I was very fortunate to participate in the Veterinary Student Program at ARCAS in February 2016. The program provided a really amazing window into the world of wildlife medicine and conservation in Central America. We covered a large amount of material in a short period of time, including general husbandry, capture techniques (crocodiles and kinkajous were a highlight!), safe transport, anesthesia (including learning how to properly use dart guns), neonatal care, zoonotic disease, and necropsy. Alejandro and Fernando were very kind about allowing the veterinary students to participate in all of the medical procedures, while still being very respectful about balancing safety and the needs of the animals. Though days were generally planned in advance with powerpoint lectures and training activities, there was always room for flexibility depending upon the needs of the animals and the center. A typical day would start at 6:30 with cage cleaning and the feeding of your assigned animals After breakfast veterinary students would join Alejandro for a powerpoint lecture or training and medical procedures. After lunch, animals would be fed again and then veterinary students would participate in additional procedures or discussions. Days typically wound down around 3 or 4 o'clock, and students were given the remainder of the day to rest, participate in activities around the center or take trips to Flores for internet/snacks (a short boat ride away from ARCAS). No two days were the same and Alejandro always welcomed questions and concerns. The living quarters were comfortable and felt safe. (*Bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper as the walls are very thin and the Howler Monkeys often give concerts in the middle of the night). Mealtimes were communal and provided a great opportunity to get to know travelers from all around the world. Anna (the volunteer coordinator) was extremely kind, and very supportive of the volunteers. She knows the facility like the back of her hand and was always very helpful and able to answer questions about life at ARCAS or the needs of the animals. Overall, I would absolutely recommend participating in the ARCAS veterinary student program! I learned an incredible amount in a short time period and afterwards, felt very inspired to find my career path in wildlife medicine