News

Ten veterinary students and their teacher from Georgia spent a week at the Estonian University of Life Sciences to participate in the VETPRO project, which aims to provide future specialists with valuable knowledge and practical skills. Throughout the week, theory and practice were combined, offering the students a comprehensive overview of veterinary medicine in Estonia and the opportunity to compare the education systems in Estonia and Georgia.

Educational Preparation and New Knowledge

The students found that their studies in Georgia helped them adapt well to the program. While the teaching methods in Estonia differed somewhat, the overlap of topics with their prior knowledge made the learning process smoother. In Estonia, the teaching methods are much more interactive, providing the students with a fresh perspective.

Program Conducted During the Week

The program designed for the students was well thought out and offered both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The week began with a course on small animal emergency medicine, covering pleural and peritoneal effusions and microscopic examinations. At the end of the day, the students had the opportunity to meet a fourth-year veterinary student who shared her experiences at the Estonian University of Life Sciences.

On Wednesday, the focus shifted to clinical skills, starting with a lesson on the basics of dog nutrition and continuing with a tour of the clinics and a practical workshop. Thursday was dedicated to anatomy, including a visit to the bone museum and a wet lab workshop. The day concluded with a trip to the university farm in Märja, where the students participated in practical large animal care activities.

On Friday, the students studied pathophysiology, focusing on inflammation and oncology basics. In the afternoon, they were introduced to the emotions and behavior of domestic dogs. The week concluded with a visit to Nopri dairy farm on Saturday, where the students gained insight into dairy production, followed by an afternoon tour of the Uue-Saaluse Winery.

Practical Experience and New Skills

The students highly appreciated the opportunity to acquire practical skills in Estonia, which are not available to the same extent in Georgia. For example, they practiced suturing wounds and dissecting dead animals, experiences they cannot have in their home country. This provided them with a unique learning experience not available in Georgia.

High-Quality Facilities and Modern Teaching Methods

The students were impressed by the facilities at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, particularly the small animal clinic and the recently renovated farm. They noted that the clinics are much larger than those they have encountered in Georgia, and the teaching methods are far more interactive. In Estonia, students have the opportunity to actively participate rather than just listen to lectures.

Looking to the Future

The students were confident that the knowledge and skills they gained in Estonia would significantly help them advance in their future careers in veterinary medicine. While some of them have already defined their career plans, others are still exploring the various opportunities that veterinary medicine offers.

A Memorable Experience

The students recommended participating in similar international programs to others, as it offered not only academic benefits but also cultural exchange. They enjoyed their visit to Tartu and appreciated the city's cleanliness and organization. They also highlighted the difference in street culture, where cars stop for pedestrians—a rare occurrence in their home country.

The week in Estonia provided the students with an opportunity for international collaboration, and many of them expressed a desire to return to Estonia in the future to further develop their knowledge.