Moving abroad is a thrilling yet daunting experience, but for some, it is an opportunity too good to pass up. As a veterinary student from the United States or further afield, relocating to the tropical island of St. Kitts for the first two years of your DVM program was about leaving the familiar comforts of home to study in the Caribbean – a real leap into the unknown. It will be a journey that will shape you personally and professionally in ways you could never imagine.
Preparing for the Move
Relocating to St. Kitts for your studies requires careful planning. Simple questions such as what should be packed as essentials for your studies such as textbooks and scrubs as well as a few creature comforts to make your new space feel like home away from home. The move also requires you to be preparing mentally for a major lifestyle shift in different country and one with a culture very different to what you are likely to be familiar with. Unlike the hustle and bustle of American life for instance, island living comes with a slower pace and unique challenges—think limited shopping options (not necessarily a bad thing), driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road and intermittent Wi-Fi.
Any decision to study abroad is not just about location as it can be the opportunity to pursue your passion for veterinary medicine in a program known for hands-on experience. Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, located on St. Kitts, offers exactly that. Its curriculum provides the perfect balance of rigorous academics and practical application over just a touch more than two years, making it an easy choice despite the logistics of moving abroad.
Life on the Island
Living in St. Kitts is unlike anywhere you may have been before as a visitor. The island’s natural beauty is breathtaking, with turquoise waters, lush green hills of the rainforest, and year-round sunshine and warmth. But adapting to the tropical climate can be a challenge—especially when studying for exams without air conditioning!
Local life on St. Kitts is been both eye-opening and rewarding. The communities are close-knit, and take the time to embrace the local culture, from enjoying the beach, trying traditional dishes like goat water (a mutton stew) and saltfish to participating in Carnival celebrations, the experience can be so rewarding. Living on island will also be a lesson in resourcefulness and adaptability both of which are great qualities for your resume. With fewer conveniences than back home, learning to make do with what’s available and appreciate the simplicity of island life becomes second nature.
The Academic Experience
The first two years of vet school are intense. From anatomy labs to pharmacology lectures, the coursework demands dedication and time management. What sets studying in St. Kitts apart, however, is the opportunity to work with animals almost daily. Whether it’s performing wellness checks on local pets or assisting in spay and neuter clinics, the hands-on experience will be invaluable.
One of the unique aspects of studying on island is the Wildlife Clinic. It’s not uncommon to work with exotic animals native to the Caribbean, like sea turtles or monkeys, which broadens your understanding of veterinary medicine beyond the typical small and large animal practice.
Building a Support System
Moving far from home can be isolating, but many students find a second family among their classmates with your shared experiences. Bonding over late-night study sessions, shared meals and celebratory occasions, and exploring the island and the sister island of Nevis together make for great memories and life long friendships.
As part of your overall experience reach out to local people from all walks of life and expand your submersion into island life through organisations such as Alliance Francais, Bourgainvillae Book Club, Hash House Harriers (HHH) or wine tastings at Corks and Screws (bi weekly) or Opus (monthly). The faculty and staff at Ross are also incredibly supportive, understanding the challenges of living and studying in a new environment.
Keeping in touch with loved ones back home will be crucial. Regular video calls, visits and care packages will help bridge the distance. Still, being so far away will teach you resilience and self-reliance in a way nothing else could.
Challenges and Growth
Adjusting to life in St. Kitts hasn’t will not be withouut its challenges. From navigating cultural differences to dealing with homesickness, there will be moments where you may question your decision to choose St. Kitts but treat each obstacle as a lesson in adaptability and perseverance.
Living on an island may also deepened your understanding of global veterinary practices. Seeing firsthand how limited resources affect animal care and learning creative solutions to address these challenges—skills that will undoubtedly serve you well in your career.
Looking Ahead
As your St. Kitts comes to an end we hope you will miss the island that has become your home.
For anyone considering studying abroad, our advice is simple: embrace the experience wholeheartedly. It’s not just about academics but about personal growth and the memories you’ll carry with you for a lifetime. St. Kitts may be a small island, but its impact will be anything but small if you let it.