Animal science jobs abroad are diverse to say the least; whether you are looking to further your understanding of animal agriculture and the environmental side of the field, preserve exotic wildlife, or examine animal breeding, disease, and nutrition, you can find an animal science job abroad somewhere. Since it is such a broad field, it’s worth researching which areas you’d like to specialize in before applying for animal science jobs abroad. The following focus areas will give you an idea of the types of animal science positions that are common on a global scale:
Animal Care & Veterinary Medicine. Are you interested in saving and improving the lives of animals around the world? Clinics, NGOs, private firms, and government agencies hire professionals with a background in animal science to care for the health, safety, and nutrition of animals around the globe. Individuals interested in these types of animal science jobs must be willing to roll up their sleeves, regardless of whether they decide to specialize in animal breeding and reproduction, health maintenance and disease control, or regulating the process of animal products. This hands-on approach to animal science is common in both field-based and lab-based positions. Depending on your host country and the local ecosystems, you may end up handling a variety of animals, from your common cattle to more exotic species.
Education. If you want to pass on your knowledge of animal science to future generations, teaching is the best way to inform others about the field. Animal science professionals interested in education jobs must be enthusiastic about mentoring and motivating groups of students from different cultural backgrounds. Most animal science jobs in education will require teachers to develop an understanding of their host country’s history, standard practices, and cultural traditions to engage students on basic animal anatomy and physiology. Teaching animal science abroad is a good way to hone your people skills, while facilitating groups, maintaining the health and safety of all students, and communicating cross-culturally.
Animal science jobs abroad generally require workers to complete the average 40-hour work weeks, but this can vary depending on the timing and nature of research, lab, and fieldwork. Animal science jobs also typically require professionals to be highly adaptable and willing to work beyond the usual Monday thru Friday schedule as needed.
Most animal science jobs will require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field at minimum. However, a veterinary doctor or someone with a master’s degree in animal science will be able to apply for more specialized positions. Applicants who have knowledge of the local language and cultural customs will also be able to get ahead in the hiring process. However, not being fluent in your desired country’s language won’t be a deal breaker either, especially if you’re a strong candidate in other areas. Overall, animal science professionals can expect to earn an average of $60,000 annually, depending on the role, location, and responsibilities of each position.
