IVSA Ghent - Belgium
What is IVSA?
IVSA Ghent - Belgium is a student-run organization that is part of a globally active organization, IVSA global. IVSA stands for the International Veterinary Students' Association, which means all our members are students who share a love for animals and are studying to become veterinarians. IVSA Global represents over 38,000 committed students from more than seventy countries.
We aim to help all animals and people around the world by sharing and promoting the international application of veterinary skills, knowledge, and education. We achieve this by organizing international exchanges with other IVSA member organizations, inviting speakers to discuss intercultural and international veterinary topics, and encouraging our students to study abroad.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote animal health and welfare, enhance veterinary education, and encourage international collaboration among veterinary students. By working together, we strive to make a positive impact on the well-being of animals and communities worldwide.
We organize a variety of events to achieve these goals, including educational workshops, community outreach projects, and internationally oriented lectures. Our lectures feature international speakers who provide valuable tips and experiences on working abroad, with guests from countries like Australia, England, USA, South Africa, Canada, Hong Kong, and New Zealand.
One of the highlights of our year is the group exchange program. These exchanges offer an unforgettable opportunity to make lifelong friends, discover new cultures, and explore the veterinary practices of other countries. We’ve hosted exchanges with nations such as Malaysia, Spain, Sweden, Slovenia, Hungary, and Japan.
Meet the team!
Hiii, I’m Sema Nur!
I’m a first-year master student, and in my second year as an IVSA member, I am super honored to take on the role of President of IVSA! After a wonderful first year within the association, I’m incredibly excited to lead our amazing team this time around. My main goal for this year? Making sure IVSA feels like a welcoming home for all of us, packed with great opportunities, fun events, and unforgettable memories.
When I have some free time, I love finding a nice balance. You can usually find me exploring new places, trying out new things, or spending quality time with my family and friends. But I also highly value my quiet moments to just relax and completely recharge with some music.
I can’t wait to see what this year will bring and look forward to meeting both new and familiar faces at our next events. Let’s make it a fantastic year together!
Sema Nur Karakaya,
President
Hi! I’m Tatsiana and currently in my 1st Master of Veterinary Medicine. This year is my second year with IVSA Ghent. I'm excited and proud to be this year's Vice-President.
Joining IVSA has been one of the best decisions of my student life. Through our exchanges students have the opportunity to discover new countries, experience veterinary medicine in a completely different setting and build friendships with people from all over the world. It’s a unique experience that will stay with you long after the exchange is over.
I’m looking forward to supporting our amazing team and helping even more students take that step and experience everything IVSA has to offer.
Outside of my studies, climbing is a big part of who I am. It keeps me active, focused, and constantly pushing my limits. I also love traveling and getting lost in nature, always chasing the next adventure.
If you see me around campus, don’t hesitate to say hi or ask me anything about IVSA or our exchanges. I’d love to help you start your own adventure!
Tatsiana Taldykina,
Vice-president
Hi! I'm Linde, 22 years old, and currently in my fifth year. This year, I have the pleasure of being the Secretary of IVSA, where I hope to keep everything running smoothly and organized behind the scenes ;)
One of the things I love most is discovering new places and cultures. Through IVSA, I hope to continue broadening my network, both within my studies and internationally. I am incredibly grateful for all the amazing opportunities, friendships, and experiences that IVSA has already brought me, and I can't wait to see what this year has in store.
Besides my studies, I enjoy spending time with friends, whether that's going out or having a cozy night in. I believe balance is key, so you'll probably find me doing a little bit of everything (and sometimes nothing at all!). I love listening to music, thrift shopping, traveling, and meeting new people. So if you ever have a question or just feel like having a chat, don't hesitate to come and say hi!
Linde Schepers,
Secretary
Hi everyone!
I’m Mona Broeckx, and this year I’ll be starting my first year of the Master’s programme in Veterinary Medicine. I’m also excited to join IVSA for my first year, where I’ll be serving as Treasurer.
One of my biggest passions is travelling. I love discovering new cultures, meeting people from all over the world, and learning from different perspectives. That’s exactly what drew me to IVSA.
In my free time, you’ll usually find me horse riding, playing the piano, or spending time with my friends and family.
I’m really looking forward to an amazing year, learning lots of new things, meeting incredible people, and creating unforgettable memories with the team!
Mona Broeckx,
Treasurer
Heyhey, my name is Catharina Lemlijn.
I am 22 years old and currently pursuing the first year of my master’s degree in veterinary medicine. Alongside my studies, I also work with Cornelie as the SEO for the IVSA.
Outside my studies, I am passionate about travelling. I love discovering new countries, experiencing different cultures and meeting new people from all around the world.
Catharina Lemlijn,
Senior Exchange Officer
Hey there! I'm Cornelie, but I go by many nicknames. If it somewhat resembles my name, I'll respond to it.
Other than sporting weird nicknames I like to entertain myself with spontaneous ideas. If it's different and generates some adrenaline, you bet I'm down for it. Throw in some fun people in the mix and we've got ourselves a party! Hence the interest in new experiences and as such: IVSA!
Like last year, I'm the SEO, which means I get to work with Catharina now. Another benefit is that we get to choose the countries we're exchanging with, and we also ensure a smooth exchange for our delegates. If you are interested in joining our team, or for some other reason burdened by unanswered IVSA-related questions: don't hesitate to shoot me a text!
Cornelie Ploeg,
Senior Exchange Officer
Hi everyone!
My name is Sarah, I’m 21 years old and currently in my fourth year of Veterinary Medicine. This year, I'm excited to join IVSA Ghent as one of the Junior Exchange Officers!
I've always loved travelling and discovering new cultures. That's exactly why I'm so excited about this role, I hope to help create unforgettable international experiences and make students feel welcome while building great friendships!
In my free time, you'll probably find me planning my next trip or exploring a new destination. One of my biggest dreams is to live abroad after graduating, so being part of IVSA feels like the perfect opportunity to connect with people from different countries and learn from their experiences. I'm really looking forward to working together with the team, meeting amazing people from all over the world, and helping make this year full of memorable exchanges and new adventures :)
Sarah Deneys,
Junior Exchange Officer
Hi everyone!
I’m Marie Petitjean, 21 years old and a first-year Master’s student in Veterinary Medicine. This year, I’m diving into my role as Junior Exchange Officer for IVSA Ghent with a ton of energy!
My passion for travel and veterinary medicine has already taken me to some amazing places around the world. From exploring America, China, and Australia, to gaining hands-on experience through a VOC placement, lambing season, a Sea Life internship, and an unforgettable journey to South Africa! It’s precisely this love for discovering new cultures and animal care that drew me to IVSA. For me, there’s no better combination than veterinary medicine and international friendships.
As someone who lives by the sea, I’m always up for action and adventure. In my free time, you’ll usually find me on the water—whether I’m kitesurfing, windsurfing, or sailing.
I can’t wait to use my enthusiasm and motivation to help organize exchanges and connect with international students. Let’s make it a fantastic year! 🌊🐾
Marie Petitjean,
Junior Exchange Officer
Hi! My name is Yanina, and I'm currently in my fourth year of Veterinary Medicine. After an amazing exchange with IVSA Morocco, I was inspired to join the IVSA Ghent committee. This year, as an event manager, I'm excited to help create memorable experiences where students can connect with fellow veterinary students and discover opportunities to broaden their horizons throughout their studies.
Outside of university, I teach and take dance classes, enjoy dog walking and pet sitting, and love spending quality time with friends.
I think IVSA is the perfect combination of veterinary education, international experiences, and meeting new people. I'm super excited for this year!
Yanina Verplanke,
Event Manager
Hi, I’m Lucie, a 21 year old veterinary medicine student about to start my fifth year.
I’m thrilled to be part of the IVSA project, where I’ll take on the role of Event Manager. This means I’ll be organizing an amazing exchange week for international students, introducing them to our beautiful city while also arranging exciting conferences.
I joined this incredible team to meet people and immerse myself in new cultures. I’m eager to see how things are done differently around the world and learn as much as I can from others’ perspectives and experiences.
In my free time, I’m passionate about music—both playing and listening. I love discovering new activities, especially fun sports or hobbies. And nothing beats grabbing drinks with friends and having deep talks as well as just chilling.
I can’t wait for this year and the opportunity to dive into such a meaningful project!
Lucie Jadin,
Event Manager
Hi! I’m Hai-Xia Swinnen, and I’ll be organizing the lectures for the coming year. It’s my second year with IVSA.
I’m currently in my third and last year of the Master’s program in Veterinary Medicine.
I’ve always loved traveling, meeting new people, and diving into new experiences. That’s exactly why IVSA feels like the perfect fit—it allows me to combine all those passions with my love for veterinary medicine. I’m really looking forward to helping others make the most of the incredible opportunities IVSA offers.
I’m super excited to be working alongside such an inspiring team and can’t wait to see where this journey takes us and the connections we’ll build along the way! :))
Hai-Xia Swinnen,
Lectures
I'm Marie and currently in my second master's year of Veterinary Medicine.
This is my fourth year with IVSA Ghent, and this year I'm taking on the role of PR extern. I'm responsible for sponsorships, building partnerships, and maintaining connections with external companies and organizations that support our activities. I enjoy creating new opportunities for collaboration and helping strengthen IVSA Ghent's network.
Besides my studies, I enjoy a cozy evening with friends, whether it's going out for food or drinks, or just having a relaxing Netflix night. One of my biggest dreams is to see as much of the world as possible, discovering new places, cultures, and people along the way.
Marie Deweer,
PR-Extern
Hi there! I'm Trix, and this year (my fourth year already) i’m the PR-intern of the team, which means i’ll be promoting IVSA Ghent on posters, social media, and the most fun part; in person! :)
I've had a passion for internationalization ever since I was young. I love making new connections, discovering different cultures, and of course, traveling; constantly pushing my boundaries both literally and figuratively ;).
I'm open-minded, creative, and just a little bit headstrong, and I hope to use these qualities to make this year an unforgettable one.
Outside of IVSA, I'm working hard towards becoming a future feline vet, but to unwind, you'll find me vibing to music, dancing the night away at parties, or getting lost in philosophical thoughts.
Basically, I'm a bit of everything, so don’t hesitate to come say hi if you see me around. I'm always up for a good chat :)
Hope to see lots of you at our events!
Trix,
PR-Intern
Hello everyone!
My name is Margot, and this is already my second year with IVSA. This year, I have the opportunity to serve as a PR-Intern together with Thomas and Trix. I am really looking forward to taking on a role that allows me to collaborate closely with others.
I’m also excited to let my creativity shine through our social media channels and help share everything our organisation stands for. If anyone has questions about IVSA, you can always reach out to me. I’m incredibly enthusiastic about what we achieve together, and I’m always happy to tell others more about it!
My biggest dream is to explore the entire world, which is why I think it’s amazing that IVSA allows me to build connections with people from all over the globe.
In my free time, I enjoy teaching dance classes, which is another passion of mine and a great way to express my creativity.
I’m looking forward to another amazing year!
Margot Haegeman,
PR-Intern
Hi everyone! I’m Thomas, 23 years old and in my fifth (ish) year of veterinary medicine. This year will be my fourth year in IVSA and I can’t get enough of it! This year I am pr intern together with my friends Trix and Margot.
What I love most about IVSA is meeting veterinary students from all over the world and showing them our culture and our beautiful city. What i hate is saying goodbye to my new made friends tho :((.
In my spare time I love to travel, spend time with friends and family, party and I love taking care of my animals at home. I’ve got a dog, a cat and three horses so those take up a lot of my time (but they’re so worth it!).
See you around! And don’t forget to say hi!!
ThomasDijkman,
PR-Intern
Hi everyone! My name is Mirte, I’m 23 years old, and I am thrilled to be your Webmaster for the 26-27 academic year! I am currently in my first Master’s year, planning to specialize in equine medicine.
I joined IVSA because I truly believe in the power of internationalization. Gaining international experience is incredibly valuable for our growth as future veterinarians, and IVSA provides the ultimate opportunities to do just that! For me, it’s also super important to connect with fellow students during our studies to share experiences and learn from one another. I’m incredibly excited to meet even more new people this year!
When I’m not buried in my study books or working behind the screens as webmaster, you can find me hitting the gym, cooking, or lost in a good book. Oh, and I have a massive obsession with soccer - strictly as a spectator, though! I can’t wait to connect with all of you!
Mirte De Kuyer,
Webmaster
I’m currently in the second year of my Master’s in Veterinary Medicine. This year will be my second year as a member of IVSA, and I’m thrilled to be the Committee Communication Officer! I’m really looking forward to helping increase IVSA’s visibility and putting my creativity to good use in the process.
In my free time, I enjoy ice skating and horse riding, and I love to travel, especially to explore new places and experience different cultures.
Marie-Jeanne van Wonderen,
Committee Communication Officer