bring:
Water shoes or strap sandals (similar to Teva, Chaco or Keen) for appropriate traction on the boat
Closed-toed shoes (sneakers)
Suggested for this program
A pair of work gloves or gardening gloves
Some students suggest they were happy to have sneakers, water shoes, Crocs, sandals with a strap (similar to Teva, Chaco or Keen), or other particular shoes; bring whatever makes you comfortable in wet, dirty conditions and also in city conditions. Many also suggested shower shoes for shared bathrooms.
Sweatshirt, fleece, or light jacket
Winter jacket or coat for evenings (it can be below freezing)
Gloves, a hat, and other warm gear for early mornings
Shorts for both chores and work and for city-wear (for free time but please note we suggest pants due to bug and sun protection in most locations)
Extra Socks- expect your feet to get wet on some days
Tee shirts and tank tops (at least a few that cover your shoulders- tank tops are not permitted during volunteer rotations at several facilities, most that can get dirty and yucky, and some for wearing in the city)
Long-sleeved shirt (you should bring at least 1 long-sleeved shirt to cover your arms for certain chores)
Long sleeve rash guard to protect you from the sun for optional snorkels during Sea Turtle and Diving weeks. You will be provided a short-sleeve, short leg wetsuit for SCUBA diving and can wear this underneath to protect your forearms or on the boat to prevent sunburn.
Some students have suggested that they should have packed more “city” clothes for evenings. You never have to dress up, but are welcome to bring “city” clothes to wear to dinner, markets, etc if you like
Surgical cap (optional but helps reduce waste and can be used throughout your career)
Dry bag for time on the boat
Earplugs to help you sleep more comfortably in shared accommodations or when there’s noise from animals outside
Snorkel, mask and fins (there is clear, calm water for snorkeling walkable from the Sea Turtle project and you will be really happy to have these!). You can also use them in Thailand on your diving week. You can borrow gear for free from the dive shop to use during the diving course if you do not wish to pack this
Aloe Vera, in case you don't apply enough sunscreen
Waterproof camera/GoPro
Stethoscope (Not required and there will be several on site for you to share, but you may prefer to have your own and it will come in handy in your future with vet med.)
Money belt to keep your valuables safe while traveling
Baby wipes (large pack or several packs) – there can be water outages and dirty chores, so this is a helpful way to stay clean and fresh
FAQ
WIFI: Students will have WiFi at the program location but the WiFi is not reliable. If you are interested in a travel phone plan, please talk to your phone provider before your program starts.
Bedding: We will provide you with sheets, pillow and blankets on all parts of your program.
Towels: Not provided at all locations- some students prefer bringing a microfiber travel towel and a luffa.
Laundry: Students are responsible for the price of laundry and laundry detergent. You may find it useful to bring detergent and wash small items in the sink. Laundry detergent sheets are a great option for saving space and weight!
Outlets: Outlets are different in most places- you will need an adapter. This global one is a popular style and can be used in almost all locations around the world. You can also get a set of these small adapters and just bring the one you need if you prefer.
Dress Code: Please do not have acrylic nails, gel nails, or long nails, as these can affect medical procedures and sterile gloving. Nails should be cut short for animal safety. On surgery days, you will not be permitted to wear jewelry, including rings, so we encourage you to leave any expensive or fancy jewelry at home.
Costa Rica: There is no uniform dress code for Costa Rica. Please check the weather and pack accordingly. The weather is typically hot and humid. On research sites, it can be hot with strong sun or rainy. You should bring some hanging-out-on-the-beach clothes, but also some clothes in which you can get wet but still comfortably and safely work: water shoes, rash guard, hat to block the sun, and shorts or pants you can wear in the water if you like. Bring socks that you can wear with your water shoes too in case you get blisters. (Even if you think you won't wear the rash guard and hat, please bring them - if you get sunburned, it can wreck your whole trip.) Please do not wear and bring expensive jewelry, sunglasses, or any priceless or irreplaceable items. It is not worth the risk of losing them in the ocean. On the wildlife portion, you should plan to wear pants, and a tee shirt or scrub top during volunteer hours. During your downtime or exploring time, you can wear lightweight clothes like a T-shirt/tank top and shorts. Plan to get dirty on these program!
Thailand: he dress code for clinic week is lightweight clothes like shorts, t-shirts and tank tops for most days. Students will be required to wear scrubs for two surgery days. Students will need at least two temple-approved outfits, shoulders and knees covered. At Elephant Nature Park, students can wear lightweight clothes, however, no tank tops are allowed during your observation days or in the field. Please do not have acrylic nails, gel nails, or long nails, as these can affect medical procedures and sterile gloving. In order to scrub in to observe and support the veterinarian leader on surgery day, you must remove your gel nails first. Nails should be cut short for animal safety. On surgery days, you will not be permitted to wear jewelry, including rings, so we encourage you to leave any expensive or fancy jewelry at home.
South Africa: There is no uniform dress code for Lory Park Zoo however Cango has a VERY strict color dress code. You are required to wear khaki, tan, light brown color working clothes. Most students like to bring T-shirts/tank tops with a jacket. On Safari days, you are riding in an open truck early in the winter morning, pack accordingly. Plan to get dirty on this program! On "Flamingo Day" we highly suggest bringing an outfit you don't mind donating- this is a super fun but very dirty activity! Your program takes place during winter in South Africa. IT IS COLD IN SOUTH AFRICA DURING THE MONTHS OF MAY TO AUGUST. PLEASE CHECK THE WEATHER AND PACK ACCORDINGLY
Money: Most students spend around $200 USD per country. You’ll likely want to buy things like souvenirs, laundry, snacks or drinks. So you don’t NEED any money, but you’ll want to bring enough that you can buy some things to bring home. There will be an ATM where students can withdraw money when they get to Thailand and South Africa but please be aware there is an ATM transaction fee each time. Students should also contact their credit/debit card providers with their travel schedule to ensure their cards are not turned off for fraudulent charges.
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