If working with animals has always been a passion and you're considering studying in the field as a future career, did you know you could spend a few weeks of your gap year getting veterinary work experience at the famous Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa? The course will give you the opportunity to work hands-on and decide if this really is a career for you. Being in one of the most beautiful places on Earth is certainly a bonus, too; you can spend time on the gorgeous beaches and enjoy an array of other tourist attractions once you've completed your veterinary work experience programme.

The courses are designed to give you an introduction to Veterinary Science in the context of the African wilderness. You will not only get a lot of theoretical knowledge, but also a lot of hands-on work experience. You will work alongside experienced wildlife conservationists and gain valuable knowledge.

The course is created especially for students who want to pursue their education at a vet school - and getting accepted in to these schools is not an easy task. While on the reserve, you'll be exposed to many wildlife veterinary practices and the valuable work experience you gain at Shamwari will make a wonderful addition to your CV.

Over the 12 days of the course you will be educated in the principles of wildlife veterinary decisions compared to decisions made in domestic circumstances; you will come across darting and immobilisation techniques that are used for wildlife species; and you'll get to be a part of a conservation team as they dart and immobilise white rhinos for ear notching purposes and for the collection of DNA for research. Knowledge of mass capture and translocation of antelope species will also be given in this course and you will vet staff conduct post mortems for research purposes.

You don't have to worry about totally roughing it: you will have comfortable accommodation in the purpose-built student centre located very near to the main reserve. You will be able to see zebras, buffaloes and kudu on a daily basis. Twin rooms with ensuite shower facilities are available and there are communal facilities like swimming pool, fridges, canteen and an entertainment area for your use. You can also watch TV and use the Internet here. You will be provided with three meals a day during your stay and you can get your laundry done on a weekly basis.

As well as gaining invaluable veterinary work experience in South Africa, you'll be immersed in the culture and make wonderful new friends amongst other volunteers and the locals.