Student Spotlight: Cecile Le

Cecile smiling in front of mountains

Cecile Le

Program

Fifth-year student in the Faculty of Science (Honours Specialization in Biology)

Home country

Canada

Involvement with Western International

International Student Ambassador, Peer Guide and Education Abroad Participant

What led to my interest in biology

I’ve always been curious about how living things work and how science can be used to solve real-world problems.

My experience abroad

This summer (2025), I had a scientific research internship in Ecuador at the Agricultural Biotechnology Lab at Universidad San Francisco de Quito. My main project investigated fungi causing a disease on the vanilla bean plant, and I also helped with side projects on potatoes. On weekends, I explored the Amazon rainforest, the beach, and other parts of Ecuador. I’ve learned so much about a country and culture I knew nothing about before—and the best part has been how kind and generous the people are. This experience changed my life.

A highlight of my Western Experience so far

Being involved in the school community through clubs and volunteering. I have loved the sense of family I have felt over my four years.

Why I chose Western

I wanted a sense of independence. Moving away from home has definitely been the right choice.

My goals for the future

I hope to become a science diplomat, building relationships with other countries while sharing my science knowledge. I also hope to have travelled to even more countries.

My advice for new students

Say yes to everything! It might seem scary at first, but I think I have truly lived the full experience by opening myself up to new opportunities. A few months ago, I had no idea what to do with my summer and was very stressed about my future. Never in a million years would I have thought I’d make it to Ecuador. Sometimes life surprises you. Everything will eventually work out.

Something interesting about me

I had a near-death experience where I almost drowned!