What inspired you to go abroad?
I’ve always been eager to do an internship abroad because I’m an open-minded and enthusiastic person. The thought of learning new things in a completely foreign country while working with people from different nations and cultures without relying on my native language truly inspired me.
Even though people said it would be difficult to be on my own and learn new things in a foreign country where I didn’t even know the language, I wanted to prove to myself that I could achieve something independently, even as a foreigner.
The birds were always so hungry, whether in the morning or in the evening.
Why did you choose Veterinary Internship in Portugal?
I chose the veterinary internship program because I had to complete my compulsory internship in 2025 in order to graduate in 2026. It was a requirement.
I chose Roots Interns because all of the team members were extremely polite, knowledgeable, and professional. They all replied to my emails promptly, patiently, and thoughtfully. I’m truly glad that I did my internship with Roots Interns.
If I ever want to take part in another internship or volunteer program in the future, I will definitely find one through Roots Interns.
What was your favorite part about Portugal?
I had the opportunity to work in three different veterinary clinics in my city, but I was never completely satisfied with those experiences, as the supervisors were not as kind or supportive as I had hoped.
In Portugal, however, my supervisor was truly exceptional. She constantly encouraged me to approach every situation with compassion, and thanks to her guidance, I gained a broader and more meaningful perspective on my profession. She made me love my profession.
Moreover, the Portuguese people were even more welcoming than I had imagined. Whenever I needed help, everyone showed understanding and kindness. I never once felt alone.
The sheep was very shy at the beginning, but we ended up being friends.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I did my internship at an animal sanctuary that welcomed a wide variety of animals, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, rabbits, pigs, pigeons, chinchillas, goats, sheep,mares, and bulls.
One day, we noticed signs of an epidemic among the pigeons—at least one was dying each day. I reported the situation to my supervisor, and under her guidance, I injected some of the pigeons and prepared an antibiotic solution for them daily. I also informed the other interns about the situation. Toward the end of my internship, the deaths stopped completely—we had successfully saved the pigeons.
I’ll never forget this experience. Pigeons are often neglected animals that we see every day but rarely pay attention to. Even as a veterinary student, I realised that I hadn’t been giving them the attention they deserved.
This experience reminded me that every life, no matter how small or ordinary it may seem, is precious. We must exist to protect all living beings.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The staff were incredibly polite and supportive. They were always there to help whenever we needed assistance. At times, I made mistakes or didn’t know how to use certain appliances in the sanctuary, but they always corrected me kindly and patiently guided me.
Since the sanctuary was located far from public transportation, the staff kindly took us to the supermarket whenever we needed to go and even helped us carry our groceries. They were also responsible for maintaining cleanliness and order throughout the sanctuary.
It was the first time I had ever seen a chicken that actually enjoys being picked up by people.
The two staff members and the other fellow intern felt like family to me for a month. I’m still in touch with one of the staff members. It was an emotional moment when he bid me farewell as I returned home. I still remember the moment he said, “See you later. Maybe.”
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I played an active role in saving the pigeons, but I wish I could have helped even more animals. I would have liked to take on more responsibilities. I’m truly pleased to have completed a veterinary internship in Portugal and to have chosen Roots Interns.
My only regret is that I stayed at the sanctuary for only a month—I wish I had stayed for two months. I also believe that having interns/volunteers who are studying veterinary medicine/animal science or related fields would be more beneficial for both the sanctuary and the interns/volunteers themselves.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I woke up at 6:50 a.m. every day. I prepared myself for the tasks at the sanctuary and had breakfast.
I completed the tasks at the sanctuary with other fellow interns. We carried out the tasks while enjoying our time with various animals.
In the afternoons, we had free time—some of us rested, some went to the pool, and others took the opportunity to explore Portugal.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During my free time, I explored Santarém, Lisbon, and Porto, visiting museums, trying traditional Portuguese cuisine, and shopping for souvenirs.
Sometimes, I stayed at the sanctuary and enjoyed rural Portugal while listening to the sounds of nature. The sanctuary had a truly idyllic atmosphere. Sitting in the garden in the evenings was incredibly relaxing.
I took photos at a museum I visited in Lisbon.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a single room with an ensuite, which suited me perfectly as an introverted person. I appreciated having my own space, and everyone—both the staff and fellow interns—was respectful.
I felt completely safe throughout my stay, and I was very satisfied with the accommodation. If I participate in another internship or volunteer program in the future, I would prefer to stay in a similar room.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
The sanctuary is located far from public transportation. I recommend that future participants set aside a budget for taxi fares.
Even though I did my internship in July and August, the nights were cold. It would be a good idea to bring some warm clothes, just in case.
Finally, I would advise future participants to treat every animal in the sanctuary with equal care and attention. Every life, no matter how small or ordinary it may seem, is precious.
Would you recommend Roots Interns to others? Why?
I wholeheartedly recommend Roots Interns and would like to participate in another internship or volunteer program with them in the future, as every team member was professional and always responded to emails promptly and patiently.
I also recommend the program to everyone who is a current or future student of veterinary medicine, animal science, or a related field.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
One of the greatest benefits of doing an internship abroad is learning new things in a completely foreign country while collaborating with people from diverse nations and cultures.
The experience of proving to yourself that you can accomplish something independently, even as a foreigner, is incredibly inspiring. I've successfully completed my veterinary internship in Portugal, and I'm now more confident that there is nothing I cannot succeed at.
It was my first encounter with a chinchilla.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My supervisor was truly inspirational, and she encouraged me to approach every situation with compassion. Thanks to her guidance, I gained a broader perspective on my profession. She taught me that even the smallest life is precious.
Since successfully completing my veterinary internship abroad, I'm now more confident in myself. There is no doubt that I can succeed at anything if I give my best effort.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I believe that meaningful travel is one that respects and cherishes even the smallest and most ordinary forms of life while providing a broader perspective.
Collaborating with people from different nations and cultures also teaches us that every life is valuable and deserves our respect. It is these values that truly make us human.
