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!
Hi there! I'm Trix, and I couldn't be prouder to call myself the President of IVSA '25-'26. Not just because I'm determined to make it an amazing year, but also because I get to lead such a fun and lively committee — something I'm really looking forward to!
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 Grooff,
President
Hi! I’m Hai-Xia Swinnen, and I’ll be handling the finances for IVSA this year. I’m currently in my second 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,
Treasurer
Hii! I am Linde, 21 years old and currently in the first master. This year I am the Senior Exchange Officer of IVSA together with Cornelie.
We will organize the group exchanges and make/maintain contacts with the foreign IVSA's! I have always had a passion for traveling and would like to broaden my network, both at the study and internationally.
IVSA gives me that opportunity and I look forward to making it a fun and adventurous year with everyone!
Linde Schepers,
Senior Exchange Officer
Hi! My name is Marie-Jeanne van Wonderen.
I’m currently in the first year of my Master’s in Veterinary Medicine. This year will be my first as a member of IVSA, and I’m thrilled to start as the PR Intern! I’m really looking forward to helping increase IVSA’s visibility and making use of my creativity in the process.
I’ll be working together with Amber and Pauline, and I’m confident we’ll form an enthusiastic and active team.
In my free time, I enjoy ice skating and love to travel, especially to explore new places and experience different cultures.
Marie-Jeanne Van Wonderen,
PR-intern
Hi! I’m Thibault, one of the three Event Managers at IVSA Ghent, together with Marie and Tatsiana.
We work as a team to organize events that connect our members, promote international exchange, and strengthen the veterinary student community.
I’m currently a second-year master’s student in veterinary medicine, with a particular interest in small animal health.
To stay active, I enjoy going for a run or spending time outdoors.
At home, I live with Lowie — my golden retriever with a proudly Flemish name (and manners to match).
Thibault Blontrock,
Event manager
Hello everyone, I’m Liselotte, and I’m honored to call myself the Vice-president of IVSA Ghent. The core principles of IVSA immediately appealed to me when I first heard about the association. Discovering the world, meeting new people, and studying veterinary medicine? In my opinion, that’s the perfect combination!
In my free time, you’ll find me in a sailboat or on a climbing wall, and I absolutely love being outdoors in nature. I’m also passionate about traveling - not the typical all-inclusive trips, but going on a real journey, sometimes a bit primitive, to truly discover the soul of a country.
This year I’m graduating as a veterinary student with a focus on equine medicine.
I feel grateful that in my final year I still have the chance to actively contribute to IVSA, which has played a truly meaningful role throughout my student life.
Liselotte Kars,
Vice-president
Hi there, I'm Cornelie! I'm 24 years old and I am one of IVSA Ghent's two senior exchange officers this year.
I get excited about meeting new people, other cultures and Belgian fries, making IVSA the perfect place for me to put my energy. It's super rewarding to introduce fellow students to new cultures and show them what's possible if you're willing to broaden your horizons.
I can't wait to make another insightful, inspiring and fun year happen.
Hope to see you at one of our events, exchanges or at campus - don't hesitate to get to know us!
Cornelie Ploeg,
Senior Exchange Officer
Hi!! My name is Amber and I'm currently in the second year of my Master's degree in Veterinary Medicine. I will be in charge of IVSA's social media, together with Marie-Jeanne and Pauline.
In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, painting, drawing and making clothes. You’ll rarely find me sitting still. I love travelling (of course), meeting new people and I’m always up for an adventure - the crazier the better! I’m really excited to be part of this beautiful organisation and to make good use of my creativity. Let's make it a year to remember!
Amber Botman,
PR-intern
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 Event Manager for IVSA Ghent with a ton of energy! My passion for travel has already taken me to places like America, China, and Australia, and it's precisely that love for discovering new cultures 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 organize unforgettable events with the team. Let's make it a fantastic year!
Marie Petitjean,
Event Manager
Hey! I'm Thomas, 22 years old and currently in my first master's year. This is already my third year with IVSA, and this year I'm taking on the role of PR-Extern.
In my free time, I love working with my horses, hanging out with friends, and spending time at the student association. I'm also always up for a trip — so you'll often find me abroad between semesters.
See you soon at the faculty (or on an IVSA exchange ;))
Thomas Dijkman,
PR-extern
VDK-IVSA vertegenwoordiger
Heyhey, my name is Catharina Lemlijn. I am 21 years old and currently pursuing the third year of my bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. Alongside my studies, I am also active as the webmaster 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,
Webmaster
Hiii, I’m Sema Nur,
I’m a third-year bachelor student and this is my first year with IVSA, where I’ll be taking on the role of secretary.
I’m really excited about getting to know new people, having lovely conversations and making the most of everything IVSA has to offer.
In my free time, I enjoy spending quality moments with family and friends. I also like to try out new things and travel to new places whenever I get the chance. But I equally appreciate the quieter side of life: relaxing with music, getting lost in a good book, or just taking some time to recharge. I’m looking forward to the experiences and friendships this year will bring!
Sema Nur Karakaya,
Secretary
I'm Marie and currently in my first master of Veterinary Medicine. This is my 3th year with IVSA Ghent, where I'm taking on the role of Junior Exchange Officer together with Amélie. My main focus is on organizing activities for the Erasmus students, which gives me the opportunity to meet new people and build international connections. 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.
Marie Deweer,
Junior Exchange Officer
Hello! My name is Amélie Rombouts, and I’m currently in my third year of the Veterinary Medicine Master’s program. I have a strong passion for international internships and exchange programs, which is what led me to IVSA. During my studies, I’ve had amazing experiences with internships in India and South Africa, and last year, I had the opportunity to travel to Japan with IVSA. These exchanges have greatly broadened my horizons and introduced me to the world of IVSA. This year, I’m the JEO, working alongside Marie to help inspiring students and connecting them with international opportunities.
Amélie Rombouts,
Junior Exchange Officer
I am Pauline, 23 years old and currently in my first year of the Master's program in Veterinary Medicine. This is my first year being a part of IVSA Gent, and I am thrilled to be joining the PR team together with Amber and Marie-Jeanne.
As a PR intern, I’ll be helping to share everything IVSA Gent gets up to — from fun events and international opportunities to behind-the-scenes snapshots of our team. I love being creative and connecting with people, so I’m really looking forward to making our social media and communication as engaging and dynamic as possible.
Can’t wait to show you all the amazing things IVSA has in store this year! 🐾🌍
Pauline Van Camp,
PR-intern
Hi everyone! I’m Margot, this years committee communication officer. I’m finishing up my bachelor degree and I am ready to start my masters!
In my free time I love to do some pilates and yoga and a lot of the time I’m teaching dance. I wanted to be a part of IVSA to build great connections and discover veterinary medicine all over the world. I love to travel and to discover new cultures. I look forward to this year of IVSA and the new collaborations!
Margot Haegeman,
Committee Communication Officer
Hi! I’m Tatsiana and I’m currently in my 3rd bachelor–1st master of Veterinary Medicine. This is my first year in IVSA Ghent, and I’m excited to be part of the team as Event Manager.
I love working in an international environment and helping bring people together through meaningful and fun events. I enjoy connecting with fellow students and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.
I’m really looking forward to working with Marie and Thibault to create exactly that kind of atmosphere this year.
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, feel free to say hello or come to me with any questions—I’m always happy to help!
Tatsiana Taldykina,
Event manager