GAINING VETERINARY WORK EXPERIENCE IN AFRICA

Here are some frequently asked questions on the subject of undertaking veterinary work experience in Africa.

Is this part of a university course?

Typically no. Volunteer veterinary work experience in Africa is work you undertake to do privately, at your own expense, in order to broaden your experience base and to provide you with access to exotic species. It may, however, prove useful as part of pre-vet school preparation and might look attractive on your CV when applying for places at university where competition may be intense.

What is involved in this type of work?

Usually it involves spending several weeks in Africa on a game reserve or endangered species centre, working alongside fully qualified rangers and vets who are dealing with sick and injured animals. This is real, hard and frequently dirty veterinary work experience! It’s also immensely enjoyable and offers the rare chance to work with non-domesticated animals.

Where are these opportunities based?

They may exist in a number of countries but South Africa is a well-known centre for these sorts of activities. The centres themselves are in several different locations.

Will I get ‘hands on’ with the animals?

Yes, though it’s important to remember that the emphasis here is on professional care and learning rather than ‘animal encounter’ type holidays. There may be interaction with different species at different times as dictated by their needs, and it might be difficult to guarantee exposure to a specific type of animal during any individual work-experience trip.

Are there dangers involved?

Any activity that involves close association with larger and undomesticated animals may inevitably involve a theoretical element of danger. However, you’ll be in the hands of expert rangers and vets who will be very keen to ensure your health and safety.

Is this all clinic-based?

No. You’ll typically get a lot of outdoor exposure through various trips and excursions.
Africa is all about experiencing the land, its people and wildlife in a single context – you wouldn’t be able to do that if all of your time was spent in a clinic.

Will I need inoculations?

You can consult the Government’s and the NHS web sites for up-to-date inoculation recommendations for South Africa or the country you’re visiting. Note that the recommendations may vary slightly, depending on whether you’re visiting urban or rural areas, and might also do so if you’ll be in close proximity to animals. Responsible organisations arranging such trips will also typically offer advice and guidance on the specifics here.

Are these younger groups?

As these trips are popular with people planning to study veterinary science, it’s probably fair to say that they tend to have a fairly young average age in terms of participants.
Note that some may have a minimum lower age limit of 18 and some might be slightly higher.

How can I find out more?

There are excellent providers of gap year opportunities for veterinary work experience type breaks on the internet.

RELIVE THE OLD DAYS IN FARMHOUSE VILLAS

If you’re looking for fresh air, sunny vistas and relaxing walks amid lush countryside, you should consider a stay in one of the delightful farmhouse villas in Sicily. Add to the mix healthy, wholesome food made from the freshest produce and you may just have hit upon the ideal holiday.

This new trend in travel, known as "agritourism", is the perfect holiday for those who want to get a feel of what rural Italian life is all about. Agroturismos are usually off the beaten track, often at a working farm or orchard, where you can just relax, without the high-paced, touristy tempo of your regular city-based holidays. That’s not to say, of course, that there isn’t a lot to do and see when you stay in farmhouse villas in Sicily. Listed below are several towns to find that perfect agroturismo, as well suggestions of what to see and do once you’re there.

Palermo

The historical, cultural, and industrial capital of the island will definitely will have many options of activities and attractions in store. The beautiful countryside surrounding is dotted with olive groves, and is a far cry from the city’s frenetic pace. Wide expanses of green and gold, complete with the occasional distant sound of cowbells, makes the region around the city a great place to explore. 

Palermo is large enough that you will have a good choice of farm villas in Sicily in coastal areas, wineries, olive farms, produce farms, and more and still be within easy access of the city. Observe how these working farms go about their daily business, and take part in their feasts and celebrations. Once you’ve had your fill of country hikes and feasts, a quick trip to the city can satisfy a yearning for art and culture. Marvel at the Baroque architecture, visit the museums, do a tour of the churches, and enjoy delicious cuisine at the modern bistros and restaurants.

Agrigento 

As with many of the farm villas in Sicily, Agrigento agriturismos are commonly involved in grape production and wine making, as well as olive oil production–one of the reasons tours in the area are so popular. Many of the working farms in the area can offer wine tours and tastings–definitely a delightful way to spend your holidays.

The southern coast makes a good base for exploring the area, which is rich in history and offers access to great beaches. The Valley of the Temples archaeological park is definitely a must-see when staying in this area. 

Messina

Scenic settings amidst ancient trees perched on green hilltops with a view of the sea are what you can expect from villas in Sicily’s west coast. Messina, an area directly facing the Aeolian isles, offers a picturesque location for relaxing holidays. 

In Messina, you can spend time in working farmhouses set in fragrant orange and lemon groves, or have a fun time gathering mushrooms. Take a quick trip to the historic centre and view the works of the masters from Messina, explore the streets to take a look at its flourishing past, or take a trip to explore the nearby Aeolian isles.

MOVING WITH THE EXPERTS

Australia has a long-standing DIY culture – from gardening to home renovation, we love to do things ourselves. This independence generally extends to moving house, too.

Moving is generally thought of as simply being picking something up and putting it somewhere else, so how can that be so difficult? However, in this, as in many other things we do, there are tricks of the trade that the experts use to make moving both easier and safer for all – for people and for their things.

One of the most general rules when moving is to reduce the weight of any big, bulky item as much as possible, and to use wheeled appliances – dollies or trolleys – to avoid injury people and the object involved. Pool tables, for example, can have their legs removed to lighten the load and we have specialised equipment to carry the still substantial weight of a table. Another good rule of thumb is to use moving tape to secure doors and packing material in place; things shift around during a move, even locked doors may open and packing blankets or bubble-wrap may shift and leave items unprotected.

When moving from a house to another, expert knowledge makes the difference. With Quick Pick movers, you can be assured that we bring both the experience and the tools to make your move fast, efficient and as stress-free as possible. We have put together our tips for moving a wide selection of hard to handle items, from pianos to potted plants, from kitchen appliances to electronics, and from works of art to antiques; we’ve done it all and know how to avoid every possible problem with simple, straight-forward and usually common-sense methods. Check out our long list of tips for different household and garden items on our website.

If looking up each and every item to see what are our tips on moving them seems like a lot of work to prepare for your move, then imagine how much work it will be to disconnect, unpack & unstack, wrap, load, drive to & unload your things into your new home, then place them all where you want and put everything back in drawers, on shelves and in cupboards. We can do all this, in less time and with less stress and hassle, for you, for the most competitive rate in the market. Let us – the experts – do the hard work, so that you can move into your new home without the physical and mental stress of packing, lifting and moving all your possessions from one home to another.

THE BRITISH CUISINE

From the statewide staples to the regional specialties, the British never run out of good food to serve on their tables. Fortunately for tourists, you can get a taste of this UK pride anywhere you go. From five-star London hotels to small, countryside Milton keynes Campanile hotels, you'll always find a great British cuisine waiting to be served.

Simply British

Many British foods have made it across the globe and into the dining halls of almost every country in the world. Despite this, they remain special in this European island state. Dishes like fish and chips are a local staple that is enjoyed until today. Fish and chips are best eaten to-go, fresh from a bag, while doing something else. In the past, this British favorite has been served and eaten inside newspapers. There's also the Yorkshire pudding, which is almost always part of a hearty British meal.

Breakfast is also something that made British cuisine popular throughout the world. The world-famous Full English breakfast consists of bacon, fried eggs, grilled tomatoes, and buttered toast or fried bread. Sometimes, the meal also includes fried mushrooms, baked beans, and sausages. It is always served with a hot drink like tea and coffee. Although this meal is not so typical in British homes today, it is still widely found in restaurants and accommodations throughout the UK.

Yet another famous meal that is traditionally British is one called bangers and mash. The word banger is simply sausage in British. Bangers and mash is also basically just sausages and mashed potatoes. Another basic meal in this part of the world is a combination of roast beef and Yorkshire puddings. 

Regional Specialties

One does not need to go to countries like France and Italy to experience great cultural food. In the UK, there are some regional delicacies that one must definitely try. In Wales, specifically in the city of Swansea, a particular interest is the Welsh cake. These cakes are scone-like patties that are sprinkled with dried fruit and dusted with sugar. The cakes are typically served fresh and hot from the griddle. Other delicacies sold in this part of the UK are the Penclawdd cockles and laverbread. The latter is made up of seaweed that is rolled in oats and placed inside little cakes. It's best eaten with vinegar as condiment.

Meanwhile, in Scotland, you can find the distinct traditional food called haggis. This one is a pudding filled with a sheep's heart, liver, and lungs. These organs are cooked with onions, oatmeal, suet, salt, and spices and are simmered for three hours. The best haggis may be found in Stravaigin, where it is served with mashed parsnips and potatoes.

In England, there are also many places that you can visit to find some interesting dishes. In Lincolnshire, for instance, you will find Lincolnshire sausages, which are made with coarsely chopped pork seasoned with sage. The locals also use delicacies like plum bread and Poacher cheese to flavor the sausages. There is also scouse, a traditional lamb stew popular in the city of Liverpool.

A MULTI GENERATIONAL STAFF

With older employees opting to retire late and younger ones opting to work at an earlier stage, the workplace has become equipped with multi generational staff, which poses a challenge to managers. With different age groups come different needs and temperaments, which can drive a clueless manager up the wall. Fortunately, there are tips from management courses that can help you deal with the challenge. Before you get right down to it, you need to know the different age groups present in a multi generational workforce.

The Traditionalists

Also known as the veterans, they were born between 1927 and 1945. Due to their age, those veterans who are still at the office are working at reduced hours. These workers include senior partners and managers of corporations and law firms. This generation values hard work and loyalty. They experienced the Depression, which made them cherish their jobs even more. They usually stay with one employer and build loyalties with their employers and co-workers.

Expectedly, they are not so tech-savvy and will require assistance in using the latest technology. However, they are the most patient of the bunch and can sit through long, boring meetings, and project management courses without complaints.

Baby Boomers

They are born between 1946 and 1964 and have thrived under positions of great authority. You can find a lot of them in big name corporations and law firms. They tend to be cynical and very work-centric. They are the workaholic generation and equate long work hours to higher salaries. They can work up to 60 hours a week, often sacrificing family and personal life for their jobs.

Gen X

Born between 1964 and 1980, they have witnessed the burnout of their overworked parents, or the layoff of those unfortunate ones who lost their jobs. This made them develop a different work ethic to their predecessors. They value work-life balance and will make compromises on their schedule just to achieve that. This generation does not take to rigid work policies. They prefer flexible working schedules and remote work options.

Gen Y

The younger ones, mostly in their early 20s, are also called the Millennial. They are very comfortable with technology and will make good use of it to make their jobs easier. They are multi-taskers and can do their management training while tending to emails and social media. For them, physical presence in the office is not really needed as long as they can deliver the job that is expected of them.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL VACATION

Planning for a vacation alone is fun. It lets you tap into your whims and desires while giving you the opportunity to let those visions happen. But throw in a couple of other people in the mix and that dream easily becomes a nightmare.

Sure, going on a vacation with friends is much more exciting when you think about all the fun times you'll have. But when you start thinking about what this entails, that's when the panic sets in. To help you get over that, here are a few tips on how to have a relaxed, worry-free vacation with your peers.

Find the Right People and the Right Place

The first step in planning your trip is to look for people who will join you. In doing so, learn how to discriminate. Look for friends whom you know will be fun to be around with. Likewise, make it a point that everyone coming to the trip likes to be around each other. You don't want to put two people in conflict in one room, don't you? So, be as merciless as you can and learn how to say no to people who are better off your list.

Other than the list of people, also plan the place that you will visit and the place where you will stay. In both these decisions, you should seek for the agreement of everyone who's coming with you. If the destination has been established—say, Paris—then you are bound to think of accommodation. Will you be finding a rental house, stay in a cheap hotel paris has, or go rogue and go camping? This is the kind of preparation needed to ensure that the vacation goes right. To avoid getting last minute hotels or other bad accommodations, do this process as early as you can gather everyone.

Learn About Each Other's Budget

It's hard to move if you are not sure whether the rest of the group agrees with what you want to do. When you want to go shopping or do other activities that cost a lot of money, it's important to determine whether your friends can afford to do the same. This is why it's advised that all of you have at least an idea of how much each of you is willing to spend. This way, you can keep others from spending more than they hoped to. The same reason applies for the accommodation. If some of you are on a tight budget, it will be best to simply check in at cheap hotels instead of the high-class ones, which you originally wanted to.