Meet Your International Learning Ambassadors

Going on exchange was something I had been planning since the beginning of university, and I’m glad to say it exceeded all expectations. Living in the Netherlands allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, language, and education system, while also building friendships with people from around the world. Some of my favorite moments were biking through the streets of Rotterdam and taking advantage of the excellent train system to explore cities like Amsterdam and travel across Europe. My semester abroad truly broadened my horizons, and I would wholeheartedly recommend an exchange to anyone considering it.

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Hands down, I consider the exchange the most amazing opportunity of my years at Western. During the winter semester 2025 at Université de Tours in Tours, France I was not only able to immerse myself fully in French culture, but travel to over 10 countries in both Europe and Africa including riding a camel in Morocco and dancing in the streets in Seville. At Tours I enrolled in incredibly inspirational courses about media training where we used microphones and practiced being on television and conducting interviews. Studying abroad taught me independence, improved my French and created many long-lasting friendships with people all over the world. Exchange is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I encourage every student to pursue.

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Living in Korea pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me confidence in ways that staying home never could. From navigating a new culture and language to meeting others from all over the world, every day was invigorating. The friendships I’ve made here will last a lifetime, and I know I’ll always have a reason to travel and reconnect with people across the globe. I took the exact same courses I would’ve at Western while losing no progress in my degree. If you’re even considering exchange, take the leap—you won’t regret it.

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My time in Australia taught me valuable lessons about independence, deepened my understanding of Australian culture, gave me lifelong friends, and also reminded me that maybe surfing isn’t for everyone… Each new city I explored made me fall more and more in love with the country. It never felt like a vacation; it felt like I was building a life on the other side of the world.

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During the second semester of my third year, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Dan Management study abroad program at Radboud University in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. I joined a Western professor and fellow Western students while also taking courses alongside Radboud students. This experience allowed me to continue completing my required modules while exploring electives that broadened my academic perspective. Living and studying in Nijmegen immersed me in Dutch culture and history. Experiencing the city firsthand gave me a deeper appreciation for how people live, learn, and perceive education in different parts of the world. Sharing classrooms and ideas with people from diverse cultural backgrounds expanded my outlook not only on education, but also on life.

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Deciding to go on an exchange program was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, immerse myself in a completely new environment, and experience life from a different cultural perspective. Getting to study in a foreign country while learning about its traditions, values, and way of life was truly an incredible experience that shaped me both academically and personally.

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From London, Ontario to London, England, going on exchange for a semester was one of the best decisions I made at Western. Living in such a central city helped me grow more independent and confident. During my time abroad, I met friends from all over the world, experienced academic life in the UK, and traveled across both the UK and Europe on weekends. From exploring beautiful scenery to making unforgettable memories with friends, every trip was unique and meaningful. If I could give one piece of advice to anyone considering exchange, it would be to keep an open mind, go with the flow, put yourself out there, and embrace every moment of the experience because it goes by so quickly. My exchange is something I’ll talk about for the rest of my life, and it truly changed who I am today.

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I had the opportunity to study abroad at Korea University in South Korea, and it was easily the best year of my life. I got to explore all over Seoul, including also taking short trips to Jeju Island and Busan in Korea. My favourite memories are any of the sight-seeing and hanging out in Korea with the people I met there. I am still in contact with many of them and I have made memories to last a lifetime. There were small challenges as well, but being in a new environment, learning a new culture and language fostered so much good personal growth for me. I would recommend everyone to go on exchange, if possible, its such a unique and amazing experience to have!

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In the winter semester, I had the chance to complete an exchange in Tours, France! Living in a new city for five months challenged me in the best ways; immersing myself in a different culture, meeting friends from around the world, and travelling to nearby regions and countries. Exchange pushes you out of your comfort zone, but the independence and personal growth you gain are priceless. If your module allows for it, I encourage anyone to take the leap and go on an exchange during their undergraduate studies.

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My Exchange semester was truly unforgettable! Not only did I have privilege of visiting 12 countries and over 20 cities, but I also got the unique opportunity to become accustomed to everyday life in the Netherlands! From becoming a regular at a local restaurant to embarking on weekend adventures across Europe, the excitement never stopped. Both academically and personally, I was challenged to step outside my comfort zone and in doing so, I gained greater confidence, independence, and a deeper appreciation for different cultures. Beyond the thousands of photos and dozens of postcards, it’s the friendships and memories that I know will stay with me forever. Going on exchange truly has changed the way I see the world.

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Going on exchange was a life changing experience for me. Each new adventure is so impactful; from things as simple as going to my local grocery store and becoming a regular at my favourite restaurant, to travelling every weekend to a new country with new friends. Exchange teaches you to push yourself and do things you might be scared to do because it seriously pays off. In my semester abroad I made lifelong friends and memories I’ll never forget. In 5 months abroad, I travelled to 15 different countries and got to experience countless new cultures, experiences, and people. I could not recommend more highly doing a semester abroad with Western International!

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Looking back on my exchange to Perth, I feel so lucky to have had such a peaceful and fun experience. I spent a lot of time at Cottesloe Beach, went on long walks, and even took a stand-up paddle boarding Active Leadership course at the University of Western Australia. I also met some of my best friends there and got to experience local culture by visiting people’s hometowns and embracing the relaxed lifestyle. I was able to travel to New Zealand, Indonesia and around Australia, which made the adventure even more special. Overall, the exchange was the perfect opportunity for personal growth and left me feeling more independent, open minded, and appreciative of the people and cultures around me.

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Spending five months abroad was an incredible and transformative experience that allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, explore breathtaking landscapes, and grow both academically and personally. During my time at the University of Western Australia, I engaged in courses that aligned with my Media and Communications program while also exploring unique electives, such as Stand Up Paddleboarding, that gave me the chance to try something completely new. My semester abroad was truly one of the most incredible chapters of my life and I am so thankful to have had this opportunity.

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My time on exchange has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my university journey. Traveling to new countries and seeing different ways of life gave me a real appreciation for other cultures and perspectives. This photo was taken in Rome at the Colosseum, one of many unforgettable experiences I had while abroad. Exchange has also pushed me to grow, I became more independent and learned how to connect with people from all over the world. It’s something every student should do because it changes the way you see the world and gives you memories you’ll carry for life

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I had the privilege of going on exchange at Radboud University in Nijmegen, and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Over the four months in Europe, I traveled to new countries, met incredible people, tried new food, and built memories I’ll never forget. Living in the Netherlands showed me a new way of life, where work-life balance and enjoying life was valued far more than the fast-paced, work and school centered lifestyle I’m used to in Toronto and London.

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Spending my third-year winter term on exchange at the University of Hong Kong was an unforgettable experience. From engaging in dynamic classroom discussions with students from around the globe to exploring Hong Kong’s blend of tradition and modernity, every day presented a new opportunity to learn. Beyond my academic courses, I had the chance to go hiking on Lamma Island, enjoy the thrills of Ocean Park, and spend hours browsing through hidden vinyl record stores across the city. I loved watching the sunset along the urban coastline of Hong Kong. These experiences gave me the chance to build new friendships and discover a sense of independence. My exchange at HKU was truly one of the most memorable highlights of my third-year journey.

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