Students are not restricted to participate in the programs listed below. If students find their own international preceptorship, please discuss with International Programs Coordinator Xiaoshuang Wei (xswei@iastate.edu). ISU credits and the college study abroad scholarships are available to students pursuing independent experiences.
Below is the list of our current active exchange partners. They can work with you to arrange clinical rotations, internships or research opportunities. To start, explore the partners’ websites. Once you find a university that interests you, make an appointment with CVM International Programs (cvmip@iastate.edu) to plan out your next steps. Each exchange partner takes two ISU students per AY. Selection is made on a first come first serve basis based on the time of ISUAbroad application submissions.
ISU CVM exchange partners:
- Ecole Nationale Veterinaire De Toulouse, France (English) -- rotations are not offered in July, August and December.
- Recommended rotations: ruminant production animal; wildlife; exotic; small animal clinic
- VetAgro Sup, Lyon, France (English)
- Recommended rotations: small animal; equine; production animal clinic
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway (English) -- application closed for 2026. (NMBU does not offer clinical rotations during the week of the Easter holiday).
- Recommended rotations: ruminants/production animal; equine clinics; pathology; small animal
- National Taiwan University, Taiwan (English)
- Available rotations:
- Small animal internal medicine and oncology; small animal surgery (general surgery, orthopedics, Onco-surgery, neurology, ENT Head and Neck surgery, and ophthalmology);
- Exotic companion animal medicine;
- Integrated medicine and rehabilitation center.
- Disease diagnostic pathology
- Oncology
- Available rotations:
- National Chung Hsing University (English)
- Available rotations: ruminant production animal; small animal medicine and surgery
- Chulalongkorn University, Thailand (English)
- Recommended rotations: small animal
Students have pursued independent clinical rotations and internships in the past. Historic records of where students went for preceptorships are available upon request (cvmip@iastate.edu). Additional opportunities can be found on the AVMA externship locator, select international locations.
International Travel Quarantine Policy: students returning from international experiences involving food animal OR equine must observe a 5-day quarantine period before working with large animals (equine or food animal), entering the large animal hospital, or participating in any zoo experiences.
How to Apply
Please discuss with International Programs Coordinator Xiaoshuang Wei (xswei@iastate.edu) to discuss independent international preceptorships.
Students who want to join clinical rotations at CVM exchange partners should discuss placement options with International Programs Coordinator Xiaoshuang Wei (xswei@iastate.edu). Once the exchange placement is confirmed, students need to apply to receive ISU credits from the exchange. To start your credit approval application, follow the steps listed on the International Preceptorship Canvas page.
Note: only students who receive ISU credits for their program are eligible for the CVM scholarships. International preceptorships count towards DVM degree elective requirements. Please consult DVM Curriculum website for details regarding VM4 elective requirements.
Travel Registration and Health Insurance
- All students participating in clinical rotations/internships abroad must register their travel to be covered by the International Health Insurance. The ISU International Health and Safety Insurance provide international travelers basic and emergency medical insurance, security evacuation services, emergency travel assistance, and destination-specific safety and security information. This plan is not available for personal international travel.
- After submitting a complete registration, insurance information will be emailed to you roughly a month prior to your travel.
- For expedited processing for a visa application or trip departing within a week, please call the international risk manager at 515-294-6916.
Proof of Health Insurance Letter
If you require proof of coverage for visa applications or other consular requirements, you may submit a Proof of Insurance Request Form. More information on visa requirements for U.S. citizens traveling abroad.
Liability Insurance
The ISU Student Professional Liability Insurance provide professional liability coverage to students participating in domestic or international preceptorships. The policy is for veterinary students who plan to work in a clinical setting. When accepted for coverage, this policy will protect students against professional liability claims and may facilitate employers’ willingness to provide internships or cooperative education programs. The policy has a $250 deductible, which each individual obtaining the coverage will be responsible to pay in the event of a claim. This is intended to offer coverage for students who do not currently have professional licenses.
Obtain Liability Insurance
Apply online for Professional Liability Insurance for Vet Med Internships/Preceptorships
Proof of Liability Insurance:If you need a certificate of liability insurance, please email pzanders@iastate.edu.