University of Delaware sophomore gets hands-on experience as volunteer at Nicaraguan animal clinics

2016 Apr 6

Animal and food sciences major Emma Charlton traveled to Nicaragua during winter break with Volunteers for Intercultural and Definitive Adventures. The sophomore worked with large and small animals in veterinary clinics, including time spent with a mobile clinic and assisting with surgeries.

Working in Nicaragua, Charlton not only got the experience she was looking for, she was able to figure out what she wants to do when she graduates. She said her favorite part of the experience was seeing the owners' reactions and their gratitude for what she and her group did for their animals.

"We also wanted to teach them how to better communicate with their animals and it was nice because we put a collar on their animal and we showed them that they are a part of their family, and they should love and care for them just as much as they do everyone else. Even though there was a language barrier, we all just had a common bond for the animals," Charlton said.