Meet Jillian Mahoney

Impact of my global learning experience

My exchange experience in the winter semester was one of the most beneficial and life-altering experiences I've had so far. The University of Leeds was the perfect fit for me! Great accessibility of school clubs, societies, and sports teams, combined with its amazing campus culture and ease of getting around, made it an ideal home base. Going on exchange pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged my independence, and as a result, I built long-lasting friendships with people from all over the world that I know will last a lifetime. Learning from professors with such diverse backgrounds and perspectives also enriched my education in ways I couldn't have gotten back home, exposing me to new ways of thinking about my field. Western International made the entire process seamless, offering a reliable resource for any questions or concerns during the transition, so that all we had to focus on was our studies and making lasting memories.

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I encourage every student to study abroad during their undergraduate degree!

Why I chose Western

I chose Western for its uplifting campus life and the sheer number of opportunities available to every student who walks through its doors. There's a special kind of history here for me, too: both of my parents are Western alumni, and walking through buildings that hold their memories, now beautifully renovated to give today's students every tool they need to thrive, makes the experience feel personal in a way I didn't expect. What drew me in just as much, though, was knowing that support is never far away. Resources and encouragement are woven into everyday campus life, pushing students to step outside their comfort zones while making it just as easy to ask for help, whether personally or academically. That combination is what makes Western stand out: a vibrant social scene, a genuine sense of community despite its size, a legacy of academic excellence, and a real commitment to student wellbeing.

Other highlights from my Western experience

• O-week activities in first year
• Watching Mustang sports games
• Thursday night trivia at the spoke
• Living with my best friends in my student house
• Long study sessions in Weldon library with my friends
• Intramural flag football and dodgeball

A fun fact about me

I have played hockey since I was 4, and recently ran a half-marathon in April!

My advice for students considering going abroad

Deciding whether to study abroad is a monumental choice, and feeling overwhelmed is completely natural. But that nervousness isn't a bad thing; it's a sign you're pushing yourself into the unknown, and that's exactly what makes the experience so valuable. You only really learn when you step into a place unsure of what will happen. Beyond emotional preparation, I'd recommend focusing on the practical shift in lifestyle that comes with moving across the globe. Many students focus solely on academics and end up disappointed because the location doesn't fit how they actually want to live. You can never do too much research, but you can absolutely be underprepared, so make sure the culture and climate of the city speak to you as much as the curriculum does.

And once you're there: GO TO ALL ABROAD AND SOCIAL EVENTS! It's one of the easiest ways to meet people who understand exactly what you're going through, and it opens up your circle to building real-life friendships at your new school. Above all, remember that having doubts doesn't mean the decision is wrong. Growth is supposed to feel a little nerve-wracking.

Take as many pictures on exchange as possible!