Meet Finley Butler

Impact of my global learning experience

My exchange semester was one of the highlights of my Western experience, defined by friendship, adventure and growth. Between snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, hiking Mt. Batur in Bali, and skydiving in Byron Bay, I learned to adapt, push past my comfort zone, and trust myself in completely new situations. I know the friendships and memories will last a lifetime. I am so grateful for this opportunity through Western International and want to help anyone considering or committed to an exchange in any way possible.

Why I chose Western

I was drawn to Western for its unique Media, Information & Technoculture (MIT) program and unparalleled student experience, both of which have exceeded my expectations. Coming from Vancouver, Western quickly became my home away from home and has given me every opportunity for an amazing university experience.

Other highlights from my Western experience

• First-Year Residence in Med-Syd
• Media and Communication Studies (MACS) Internship Program
• Living in off-campus housing with my roommates

A fun fact about me

I lived in Austria until I was 2 years old! My dad was playing professional basketball overseas and Europe was my first home.

My advice for students going abroad

Make an effort to get to know your fellow Western exchange students before you head off on your adventure. After meeting at the pre-departure dinner, the four of us going to Griffith went out for dinner again on our own to get to know each other better. It made us all feel more comfortable, and we ended up deciding to share an apartment together, which was amazing. We quickly became inseparable, and knowing them before we left made my whole experience so much better.