Erasmus at the Equine Clinic: hands-on experience, an international team and the Pony Club

This summer, Erasmus+ students and recent veterinary medicine graduates from Poland, Lithuania and Slovakia gained new knowledge and practical experience at our Equine Clinic. Alicja, Ieva, Rugilė, Zofia and Lívia all found their way to Tartu for different reasons, but their experiences have one important thing in common: the opportunity to be actively involved in the everyday work of the clinic.

Erasmus students at the Equine Clinic. Photo author: Ingrid Purje

Recommendations and previous positive experiences brought students to Tartu

Alicja from Poland had been following the Estonian University of Life Sciences Equine Clinic on social media for quite some time. She liked the clinic’s approach to teaching and working with students, which encouraged her to come to Estonia for three months.

“During my time here, I had the opportunity to gain a lot of both theoretical and practical knowledge, while also experiencing a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere in the clinic. It was a great combination of learning, hands-on experience, and getting to know such a wonderful team,” said Alicja.

For Rugilė from Lithuania, the Estonian University of Life Sciences was already familiar. She had been at the Equine Clinic two years earlier, and her positive experience brought her back this year. “Since I had a wonderful experience the first time and stayed in touch with the team at the Equine Clinic, I decided to come back one more time,” she said.

Learning through real patients and clinical cases

During their traineeships, the students were able to build on their existing skills and take part in the treatment of different patients. Rugilė gained more experience with orthopaedic and internal medicine cases, while Zofia participated in diagnostic procedures, treatments, anaesthesia and surgeries.

“What I really appreciated was being able to follow cases from the moment the horse arrived at the clinic and learn how different diagnostic findings are used to make decisions about treatment,” said Zofia. “Being able to actively participate in the work of the clinic and discuss cases with the veterinarians was probably the most valuable part of the experience.”

Lívia from Slovakia also highlighted the importance of hands-on experience and being included in the team. “I am happy to be actively involved in routine procedures and to be seen not only as a student but as part of the team.”

An international team and the Pony Club

Time at the clinic was about more than developing professional skills. The students repeatedly highlighted the support of the team and their willingness to share their knowledge. For Zofia, it was also important that the language barrier did not prevent her from participating fully in the work of the clinic.

“Even though I don’t speak Estonian, I never felt excluded. Everyone was always happy to switch to English, explain what was happening, or translate something for me so that I could follow the cases and be part of the team,” said Zofia.

One of Lívia’s most memorable experiences involved a pony at the clinic, which inspired the students to form their own “Pony Club”. “The memorable time was when the pony in the clinic united us students into the "Pony Club", showcasing that truly the power rises where the team is born,” Lívia recalled.

Alicja sums up her time in Estonia simply: “I’m sure I’ll look back on my time here with a big smile and many great memories!”

An Erasmus+ traineeship at the Equine Clinic gives international students the opportunity to develop their professional skills in a clinical environment. Their experiences also show that the people they learn and work alongside can become an equally important part of their time in Tartu.