Summer school program for West Virginia University students.
Students participate in a summer veterinary program with the Estonian University of Life Sciences: https://www.emu.ee/en/link opens in new page
Arrival, Orientation Dates: May 20 - 23, 2026
Academic Program Dates: May 25 - June 19, 2026
During the period of practical training the student will complete two weeks in the small animal clinic and two weeks in the large animal clinic. In the large animal clinic the student will complete one week in the equine section and one week in production animal section. One additional week will be spent in the Milk Analysis Laboratory of the Estonian Research Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science. Analyses include ketosis screening, identification of bacteria that cause mastitis and pregnancy checks in addition to the classical indicators (fat, protein, urea content and somatic cell counts).
During the training the student will actively participate in the daily activities associated with the respective clinics and observe the work of veterinarians and veterinary assistants. Where possible, the student will perform patient health assessments and conduct simple veterinary procedures concerning animal care and treatment under the guidance of a veterinarian or a veterinary assistant.
On occasion there may be opportunities for the student to travel in a mobile clinic with veterinary students and veterinarians to treat large animals on local farms. Applicants should have a minimum of 50 hours of shadowing experience with a veterinarian.
Students will receive transient credit upon receipt of their EMU transcript.
WVU Faculty Advisor - Dr. Hilar Klandorf can assist with WVU student questions regarding this experience.
The academic activities last for four weeks and include participation in the special course “Practical training for veterinary assistants” (6 ECTS) through EMU.
During the practice, the student gets acquainted with the daily routine of veterinarians and veterinary assistants. Students rotate between the small animal clinic, equine clinic, and production animal clinics. During the training, the students participate actively in daily activities and observe the work of veterinarians and veterinary assistants. The main activities include observation and offering supportive care.
If possible, the student will participate in the patient health assessment and conduct simple veterinary procedures concerning animal care and treatment together with a veterinarian or a veterinary assistant.
Working hours from Monday to Friday are 8.30-16.00
Obligations of the student: Students take an active part in the everyday life of veterinarians and veterinary assistants. They keep a logbook (diary) of the cases they have seen and the procedures they have participated in.
Reporting: Student asks the supervisor to sign the registration sheet at the end of each working day. On Fridays, the student submits the weekly report (a free-form description of activities and observations in Word format) to the chief veterinarian or the chief veterinary assistant.
The students are registered in the Studies Information System ÕIS and at the end of their stay they get the transcript of records that they will submit, together with their logbook, to the responsible person at their home University.
Additional information:
Clothing
In a small animal clinic (SAC): 2 pairs of medical scrubs, preferably green or blue. If you do not have them, our SAC can also provide them, but we may not have the appropriate size.
In Large Animal Clinic (LAC): medical scrubs inside the LAC and long trousers (jeans) and a long-sleeved shirt with laced-up shoes/sneakers or boots for farm visits.
Transient Credit:
Students will transfer back both grades and credits from their studies abroad.
Students receive transient credit for all coursework completed at the partner institution. WVU's Transient Credit Policies can be found in the WVU Course Catalogue: http://catalog.wvu.edu/link opens in new page
Grading and credit scales vary across countries and higher education systems. The following information will assist you with choosing classes for your semester abroad. It is a general guide that applies to the most commonly offered classes, however, it may not apply to all coursework. Information provided with the institution’s transcript at the end of your program will be used as the official source when determining credit and grade transfers.
Estonian University of Life Sciences: 6 ECTS credits = 3 WVU credit
Students will enroll in EXCG 201 - A placeholder course that does not hold credit value to maintain their active WVU student status while abroad.
Summer 2026 Program Cost
EMU Program Costs: Total 3500 EUR
Includes:
- Accommodation for five weeks at EMÜ hostel (Rohehostel)
- Excursion around Estonia (and acommodation during the orientation days in different places)
- Transportation from Tallinn to Tartu (and other places of the orientation week's programme)
- Teaching fee
Made payable directly to EMU. Information provided upon acceptance to the program.
Program Cost Does NOT Include:
- Passport
- Meals
- Roundtrip Airfare
Additionally:
WVU Education Abroad Tuition and Fees: $300
Covers administrative support, Comprehensive Travel and Health Insurancelink opens in new page, and credit transfer
Made payable to your WVU Student Account for Summer 2026
NB! Please turn too WVUabroad application web pagelink opens in new page for more information and application.
