We have the answers to your frequently asked questions about our training courses at our three International Training Centres (ITCs) in Ooty and Goa in India, and Chiang Mai in Thailand.
This FAQs is mainly relevant for internationals, local participants for Indian training courses please head to this page.
Tell me about WVS surgical training courses
Who are these courses suitable for?
Our ITCs offer 12-day training courses to local and international aspiring and qualified veterinarians. These courses are suitable for vet students, recently qualified vets or qualified vets who want to gain hands-on practical experience and confidence with routine soft tissue surgery. Vet students must be in their final two years of study to be able to apply. These courses are great for people who want to refresh their surgical skills, gain confidence in spay technique, or are still learning the trade at university.
What do these courses teach?
Our course offers veterinary professionals the chance to develop practical surgery skills and learn best practice in animal welfare. Participants will gain practical skills in performing spay and neuter procedures, including surgery sessions in the operating theatre and theoretical lessons in the classroom. Participants will improve their confidence and competency in day-one surgical skills, ready for life in practice. The aim of these courses is to guide participants in a relaxed, safe and supportive environment, allowing participants to perform surgery in a non-pressured environment.
Why should I go on a WVS training course?
Our surgical procedures and training are established and are of international standard, with our teaching techniques continuously reviewed. You will learn in a friendly environment, while helping to improve the welfare of animals locally through supporting the team at our clinics and sterilising canines to reduce the stray dog population.
Our training courses focus on practical surgical techniques alongside lectures, and participants will benefit from a hands-on experience, structured to enhance veterinary education. Our teams ensure you feel comfortable during surgeries and during practical sessions, our experienced veterinarians and veterinary assistants will be present to teach, help, and supervise.
These courses are intensive and can be hard work, but it will give you a valuable opportunity to gain confidence and experience in a short period of time, while improving the lives of animals in the area.
Will there be time to explore the local area?
The course runs from Monday to Friday for two weeks, the weekend break and your evenings can be used to explore the local area. From the beaches and waterfalls of Goa to the culture hub that is Chiang Mai with its stunning temples and vibrant night markets, there is plenty to do in each location. Taking part in one of our courses is a great way to travel and explore a new culture, while also developing your surgical skills.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day will vary depending on number of participants and the location. This course is designed to improve surgical skill, not speed, so the number of surgeries completed will vary. At the end of the course, each participant will have completed spay and castration surgeries and monitored the anesthesia of patients. There will be opportunities to support the clinical team with in-patient treatment and rescue cases. In the afternoons, participants will either continue surgery or have lectures to attend.
Do these courses count for EMS?
Our courses are accepted as EMS by many international veterinary colleges. Please check with your own institution for further clarification. Documentation for EMS can be completed by ITC staff at the time of the course.
Training with WVS: How do I do it?
How do I apply for a training course?
On each location’s webpage there is a list of our course dates that you can apply for. When you press apply now, you will be taken to the WVS portal where you can upload your details and documentation. To be considered for this course each participant will need to upload a CV or a document with some information about what you have done whilst at university. Once you have been approved and you start booking for your trip, our team will need a copy of your passport, vaccination record, flight e-ticket and travel insurance (international participants).
What support will I receive?
Planning a trip abroad can be overwhelming, and that’s why we’re always here to help. In the lead-up to your trip and whilst you’re abroad, we are only a phone call or an email away. You can email our team at training@mail.volunteer.wvs.org.uk or give us a call on +44 (0)1725 557225. Once you are at the training course, you will be given in-country personnel to reach out at any point should you need to.
What are the requirements to join the training course?
Veterinary students must be at the end of their third year to attend, but we will accept applications whilst in third year. Participants can also be recently qualified or qualified veterinarians. There are formal requirements, including, a valid passport, a visa, insurance and immunisations.
What's included in the cost?
The inclusions for all our courses are training, shared accommodation, food, and transfer from the airport to ITC on arrival and back for your departure at the end of the course (only in-country airport transfers). Additional costs are flights, vaccinations, and travel insurance, which participants must organise themselves. Please check the individual course page for full details.
How many people will there be on my course?
To ensure that every participant has hands-on exposure and support from our team the maximum number would be 14 for Thailand, 12 for Goa, and 8 for Ooty, but this may be lower.
Are all training courses the same?
Our training courses in Thailand and India all cover the same content and surgeries. We regularly run specialist courses, so keep an eye out on our website for those
Preparing for the training course: What do I need to do?
What do I do about travel insurance?
Insurance is essential for travelling abroad and you will need a policy that covers you for veterinary work. If you become a member of WVS you will receive bespoke insurance to cover all your WVS and Mission Rabies trips while you are a member. The annual membership costs £40 a year, and includes access to our online education platform, the WVS Academy, and early access to veterinary opportunities abroad.
How does payment for the course work?
To secure a place on one of our training courses, a non-refundable deposit of £750 for 2024 courses and £775 for 2025 courses, must be paid within 14 days of your application being approved. The remainder needs to be paid 6 weeks before the course. If you would like to discuss alternative instalments of paying, please feel free contact us. All deposits are transferable to another course date or training centre and we will try our best to accommodate you if needed.
What vaccinations do I need?
This information should be used as a guide only. For up-to-date information on vaccinations please consult your doctor. As you will be working with animals, rabies and tetanus vaccines are essential. You will have to provide a certificate or vaccination record confirming you have had a full course of rabies vaccinations (or titre), as well as tetanus cover. Many countries require other essential vaccines, and we recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic. Here are some helpful links for UK participants.
What are the visa and passport requirements?
All participants require a valid passport, which must be valid for six months from the date of entry to the country. Visa requirements for different countries vary, we recommended that you check with the relevant government websites for up-to-date advice and guidance. Here is a helpful link for UK participants.
Past participants
Sarah, vet student, WVS Goa:
“I genuinely found the training course one of the most valuable experiences I have had so far in the development of surgical skills. Being able to head into clinical rotations being confident to complete a spay and castration procedure on your own is invaluable.”
Sehaj Kaur, vet student, WVS Thailand;
“The educational experience you gain by training with WVS is invaluable. It feels very personalised, focusing on you and bettering your skills, which I always felt was hard to get in a full classroom setting. I feel so much more capable in my abilities.”
Megan, vet student, WVS Goa;
“I found the hands on surgical experience the most beneficial and having knowledgeable surgeons who trusted you to compete the surgeries around us was great. They encouraged us to further develop our skillset and become more competent with each surgery.”
View the dates and apply for our training courses here.
Do you have a question which is not listed above?
We are here to help, please get in touch at training@mail.volunteer.wvs.org.uk. If you want to know more about participating in a training course, read testimonials from past participants who travelled to, Goa and Thailand. On our YouTube channel hear from veterinary professionals and students who attended our courses.
