Chinese veterinary students pioneer exchange program at Virginia Tech

Four veterinary students from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (NWAFU) in China are experiencing veterinary medicine through a new lens at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM). This pioneering exchange program, launched in August 2024, represents the first wave of what both institutions hope will become a lasting partnership in veterinary education.

"We're working to build a joint program between our two colleges," explains Li-Jen Chang, assistant professor of anesthesiology at VMCVM, who helped establish the program. "With strong support from Dr. Givens (Dean of VMCVM) we established an official Memorandum of Understanding within just six months."

The visiting students bring diverse backgrounds and motivations. Yimin Zhao, from Xi'an, was drawn to the program's unique learning opportunities. "I've always been passionate about learning new cultures and seeing the world from different perspectives," she said. "Given the differences in veterinary education between China and the United States, I saw this exchange program as a good opportunity to gain more clinical experience."

For Rui Yuqing, the journey into veterinary medicine started early. "Since childhood, I've been interested in biological sciences and won several biology competition awards during middle school," she said. "Combined with my love for cats, I chose veterinary medicine." 

The eight-week program exposed students to various specialties, including anesthesiology, cardiology, neurology, and internal medicine. This comprehensive approach is particularly valuable, as Chang notes significant differences in veterinary practice between the two countries: "In China, most practitioners focus solely on small animals. There's less emphasis on large animal medicine, including cattle and swine. I aim to use this opportunity to demonstrate how veterinary medicine is practiced in the United States, hoping these students will bring this knowledge back to China."

The impact on students has already been insightful. Yuxuan Zhong has experienced personal growth beyond clinical skills: "This program offers more than just veterinary knowledge - it's an opportunity to interact with people from around the world, improve English skills, and broaden global perspectives. I've become more confident in communicating with others."

For many students, the program offers unprecedented hands-on experiences. "I've seen many things in person that I had only encountered in textbooks," says Yimin Zhao. "Watching a horse surgery for the first time was amazing - anesthesia and recovery in such a large animal was fascinating."

The exchange program represents a significant investment for the students, who must cover their accommodation costs while their university supports transportation. Despite these challenges, Chang sees immense value in the program: "This collaboration creates a solid foundation for future exchanges between our institutions." 

Looking ahead, VMCVM plans to send its first group of students to NWAFU in June 2025. Chang hopes to expand the program to include six to ten students in future exchanges. "When our students begin their rotations in China," he notes, "this program will truly mature into a robust international partnership."