Vets around the World – Claire

I graduated from the University of Liège in Belgium in 2012. I became a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2019. Since July 2018 I have been a member of the Surgical Team at the Alliance Veterinary Clinic in Bordeaux (France). I am also an engineer in surgical biomaterials at CIC IT and Bordeaux University Hospital (France).
I had several experiences abroad. First, I was volunteer during 4 months at the colobus conservation in Kenya where I had different activities including Primate orphan care, Primate veterinary care, primate behaviour data collection. I went in Cornwall (England) during 6 months for an externship in a veterinary clinic. I moved in France to perform a rotating internship and a surgical internship. I then moved to Ireland to the University Veterinary Hospital of Dublin to undertake a second surgical internship before moving to Paris to continue my training by a residency in small animal surgery in Fregis
Working aboard is one of the best decisions I have made. Being in another country allows me to meet new people, experience new culture, learn a new language and broaden my professional knowledge. Living and working helped to really improve my English skills as it is a very good way to become familiar with the language through daily practice and I had to communicate every day with people from a number of backgrounds. Learning more about language and culture is very important in the world today as we are now more connected than ever.
From a cultural point of view, it is an experience that allows you to discover another way of life, other customs, to enrich your knowledge. Finally on a personal level, quitting your habits and going to discover the unknown is a way of pushing your limits and getting to know yourself better.
For me it was a great chance to discover my strengths and to broaden my network. It also helped me to develop myself both personally and professionally, by learning skills that will be valuable throughout my life. I think without those experiences abroad, I will be not here today.
I would say it is a truly complete experience and worth living. I would strongly recommend working abroad to any person, it is a great way to improve your CV and gain skills that you will have for life. I recommend trying to work abroad to everyone, it does not have to be permanent, but it is a great chance to experience new things and learn new things about yourself.