Here is what some of our interns wrote about their experience:

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“Before this program, I had never traveled internationally outside of the U.S. Before this program, I had never been exposed to a shelter setting so attentive, fully involved, and caring for its animal residents. And, before this program, I had never had the hands-on experiences that I was able to encounter while working with the organization. As a third-year veterinary student with career aspirations in shelter medicine, I found Let’s Be S.M.A.R.T. to be the most influential and motivating experience I could have ever participated in. It provided a diverse perspective on shelter medicine by allowing me to be involved with the hourly/daily care of the shelter cats, and observe other animals, such as donkeys, dogs, and sea turtles, in local rescue centers. I was able to meet and cooperate with students from all over the world, learning about their different cultures, languages, and delicious foods. Furthermore, they allowed free time to explore the beautiful beaches, architecture, and historical landmarks that Athens has to offer. This program offered an invaluable learning experience and showed next-level care for animals within the shelter setting. Not only has it influenced my career aspirations, but it showed how maximal care can be provided with minimal resources. I couldn’t have found a better way to spend my summer, and I am grateful for the experience the organization provided to me!”

Angelica Thompson (USA), Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine

Vet Intern 2022

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“My name is McKenna Busateri, and I am a second-year veterinary student from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine that recently spent one week doing the Let’s Be S.M.A.R.T. DVM Student Internship. My overall experience with LBS was very positive; the staff and fellow interns were very welcoming, making the internship feel like home. The environment was conducive to learning, as well as providing a proper work-life balance with scheduled activities to see the beauty that Greece has to offer. It is evident that the shelter managers and all the volunteers have immense passion for these animals and care deeply for every four-legged resident of the LBS household. This internship is perfect for veterinary students that want to experience the field of veterinary medicine from a global lens, as well as have the opportunity to sightsee and relax. I would also recommend the volunteer program to pre-veterinary students that want to build their resume for applications. For these reasons and beyond, I am confident that LBS is making huge strides towards tackling the feline overpopulation issue in Greece and doing everything in their ability to provide quality care to animals with the intention of finding their forever homes, while providing reciprocal learning opportunities for veterinary students like myself.”

McKenna Lee Busateri (USA), University of  Minnesota College of  Veterinary Medicine,

Vet Intern 2022

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“When I first decided to sign up for the internship I felt crazy for wanting to travel all the way to Greece for veterinary experience, but I told myself if I didn’t take this opportunity now I would regret it later. How I was so right about that. As a vet student, I greatly expanded my understanding of veterinary medicine. I was able to improve my clinical skills in surgery, learn the differences in veterinary medicine between Greece and my home country, and learn about the unique challenges to animal welfare in Greece. I was extremely impressed about the depth and attention to detail Let’s Be S.M.A.R.T. put into planning the internship, alongside working day and night caring for their shelter cats. However, this organization definitely lives by the motto “work hard, play hard.” After internship activities and shelter duties were finished, each day we still had plenty of time to explore Greece or simply hang out with the other volunteers. There were also organized group outings with the volunteers to the beach, tavernas, and we even went sea kayaking. Everyone was so incredibly kind and they all have such enormous hearts for their animals. It really is inspiring to work with so many people passionate towards improving animal welfare in Greece”

 

Abby Bamberger (USA), The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Vet Intern 2021

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I’m at the end of the 3rd year of my veterinary studies and this year I participated for the first time in the Let’s Be S.M.A.R.T. program. It was an amazing experience! Every day I took care of the cats and participated in the life of the cat residents of the shelter, which actually looks more like a cat’s paradise. As a veterinary student I was visiting vet clinics and also took part in the sterilization of stray cats. During my internship I had the opportunity to learn many new things, both closely related to the veterinary medicine and the daily care for animals. In my free time I visited beach, went on trips and explored Greece. I met many wonderful people from all over the world and also learned a lot about Greek culture, flora and fauna which was extremely interesting. It seems to me that it is very important to exchange experiences. It is also important to see how the real veterinarian work looks like in different places around the world. I encourage everyone to come here.”

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Majka Duda (Poland), University of Agriculture in Krakow, University Center of Veterinary Medicine,

Vet Intern 2021

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