Abby Small, a fourth-year veterinary student, shared why she chose Uganda for a study abroad trip, explaining that it wasn’t as much about veterinary medicine as it was about broadening her personal and professional horizons. “I’d always wanted to travel, but it was never financially or logistically possible. You don’t just hop on a plane to Africa by yourself,” she said. This structured opportunity allowed her to explore a part of the world she had never thought possible before while making a difference.
Small highlighted the importance of stepping outside her “bubble” and experiencing life beyond the familiar. “We get so caught up in our routines here that we forget how vast the world is and how much there is to learn,” she said. Uganda was her chance to witness veterinary medicine in a different cultural context and connect with people on a personal level.
The side of Veterinary Medicine she experienced in Uganda was vastly different from what she knew in the U.S. “It’s like comparing apples to oranges,” Small remarked, adding that the trip offered her insights into wildlife conservation and zoo medicine rather than the typical small animal or farm animal practices she was accustomed to. “In Uganda, veterinary professionals focus more so on wildlife preservation and zoonotic disease research, working with far fewer resources. They’re not preforming MRIs or fancy surgeries,” she noted, “They’re out on farms working with cattle and goats, and in the National Parks working with chimpanzees, buffalo, and other wildlife, often having to reuse materials.”
A few standout experiences from the trip for her were darting a tiger, administering vaccines, and collecting research data on disease transmission. She describes these moments as fast paced, with procedures lasting just 5 – 10 minutes, in contrast to the more methodical approach of U.S. veterinary practices.
Reflecting on the challenges, Small explained how Ugandan veterinary care often lacks the sterile environments and modern equipment common in the U.S. “The reuse of needles and other supplies for economic reasons was eye-opening. They do their best with what they have, and that made me appreciate the luxuries and safety that we often take for granted,” she said.
The trip not only expanded Small’s view of veterinary medicine but also gave her a new appreciation for simplicity. “It taught me that I don’t need half the things I thought that I did,” she said. The resilience, resourcefulness, and pride of the Ugandan people in the humblest circumstances left a lasting impression. “Even though they didn’t have much, they took pride in what they did have.”
The most impactful part of her trip was the people. She spoke fondly of the friendships she formed, particularly with students from Makerere University in Uganda. This year marked the first time Ugandan students joined the MSU study abroad group throughout their travels around Uganda, creating a special bond. “We joked that one of the students, Wasswa, is now like a brother to me after we shared so many moments together,” Small said. Small also spoke on the love and preparation that went into making them feel welcome in many of the places they visited. “These connections are what really changed my perspective.”
As for how the trip will influence her future, Small said that while the hands-on skills might not directly apply to her everyday U.S. veterinary practice, the experience deepened her sense of urgency and adaptability. “In Uganda, you work with what you have and get the job done. It made me realize that sometimes, you don’t have the luxury of time, and you just have tomake do,” she said.
As a fourth-year veterinary student, Small is still determining her next steps, but Uganda solidified her desire to keep her work broad and diverse. She explained, “I like when people can call me for help with a wide range of issues, not just one specialty. Uganda taught me that there is so much more out there, and I’m excited to keep exploring.”
“Take the leap!” is Small’s advice to other students. “I almost didn’t go because I thought I couldn’t afford it, but with scholarships and support from Mississippi State it became possible,” she said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance that I’m so glad I didn’t pass up.”
