International veterinary service-learning: FARVets as a model for global competency development.

International service-learning programs develop veterinary competencies and professional identity beyond domestic training.

International veterinary service-learning programs, exemplified by FARVets International, provide distinctive educational value beyond traditional domestic clinical rotations. FARVets, a Cornell University-affiliated nonprofit founded in 2010, has conducted 54 clinic trips across 7 global regions over 15 years, engaging approximately 350 veterinary students in hands-on surgical, anesthetic, and clinical training in resource-limited settings. This viewpoint article argues that international service-learning occupies an underrepresented but valuable niche in veterinary curricula, uniquely fostering competency development, professional identity formation, and cross-cultural competency. Students gain practical experience in challenging resource-constrained environments, enhancing problem-solving skills and adaptability. The program demonstrates potential for developing surgical proficiency and deepening understanding of the human-animal bond through direct clinical application. Prospective empirical studies are underway to quantify surgical skills development and measure student perceptions regarding animal welfare and the human-animal relationship.

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