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of , students with two holidays each year . Admittedly , I . V . S . A . Congresses are held in the unique , convivial atmosphere of professional friendship for which veterinary student get-togethers are renowned worldwidel However , in most cases , delegates to Congress are the elected representatives of their country ' s veterinary students . As such , I believe that ยท an underlying hope exists ' amongst the delegates that , in some way , they may be helping international relations by promoting the exchange of ideas and the encouragement of mutual understanding . The Congresses ' are an attempt to unite member countries through full programmes of professional , academic , social and sporting activities .
Counting among its membership black and white Africa , and East and West Europe , I . V . S . A . considers itself a nonpolitical organisation . The breakdown of the political barrier is particularly apparent in the field of student exchange , which is one of the chief functions of the Association . Last summer 142 students took advantage of the exchange system and combined a holiday with the opportunity to enlarge their professional horizons by working and watching in the veterinary field abroad . Accommodation is often provided free in the host country and certain organizations and trusts sometimes provide grants both for travel and for day-today expenses . I ' am sure that many students would welcome ' the establishment of a working exchange programme with the United States and I hope that as we work towards the eventual membership of the N . C . S . C . to I . V . S . A . we will be able to develop the exchange system to the advantage of the students both from current member countries and the United States .
Like so many student organizations , the I . V . S . A . since its foundation in 1951 , has suffered from fluctuating fortunes in the struggle , to overcome the problems of discontinuity . The establishment last year of a permanent Information Centre in Utrecht Netherland has been a major step towards overcoming this hurdle . A further aid to integration is a regular production of Newsletters for members and the publishing of an annual magazine . We have
8 recently heard that the Japanese Veterin ' ary Students Association translates the Newsletter into the Japanese language for circUlation to its members ! However , I firmly believe that the Congresses are the primary aid to unity and so have no qualms about supporting the idea of holding two each year . Following a successful Winter Congress in the United Kingdom , the 1972 Summer Congress is to be held in Lisbon , Portugal , and we hope N . C . S . C . will be represented .
Although I . V . S . A . is primarily designed for national membership , or for individual schools where no national veterinary student association exists , membership is also to individuals-undergraduates or up to four years post-graduates . Of course , the Association is totally non-profit making and , as a student body , does constantly aim to keep the subscription low . The Secretary , Colin Ellis , in London , will be happy to answer any enquiries .
Now that the major ' attempt has been successfully made to organize the American veterinary students into a national body , I sincerely hope that , at last , the United States veterinary student can bring to play his appropriate role in the international veterinary student scene . At the opening ceremony of the 1972 Winter Congress ' at the Royal Veterinary College in London this January , Her Majesty , Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother graciously consented to send a message to delegates . This was it : -
" As Chancellor of the University of London , it gives me great pleasure to welcome aU delegates attending the 1972 Winter Congress of the International Veterinary Students Association at The Royal Veterinary College . At a time when it is most important to work for a better relationship between all peoples ,
I believe that international student organisations have a valuable role to play , for , by gathering together students from allover the world , they are encouraging a better sense of understanding and sympathy amongst the younger generation ."
ELIZABETH - R Queen Mother
Perhaps , therefore , in our own small way , we might possibly be able to try and help to calm a troubled world . I hope so and I hope we can look forward to the support of our American colleagues .
Iowa State University Veterinarian