Veterinary Student Externship Program 

Amici Cannis offers an international, hands-on externship program open to veterinary students from accredited universities worldwide. Designed to complement and strengthen contemporary veterinary education, this program emphasizes intensive surgical training, medical case management, and real-world clinical experience; areas many veterinary schools in the United States and elsewhere are working to expand.

As part of this effort, Amici Cannis proudly collaborates with institutions such as the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, where we are recognized as one of a select number of International Alum‑Student Service Program sites offering class credits toward their Veterinary Degree. This partnership reflects the caliber and educational value of the externship, while the program itself welcomes students from any veterinary school seeking advanced, immersive clinical training.

The externship is a two‑week* intensive program focused on hands-on surgical experience and supervised medical case handling. Students work closely with experienced veterinarians and, when applicable, volunteer veterinary alumni who play a key role in mentorship and skills development, particularly during the first week.

By the end of the program, externs are expected to:

• Perform dog and cat sterilizations with increasing independence
• Demonstrate competence in basic veterinary procedures
• Develop practical knowledge of medical case evaluation and management
• Gain insight into practicing veterinary medicine in Ecuador and understand how it compares to North American clinical models

Beyond clinical training, students are immersed in Ecuador’s cultural context, gaining a broader global perspective that enriches both their professional growth and personal development.

* While the minimum recommended duration of the externship is two weeks, students are welcome to apply for longer stays.

"Practicing in Ecuador has enhanced my skills as a veterinarian by exposing me to new ideas and treatment plants not commonly seen in the US. I have been able to treat diseases not found in New England, create anesthesia protocols with limited drugs, and handle critical patients without all the resources available at a US academic hospital."     - Claire Brunner, DVM Candidate, Class of 2024

"This experience was truly eye-opening for me. I had the opportunity to practice surgery and other hands-on skills, and to see a variety of consults and emergencies. The staff at Amici Cannis, and the people in Cotacachi were so welcoming. My time in Ecuador has inspired me to participate in more community service trips like this one, to provide services for spay/neuter, and I would love to return as an alumnus!"    - Melissa Mello,

DVM Candidate, Class of 2024

"The experience for both the mentoring veterinarian and the veterinary student in this externship program is truly amazing, educational and unmatched. The soon-to-be doctor I had the honor of mentoring gained immense medical knowledge and empathy while helping the animals and people of Cotacachi. I was so inspired by the experience with the Ecuadorian veterinarians, staff, animals and people that I began volunteering more in my community at home as well as planning on participating in this program and returning to Ecuador every year."    - Dr. Marian Schenk, Mentor and Alumnus - Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine