Students Gain Global Perspectives During Reading Week Abroad
This February, 50 students from Western’s main campus spent their Reading Week abroad, immersing themselves in new cultures, broadening their perspectives, and building global connections as part of their academic programs.
Students participated in three faculty-led trips to Cuba, Mexico, and El Salvador, organized by faculty and staff. Each program provided hands-on international and community-engaged learning (CEL) experiences designed to enhance their studies and deepen their understanding of global issues.
Western offers a variety of faculty-led study abroad opportunities across most faculties. These programs combine classroom learning with immersive international experiences. Study abroad trips range from one or two weeks to full-term placements, often following classroom preparation before departure.
Through these experiences, students not only expand their academic knowledge but also develop valuable skills and insights that prepare them for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
See below for photos and reflections from participants.
CEL Cuba Program
The CEL Cuba program offers students a unique opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in a community setting, collaborating with local educational institutions and residents. Students practice Spanish, engage with elementary school children through games and lessons, learn from community elders, and connect with peers from the University of Holguín.
"As a third-time participant in both the CEL Cuba trip and the study abroad program, my connection to Cuban culture has grown in ways I never imagined. The warmth and generosity of the Cuban people have taught me the true meaning of gratitude, happiness, and living fully in the moment. These experiences have given me the incredible opportunity to build long-lasting friendships with people across the world and create unforgettable memories that I will cherish forever. Not only have these trips advanced my Spanish, but they’ve also opened my eyes to a new perspective on life, revealing parts of myself I never knew existed." - Lydia Khrystych, fourth-year student in the Faculty of Social Science and trip participant
Study Trip to Oaxaca, Mexico
This study trip, a combined Art History and Photography course, takes students to Oaxaca, Mexico, where they explore the city’s rich cultural heritage — from ancient archaeological sites and colonial monuments to contemporary art and museums. Students also engage in creative photography production and collaborate on a final exhibition inspired by their experiences in Oaxaca.
Note: this year's student exhibition is titled Querid@ Oaxaca / Dear Oaxaca and is available for viewing March 21 – April 10 in Western’s Department of Visual Arts Cohen Commons
“As a fourth-year student standing at the edge of graduation, this trip was more than an academic experience. It was a love letter to myself, a farewell to the years that have shaped me and a welcome to the unknown path ahead. It was a reminder that even at the end of one journey, there is always room for new beginnings, new people, and new ways to see the world. I can say with complete certainty that this trip changed me. It gave me moments I’ll carry for a lifetime, friendships that will stay with me long after this semester, and a deep, resounding gratitude for taking that leap into the unknown. This wasn’t just a trip, it was a chapter of my life that I will never forget.” – Parin Jitana, fourth-year student in the Faculty of Arts & Humanities and trip participant
“My experience on the trip was filled with new memories, new friends, and adventure-packed days. I spent the days with the class discovering as many new art styles, foods, and environments as possible. I can’t express how grateful I am to have gone on this experience. I bonded with my classmates, got a break from the Canadian winter with a beautiful Mexican sun, and found myself enthralled in the history and artistry of an amazing city.” – Jason Kennedy, second-year student in the Faculty of Health Sciences and trip participant
MIT 3955G: Environmental Crisis in El Salvador
This intensive international course combines five weeks of background study with a week-long field experience in El Salvador. Students meet directly with community leaders, Indigenous activists, and environmental organizations to learn about local struggles for environmental justice and the preservation of historical memory. While in El Salvador, students maintain a daily field journal and complete related coursework upon their return.
“This February, 16 undergraduate students from Western, Huron, and King’s joined Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) professor Amanda Grzyb and Salvadoran environmental leader, Pedro Cabezas, in El Salvador for a course focused on the social, environmental, and economic vulnerabilities in the country. The group included students from media and communication studies, engineering, geology, political science, international relations, social justice and peace, psychology, computer science, and economics. During their time in El Salvador, they met with communities impacted by sugarcane, land grabs, and mining projects. They also met with Salvadoran scholars, Indigenous and social movement leaders, youth activists, and development organizations that promote sustainable alternatives and cooperatives.” – Amanda Grzyb, FIMS Professor and faculty leader
Learn more about Faculty-Led Programs and other education abroad opportunities on Western International's website.
