MinMin Sun - Netherlands
This summer, I completed a three-week veterinary externship at Utrecht University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in the Netherlands through UC Davis Global Programs, supported by a generous scholarship. It was a deeply transformative experience that combined clinical learning with cultural immersion, and gave me a much broader view of what veterinary medicine can look like across the globe.
During my externship, I rotated through three departments: Internal Medicine, Emergency & Critical Care, and Birds & Special Animals (Exotics). In Internal Medicine, I was exposed to sub-specialties like endocrinology, hepatology, dermatology, and cardiology, which strengthened my diagnostic thinking and clinical reasoning. During my Emergency rotation, I worked overnight and weekend shifts, adapting to the fast-paced and emotionally intense environment of critical care. My final week in Exotics was a highlight, as I worked hands-on with parrots, chinchillas, sugar gliders, ferrets, and many other species I don’t usually encounter in the U.S. I also received training in writing medical reports—something Dutch clinicians take great care in—and I learned how communication and documentation play a vital role in case continuity.
One of the most striking professional takeaways was seeing how antibiotic use differs between Europe and the U.S. European practitioners are extremely cautious, often avoiding antibiotics entirely unless absolutely necessary due to strong regulations and public health awareness. This opened my eyes to the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and how policy and culture influence medical decisions.
Beyond the hospital walls, this was also my first time visiting Europe beyond the Netherlands, and I took time before and after my externship to travel in Italy and Portugal. I explored each city with curiosity—not just visiting landmarks but also tasting regional food (from Portuguese sardines to fresh Italian pasta) and soaking in the rhythm of life in each place. These experiences enriched my soul and reminded me why global perspectives matter in every profession, including veterinary medicine.
What surprised me most was how many meaningful connections I made along the way. At the Utrecht clinic, the doctors and staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, always willing to teach and share their perspectives. But I also met people in the most unexpected places—hostels, cafés, walking tours, train rides, and even random street corners. From spontaneous conversations with fellow travelers to shared meals with international students, these moments helped me understand the world through new eyes. I made lifelong friendships, gained insight into different ways of living, and returned home with a full heart and a widened worldview