Meet Your International Learning Ambassadors
Christina
Global Connect in Costa Rica & Faculty-Led Study Abroad MIT trip in El Salvador
I was in the first cohort from Western to participate in the Global Connect Costa Rica program on sustainability. This experience let us connect with local community members and learn about their sustainability efforts. It was an exciting week full of learning and meaningful interactions with amazing people. We explored organic stevia and pineapple farms, sampled insects as a sustainable protein source, tried various tropical fruits, participated in a zero-waste cooking class, and stayed at a women-led cooperative. Plus, I crossed surfing off my bucket list!
Additionally, during the Winter term, I participated in the Faculty-Led Study Abroad MIT trip to El Salvador. We explored both historical and current environmental and political issues, including the impact of mining and industrial production on local communities. Hearing these stories directly from community members was incredibly eye-opening and provided a perspective that simply cannot be achieved through classroom learning alone. This trip expanded my understanding of global issues and became one of the most enriching courses and experiences of my undergraduate journey.
Erin
Absolute Internship in France
My favourite part of my international internship was working closely with my team members, getting hands-on experience in the lab. I learned how to synthesize proteins for analysis, which gave me a real taste of scientific work. I also attended conferences where I met and learned from top researchers in France and across Europe (and got to practice my French conversational skills). This experience not only deepened my biochemistry knowledge, which was transferable to my coursework at Western, but also allowed me to experience scientific research from new perspectives.
Esther
Exchange at City University in Hong Kong
Looking back on my exchange to Hong Kong, I’m grateful I got to take part in a unique opportunity to experience life in a new city filled with rich culture. From trying local cafes, camping out at the beach, or exploring busy street markets with friends, so many fun memories were formed during my time abroad. Going on exchange pushed me to grow in a multitude of ways; it taught me to be self-resourceful in times of uncertainty, optimistic in trying new things, and appreciative of the diversity and culture that surrounds me in everyday life.
Grace
Exchange at Radboud University in the Netherlands
One of the best parts of my exchange experience was the chance to travel around Europe. Whenever I could, I would plan a quick weekend trip and invite new friends to join me. I met so many incredible people who were also eager to explore during their exchange, making each trip even more exciting. I was fortunate to visit the Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, and Spain. Thanks to the efficient train system in the Netherlands, I also traveled frequently to one of my favorite cities, Amsterdam. I'll never forget the amazing people I met and the best memories I made in the coolest places, all thanks to the opportunity to go on exchange!
Katrina
Exchange at the National University of Singapore
Going on exchange to the National University of Singapore felt like a vacation, but with so much more depth. This experience allowed me to fully immerse myself in a new lifestyle. I got to explore Singapore’s tropical ecology, taste foods from across Asia, enjoy coastal views in this highly developed country, and participate in countless activities. And yes, the seafood was incredible, and it’s a paradise for durian lovers. Living under different social norms and policies opened my eyes to how others live, choose, and think around the world.
Kiara
Exchange at Aarhus University in Denmark
Going on exchange was one of the best decisions I have made in my time here at Western. I got to experience an entirely new culture, language, and education in Denmark, and I made friendships that will last a lifetime. If I could give one piece of advice for people thinking about doing a semester abroad, it would be to keep an open mind and to put yourself out there. My semester abroad definitely changed the person I am and made me more confident in many aspects of my life.
Kobby
Exchange at the Chinese University of Hong Kong
The photo was from ACGHK, one of Hong Kong’s biggest conventions of animation, comics and games. I’m a big fan of all of those things, so when I saw the incredible Optimus Prime costume, I had to get a photo. I went with a friend and we had an incredible time seeing the various cosplays, buying the art, and playing demos of new games. It was the second convention I had ever gone to, and it was an amazing experience, making it one of my most cherished memories of the trip. This was one of the various things we were able to do during our 6-week exchange in Hong Kong. The experience was so much fun we were talking of returning before we had even left.
Linda
Exchange at the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Being surrounded by strangers from such diverse backgrounds, the initial loneliness seemed to be magnified to its max. Yet, this very challenge sparked many unexpected connections. We battled jet lag together, crammed for exams, and hunted down the city’s hidden culinary treasures. Through these shared experiences, I found this daunting loneliness transforming into a strange sense of belonging.
As you embark on your own exchange journey, I encourage you to dive deeper into your new surroundings. Seek out those hidden gems—just like the best restaurants are often tucked away in alleyways, the most memorable experiences are often found off the beaten path. Embrace the unfamiliar and allow yourself to truly discover and connect with your destination beyond the typical tourist spots. Your adventure awaits, and it’s sure to be as enriching as it is exciting.
Luz Victoria
Study Abroad at Rondine Cittadella della Pace in Italy
I was lucky enough to go on two international experiences. The first one was in Italy, where I had the opportunity to live in Arezzo for a month and learn Italian while being immersed in the culture. I got to live with seven other girls in an apartment, and we spent all month together. We had the opportunity to travel and experience new things as well as do our assignments together. I still speak with some of them to this day.
My second experience was with the University of Liverpool, where I had the opportunity to participate in microbiology research. In this experience, I got to work with people from different parts of the world and interact with them often. These two opportunities enabled me to experience different cultures, make new friends, and helped me become more independent. If any students have the opportunity to go abroad, I would tell them to go for it!
Madeline
Exchange at Monash University in Australia
I studied overseas at Monash University in Western Australia during my last semester in third year. This photo was taken by my close friend (who I had met on the very first exchange social at Monash) in front of the Sydney Harbour bridge. Being able to have the amazing opportunity to explore and call Australia my temporary home was one of the best experiences I could have ever asked for. Meeting new friends from all different parts of the world, exploring a new campus and exposing myself to new surroundings and cultures quickly became the most fulfilling and memorable adventure I had embarked on. Although my six months in Australia was short, it gave me memories that I will forever cherish and be grateful for.
Noura
Aging Globally Health Sciences Internship in Sweden
Completing my health sciences internship in Sweden was a transformative experience that significantly advanced my professional and personal growth. It deepened my expertise in health sciences, broadened my understanding of global health challenges, and enhanced my cultural awareness and adaptability. Working in Sweden improved my ability to collaborate with diverse teams and approach problems from various perspectives. It’s a journey I will cherish and build upon throughout my career, continuously drawing inspiration from the insights and experiences gained during my time abroad.
Olivia
Study Abroad at Rondine Cittadella della Pace & EU Study Abroad in Italy & Belgium
I have had so many amazing memories from my time studying abroad in both Italy and Belgium. However, my best memory while studying abroad in Italy was when our class went on a weekend trip to Rome. During this weekend, we explored the streets of Rome, saw spectacular monuments, and got to experience nightlife in the city. I met some of my best friends on these trips and I had the best time experiencing both the Italian and Belgian cultures, meeting locals who have become great friends of mine even from so far away, and learning so much about myself and the world around me. These opportunities have transformed my university experience in so many positive ways.
Sophie
Study Abroad at the University of New South Wales
I have so many great memories from my exchange in Sydney, Australia, but one of my favourites was definitely my first Aussie road trip. I had just moved into a beach house in Sydney with 30 other exchange students that I met upon arrival. We all became close friends right away and decided to take a trip up the coast to Byron Bay. We went to surf camp, explored isolated coastal beaches, and ultimately a few of us road tripped back to Sydney. Bonding with my new friends and exploring the Australian coast was truly incredible and I would give anything to relive it. This trip was the kickstart to the best five months of my life.
Zoe
Exchange at Waseda University in Japan and Western Heads East
My time at Waseda University in Japan was an absolute blast! From exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo and Osaka to the serene beauty of Shikoku and Hokkaido, every moment was an adventure. I celebrated homecoming (bunkasai) with friends from different universities, watched breathtaking fireworks for the summer festival (matsuri), and even had a training camp (gasshuku) with my band club—an experience that was both intense and incredibly rewarding. The friendships I made and the memories I created have left a lasting impression, making this international learning experience one of the highlights of my life!
