Meet Zara Taylor
Zara Taylor
Program
Fourth-year student in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies
Home Country
Canada
Connection to Western International
Global Learning Ambassador/Exchange Participant
Global Experience in
Pamplona, Spain
Impact of my global learning experience
During exchange, I made lifelong friends, experienced different cultures, and became much more confident in myself. Being surrounded by people from different backgrounds allowed me to learn new perspectives and appreciate different ways of life. I was able to step outside of my comfort zone, try new things, and become more independent. The experiences I had while abroad helped me grow both personally and socially, and I came back with a better understanding of myself and the world around me.
Why I chose Western
I was drawn to the strong sense of community, the opportunities available to students, and the variety of programs and experiences it offers. I was also drawn to Western’s campus environment and the balance between academics, extracurricular involvement, and meeting new people
Other highlights from my Western experience
One of the biggest highlights of my experience was the sense of community and the friendships I built along the way. Western provided so many opportunities to get involved, meet new people, and step outside of my comfort zone, including the opportunity to go on exchange to Spain. Being able to experience a different culture while connecting with people from around the world was something I’ll always be grateful for. The support and experiences I’ve had at Western have helped me grow personally, become more confident, and create memories that will stay with me beyond university.
A fun fact about me
I visited 13 places during my exchange.
My advice for students considering going abroad
My advice for students considering going abroad is to be open to new experiences and not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. It can feel overwhelming at first, but putting yourself out there is how you meet new people and make the most of the experience. Try to say yes to opportunities, whether that’s exploring a new place, joining an event, or talking to someone new. The people you meet and the experiences you have will end up being some of the most memorable parts of your university experience.
