Looking back

I just got home from my second trip to Europe and its great to be home. It seems like Germany was long ago but I find myself missing many things about it. Overall, the Germany trip was an amazing experience that I would do again in a heartbeat. I was very nervous at first because I had never traveled to Europe before. However, once we all met together and began the program, it worked out great. Most of the trips to the different places were definitely worth it. I especially enjoyed the zoo trips, the pet hills factory trip, and the novartis trip. I also enjoyed seeing all the smaller cities like Cologne and Konigswinter and visiting the the larger cities like Berlin and Dusseldorf. Talking with the different companies opened my eyes to an aspect of veterinary medicine that I had not seen before. I never realized how much you can do with a DVM that is not related to what the public perceives what a veterinarian is. It is good to know that there are hundreds of options and opportunities available to veterinarians who may not want to work in the private sector or who are wanting to try something different. I was also impressed with both vet schools and even surprised on how different they are from A&M's vet school. Although the goal of the schools are the same, the approach and curriculum is different and I gained an appreciation on how things are done differently and the same.


Staying with host students was definitely a different experience but I truly enjoyed it because of the experience that gave me that staying in a hotel would not have provided. Both host were great and hospitable and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them. To able to talk with them and share experiences and opinions is something not many people can say they did and I am very grateful for having that opportunity. I hope to someday return the favor in the future.

I found myself comparing the other countries I visited the past 2 weeks with Germany and I must say that Germany is quickly becoming one of my favorite countries. I enjoyed the beers that are there, the food, and the history. I hope to visit again someday and continue to appreciate the all the things that Germany, and Europe in general, have to offer. To those who are considering this program next year, it is definitly worth the trip.