What began as a dream to study abroad has become a defining milestone in Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) student Harleigh Hinks’ journey toward a career in veterinary medicine.
Hinks, a biology major from Nuevo, recently completed a month-long veterinary internship in Italy, where she shadowed veterinarians, observed surgeries, participated in hands-on clinical procedures, and experienced a different approach to animal care. The experience not only strengthened her academic goals but also inspired a new professional direction: becoming an equine veterinarian.
“I wanted to study abroad, but I didn’t know where,” Hinks said. “I did my own research, found veterinarians in Italy, applied, interviewed, and was accepted. It was absolutely worth it—100 percent.”
Hinks is completing her biology coursework before transferring to Cal Poly Pomona to pursue pre-veterinary studies. Her long-term goal is to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and build a career caring for animals.
The internship was offered through the Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program, an international educational initiative that provides aspiring healthcare professionals with opportunities to shadow physicians and veterinarians while gaining cross-cultural experience. Founded in 2018, the program partners with hospitals, veterinary clinics, and animal rescue organizations across Italy to help students develop clinical insight, cultural awareness, and a broader understanding of global healthcare. Although participants train throughout Italy, the program is conducted entirely in English, with translators available when needed, making it accessible to students from around the world. Participants also take part in organized cultural activities that complement their professional experience.
The four-week internship took place in Florence and Milan, providing exposure to two distinctly different veterinary environments. During the first two weeks in Florence, Hinks worked with the Italian Horse Protection (IHP), where she gained hands-on experience caring for horses and other large animals.
“We learned how to perform ultrasounds on horses, draw blood, and observe the daily treatments the animals received,” Hinks said. “It was very hands-on, and the veterinarians were incredible teachers.”
In Milan, the experience shifted to a veterinary hospital specializing in companion animals. There, she observed surgeries, anesthesia procedures, patient preparation, and the collaborative work of veterinary teams, including surgeons, laboratory technicians, and veterinary support staff.
“The experience allowed me to see every role within a veterinary hospital,” Hinks said. “Seeing the different specialties helped me realize that becoming an equine veterinarian is exactly what I want to do.”
Already an experienced horse owner, Hinks said the internship confirmed that working with horses is where her passion lies.
“I do have horses of my own, so everything just came together,” she said.
One feature Hinks especially appreciated was that the entire program was conducted in English, allowing her to fully immerse herself in the clinical experience while living abroad.
“Everything was in English,” Hinks said. “If somebody wasn’t very fluent in English, they would have a translator. It was very easy to follow along.”
Beyond the clinical experience, the program immersed students in Italian culture through organized excursions and activities. Hinks visited iconic landmarks including the Duomo in Milan, Michelangelo’s David in Florence, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, while also participating in Italian cooking classes that gave students a deeper appreciation for the country’s culture and traditions.
One aspect of the experience that left a lasting impression was the compassion she witnessed among Italian veterinary professionals.
“The bedside manners they have there is so different,” Hinks said. “You can tell how much they truly love their animals.”
The experience has already begun opening doors back home. Since returning to California, Hinks has applied for several veterinary internships and says local veterinarians have expressed interest in helping her continue building her clinical experience.
“After my experience out there, it’s definitely easier to get an internship here,” she said. “I’ve already applied to a few and talked to a couple of veterinarians, and many are interested in having me on board and learning with them.”
For Hinks, the experience reinforced the value of stepping outside her comfort zone and pursuing opportunities beyond the classroom.
“I highly recommend it,” she said. “The student coordinators were amazing. You’re never alone, you can reach them 24/7 if you need help. It was an unforgettable experience.”
About Mt. San Jacinto College: Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is a comprehensive community college serving a diverse student population of approximately 30,000 annually across a 1,700-square-mile area. With campuses in San Jacinto, Menifee Valley, Temecula Valley, and San Gorgonio Pass, MSJC provides accessible, equitable, and innovative educational programs. The college offers a wide range of courses and programs designed to meet the transfer requirements of four-year colleges and universities, supporting students in achieving their academic and career goals.
