IMPACT GLOBAL VOLUNTEERS (IGV)
Hands-on Elephant and Wildlife Conservation. Ethically led.
GIV offers a two-week veterinary and animal science placement for students seeking real-world elephant care experience and conservation experience with South East Asian Wildlife in a conservation-focused setting.
UPCOMING INTAKES
July 2025 | Dec 2025 - Jan 2026
About the Program
GIV offers a two-week veterinary and animal science placement for students seeking real-world elephant care experience and conservation experience with South East Asian Wildlife in a conservation-focused setting.
Majority of the week will be spent at the Elephant Conservation Centre - Veterinary and Animal Sciences placement.
The program combines elephant hospital exposure, laboratory learning, fieldwork, and ethical wildlife care, alongside cultural immersion in rural Laos.
GIV offers a two-week veterinary and animal science placement for students seeking real-world elephant care experience and conservation experience with South East Asian Wildlife in a conservation-focused setting.
Volunteers will then go to Free the Bears, LCTW and Adventure Tour.
Suitable For :
Veterinary students (ahems credit)
ANIMAL SCIENCE students (aSems credit)
Veterinary Technology students
Pre-vet hands-on experience seekers
VETS INTERESTED IN ANIMAL WELFARE & CONSERVATION
Our Partners
Academic Credit & Eligibility
Veterinary students receive 1 week AHEMS animal handling credit.
AHEMS Credit
Animal Science students receive 1 week ASEMS placement credit.
ASEMS Placement
Placement is supervised and signed off by the on-program placement supervisor
Supervised
Students not currently studying Veterinary Science have previously used this placement to gain practical experience and strengthen applications for transfer into a Veterinary Science course .
What Will You Learn
Elephant Hospital & Veterinary Training
Students will be involved in demonstrations, tutorials, and practical learning at the Elephant Hospital (on-site and off-site).
Key learning areas include :
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Elephant biology and behaviour - Understanding elephant anatomy, communication and social structures.
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​Conservation practices - how habitats are protected, and threats like poaching or habitat loss are addressed.
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Analysing body condition scored at different life stages and reproductive phases.
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Understanding elephant nutrition and diet formulation.
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Fieldwork Skills - observation, data collection and record keeping.
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Environmental enrichment and welfare requirements.
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Biosecurity and zoonotic disease awareness in a conservation setting.
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Human-wildlife coexistence - strategies to reduce conflict between elephants and local communities.
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Safe handling and restraint techniques for large mammals, with emphasis on elephant specific risks.
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Laboratory methods and equipment used in elephant health monitoring.
No
Riding
Welfare First Program
No Performance
No Entertainment
Cultural Exchange
Engaging in Laotian culture and daily life in a respectful and meaningful way.
Participating in a community classroom and education project in Ban Savoy village.
Community Education
Learning from veterinary professionals and conservation experts.
Learning
Living close to the elephant hospital for maximum learning exposure.
Hospital Proximity
Living, Learning & Community
During the placement, students live at a jungle lodge near the Elephant Conservation Centre, surrounded by nature and local communities.
Life At ECC
Life at ECC
Visiting temples and local markets
Waterfalls and mountain landscape
Travel skills and cultural exchange
Kayaking, caving and waterfall jumps
After the placement component, students take part in a cultural adventure week, exploring Laos beyond the hospital.
Cultural Adventure Week
This week allows students to reflect, connect, and experience Laos responsibly.
Dates & Fees
July 2025
Program Intakes
July 2026
Limited Spots
Dec 2026 - Jan 2027
Limited Spots
Limited Spots
FEES INCLUDE
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Accommodation
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Meals during the program
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Veterinary teaching and demonstrations
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Internal transport
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Elephant hospital access
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Placement supervision and sign-off
FEES EXCLUDE
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International flights
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Visa costs
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Travel Insurance
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Personal expenses
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( Full fee details will be shared after application)
Receive acceptance confirmation.
Submit online application.
Pay a deposit to secure your spot.
Submit placement for AHEMS/ASEMS credit.
Complete placement in Laos.
Supervisor signs off your placement hours
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02
03
04
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06
Application Process
06
Supervisor signs off your placement hours.
06
05
Complete placement in Laos.
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04
Submit placement for AHEMS/ASEMS credit..
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01
Submit online application.
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02
Receive acceptance confirmation.
06
03
Pay a deposit to secure your spot.