Jess Erb is headed to Tonga as part of a Unitec vet programme ^Featured

Jess Erb of Inglewood recently completed her first year of veterinary nursing and hopes to learn more about fixing foreign animals.

In an interview with stuff correspondent Brittany Baker,  Erb revealed her exitement of her planned travel to Tonga.

"I would love to do more voluntary work on exotic species," she said. "They all have their own sort of personality"

On Friday 12 December, the 24-year-old will travel to Tonga as part of a 10-day hands-on programme through Unitec.

Erb's love for animals began on her father's dairy goat farm years ago and has developed to a need to help all the little creatures of the world.

"When I was about 18, I worked at Hearing Dogs in New Plymouth," Erb said. 

"I worked there for a few years and then I got my certificate in wild animals."

From there, she learnt how to care for more "exotic" animals at the Brookland's Zoo.

"I really liked the birds," Erb said. "We used to sing to each other and they would dance and bob their heads."

Now at Energy Vets in Inglewood, Erb said her variety of experiences have helped her grow into the vet she wants to be.

"I've definitely expanded as a person. "I can read their [animals'] body language."

She aspires to travel to South Africa and learn more about unfamiliar animals. Until then, Erb was satisfied with the Polynesian island getaway.

"I'm nervous but I'm sure I'll get a hang of it." he added bit of knowledge comes from a unique opportunity through her university.

Every year, the Unitec sends about 15 students to set up a "temporary clinic" in Tonga, where no trained vets were available.

The chosen students then treat parasites and desex animals for free. "I'm a bit nervous. I'm sort of getting thrown into the deep end," she said.

"I'm sure I'll learn lots and see heaps." And as the only "distance learner" - an off-campus student who completes course work online - Erb said she was especially anxious in meeting a group of strangers.

But most of all, she was happy to be chosen for such a unique learning experience. "They tell you about the programme in the beginning of the year.

"As soon as I heard 'Tonga', I knew I had to go."

- Stuff