Hi There!! I’m SO glad that you asked someone who is actually going through the program! Firstly, did you know that Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine is accredited by the AVMA, just like stateside schools such as Texas A&M, University of Florida, and Cornell?? This means, that we go through the same tests (NAVLE) and licencing as those graduates. Ross students also qualify for US government financial aid (FAFSA). To answer your questions:

1. How is it going for you? It is going great! I have been at RUSVM for two years now. So far, I am VERY proud of the education I am receiving for a number of reasons. One, the curriculum is accelerated and challenging (this is preparing me for my future career). Two, the professors are the best in their fields and come from all over the world to teach here (they care about the students and I will have good connections later). Three, location, location, location! My backyard is the Caribbean Sea and that makes for some beautiful scenery while studying and some awesome fun during study breaks…
2. Would you recommend it [RUSVM]? I get asked this question every semester on the Student Satisfaction Survey and on a scale of one to ten with ten being the highest, most excellent chance of me recommending it, I always give it a TEN. Granted, it is not for everyone. I have friends from the deep, most inner parts of the “city” and they can’t wait to get off the island (they miss the conveniences of a corner store, shopping at the mall, and, of course, their six dollar cup of Starbucks coffee goodness). However, if you love travelling, want to experience a new culture, and can’t get enough of the beach and beautiful sunsets, then a Caribbean-sited veterinary school may be for you. Oh yeah, and did I mention that the education is top-notch and VERY challenging?
3. Is it really hard to get back in the USA — to do the clinical [year] and get a job because you graduated out of the country? I understand your worry, because I thought the same thing before I did my research. I was scared too…Let me share a little insight on how our accelerated program is mapped out: We go to school year-round and our year is split into three, 15 week semesters (technically called “trimesters”). There is a 2 week break between the Spring and Summer semesters and another between the Summer and Fall semesters. Between the Fall and Spring semesters (or between December and January), we get a three week break. Students do a total of seven semesters (2 years and 4 months) on the island and then return to the States to finish their last 3 semesters (or clinical year) at an affiliated vet school. During a student’s sixth semester, they will submit their top 3 clinical schools (out of 20+ total) and then find out their placement at the beginning of their seventh semester. So, Ross actually places you at a stateside school for your clinical rotation. There is no question as to how hard it is, because it happens just like that! Now, regarding finding a job…graduating from RUSVM will in no way impair you of this.  I know many alumni from Ross that graduated and had a job within one or two months! It doesn’t matter where you graduate, what matters is the career within veterinary medicine that you choose to pursue. 

One of my favorite beaches…Shipwreck Beach, St. Kitts

Welcome to the blogging world “Anonymous”. I am always happy to hear that my blog is enjoyable to others. I appreciate your thoughtfulness in asking for permission prior to posting…you are more than welcome to reblog anything from “To Paradise From Paradise” that you find interesting (just remember to site your source :o)). Thanks so much and happy blogging!

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