Meet Madeleine Loudon
Madeleine Loudon
Program
Fourth-year student in the Faculty of Social Science
Home Country
Canada
Connection to Western International
Global Learning Ambassador/Faculty-Led Abroad Participant
Global Experience in
Nijmegen, Netherlands
Impact of my global learning experience
Studying abroad at Radboud University in the Netherlands was one of the most impactful experiences of my university career. Living in a new country challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, become more independent, and adapt to unfamiliar situations with confidence. One of the most meaningful parts of my exchange was meeting people from all over the world and building friendships with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. Through these connections, I gained new perspectives, learned about different traditions and ways of life, and developed a greater appreciation for cultural diversity. Travelling throughout Europe further broadened my perspective by allowing me to experience different histories, languages, and communities firsthand. This experience has made me more open-minded, adaptable, and globally aware, and it continues to influence how I approach collaboration, leadership, and building relationships with others.
Why I chose Western
I chose to attend Western because it aligned with both my academic interests and my personal goals. The Management and Organizational Studies program offered the opportunity to explore consumer behaviour and marketing while providing flexibility to get involved outside the classroom. Western also held a special place in my family, as my dad completed his undergraduate degree here and always spoke highly of his experience. Hearing about the strong sense of community and school spirit made me excited to become part of the Western community myself, and looking back, it has been one of the best decisions I've made. Over the past three years, I've grown both personally and professionally through the incredible opportunities, leadership experiences, and lifelong friendships I've built along the way.
Other highlights from my Western experience
One of the biggest highlights of my time at Western has been my involvement in student leadership through the Social Science Students' Council (SSSC), Western Environmental Business (WEB), and Bags of Promise (BOP). These organizations gave me the opportunity to take on communications and marketing leadership roles where I planned events, developed marketing campaigns, managed social media, and collaborated with passionate students from across campus. Beyond developing valuable professional skills, these experiences introduced me to incredible people, allowed me to make a meaningful impact on the Western community, and gave me countless opportunities to grow as a leader. Looking back, my involvement in these clubs has been one of the most rewarding and memorable parts of my university experience.
A fun fact about me
I did competitive dance growing up!
My advice for new students or students considering going abroad
My biggest piece of advice is to say yes to opportunities, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Getting involved in clubs and student organizations was one of the best decisions I made at Western, as it helped me build friendships, develop new skills, and make the most of my university experience. If you're considering studying abroad, I would encourage you to take the leap. It can feel intimidating at first, but it is an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to meet people from around the world, experience new cultures, and grow in ways you never expected. The memories, friendships, and confidence you gain make it well worth it.
