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!
Hello everyone, I’m Liselotte, and I’m honored to call myself the 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.
Liselotte Kars, President
Hello I am Thibault, external PR of IVSA Ghent! This means that i’m responsible for approaching companies and sponsors.
Besides being a 1st master vet student, i try to stay in shape. For example, playing basketball or going on a run.
I have 1 dog. His name is Lowie, a golden retriever with a real Flemish name (and Flemish manners).
Thibault Blontrock, PR-extern
My name is Esther, and this is my third year as part of IVSA. I’m currently in my second master’s year, and this year I’m responsible for the finances and organizing activities with Cornelie. My goal is to do as many fun things as possible alongside my studies. Traveling, parties, outings, and good times with the committee fit perfectly with my student life. Last year, I went to Japan, and I’m looking forward to many more adventures!
Esther van Rossum,
Event Manager & Treasurer
Hey! I’m Thomas Dijkman, 21 years old, and from Lochristi. In my free time, I mainly focus on my animals at home, VDK, and of course, IVSA! Traveling is also totally my thing! During the holidays, you’ll always find me abroad. This is precisely the reason I joined IVSA—so I can combine my two biggest passions while studying, and do so within a super fun team! This academic year, Marie and I are the SEOs together. We handle communication with the exchange countries, arrange dates and locations, and book flights, among other things. Hope to see you soon!
Thomas Dijkman,
Senior Exchange Officer
Hi! I’m Trix, currently working on my bachelor’s degree and the proud Vice-President of IVSA this year. I’m really looking forward to organizing numerous activities with my team for all students, such as fascinating lectures or inspiring exchanges. I have a great passion for traveling, but I’m also into philosophy, music, and of course, animals. I have a particular soft spot for cats 🐈. You’ll definitely find me at parties, and I love making new connections, so don’t hesitate to come say hi if you see me 💃🏼. I’d love to enthusiastically tell you all about our wonderful committee, new plans, and much more!
Trix Grooff, Vice-president
Hi, I’m Linde, 20 years old, and currently in my third year of the bachelor’s program. This year, together with Amélie, I’m the PR intern for IVSA, and we’ll be managing the socials and making sure all our activities are promoted! I’ve always had a passion for traveling and am eager to expand my network. IVSA gives me that opportunity, and I’m looking forward to making it a fun and adventurous year with everyone!
Linde Schepers, PR-intern
Hi! I’m Cornelie, I’m in my third bachelor’s year, and I’m the event manager at IVSA. I love traveling, and during my previous studies, I went on an exchange myself. I found it amazing, and that’s why this year, together with Esther, I hope to inspire other students to go abroad by organizing exciting lectures and enriching exchanges. Hopefully, see you at one of our lectures!
Cornelie Ploeg, Event Manager
Marie Deweer,
Senior Exchange Officer
I’m Marie, 21 years old, and currently in my third year of Veterinary Medicine. This is my second year with IVSA Ghent, where I’m taking on the role of Senior Exchange Officer together with Thomas. My main focus is on organizing exchanges, 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.
Hi, I’m Melodie, 23 years old, and currently in my second year of my Master’s program. This year, I’ve taken on the role of secretary within IVSA Ghent. By joining IVSA, I’ve made friends all over the world, and I still stay in touch with many of them to this day! IVSA has opened many doors for me, which is why I’ve been a part of it for the past three years—and I’m far from done! In my free time, I enjoy going out for a drink and spending time cuddling with my cats!
Melodie Delporte,
Committee Communication Officer & Secretary
Hello! My name is Amélie Rombouts, and I’m currently in my second 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 PR intern, working alongside Linde to manage all of IVSA’s social media and put our activities in the spotlight. I’m excited to continue inspiring students and connecting them with international opportunities!
Amélie Rombouts, PR-intern
Hey, I’m Jikke. This year marks my third year with IVSA Ghent. With a strong interest in other cultures and how veterinary medicine is practiced abroad, I’ve really found my place here. This will be my final year with IVSA, as I’m in my third master’s year and will be graduating. Besides my studies and my role as JEO at IVSA, I love going for horseback rides in my free time (and, of course, traveling). For any questions regarding individual exchanges, you can reach out to me this year, and I’ll be more than happy to help you!
Jikke Breur,
Junior Exchange Officer