Experience
Our Stories
How will you combine experiences with your studies? Will you fit in somewhere new? Why did current students choose Western?
What experiences did they choose?
Internships, community-engaged learning, researching, launching your own business, ideating your own research project — there's no shortage of options. Watch these stories to see how other Western students have built their ideal experience.
Live and Learn Abroad
Jasia chose to study abroad in France 🇫🇷 while completing her degree with the School for Advanced Studies in the Arts & Humanities and French Studies. If you ask her, she'd say the opportunities you have as a Western student are extraordinary.
Get Practical Experience
Adam's internship led him to a career path he never expected. He's grateful he was able to test-drive working in an Art Gallery as part of his studies. At Western, you learn through experience.
Build a Career with Impact
Shoshauna is using her combined degree in Chemical Engineering and Business to create and sell cosmetics that celebrate diversity in race and gender identity. Shoshauna has taken her learning to the next level.
Impress Future Employers
Bryan chose to conduct research at the undergraduate level and travel to Germany while studying Mechanical Engineering. These experiences allowed him to live out his dream and gain a competitive advantage. Research abroad, practice locally — your resumé will be impressive.
Focus on the Human Side of Things
Katie is doing her own study about how she can help her peers with their mental health by using kindness as an intervention. This is the human side of health.
Bring the World to Your Classroom
Danilla chose to study Health Studies at Western because she wanted a lot of choice in her future career. She really enjoys the active learning spaces that virtually bring students from around the world right into her classroom.
Learn from Professionals
Kinesiology was an obvious choice for Jennifer, as she's always loved sports and science. She takes advantage of the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic on campus to immediately apply what she learns in the classroom.
Take Your Knowledge Everywhere
Zaiq chose to go on exchange to Australia while completing his Kinesiology degree at Western. This practical experience helped Zaiq to better understand what he was learning and why it is important.
Centred Around You
Jamie chose to study Nursing at Western because it is so student- focused and student-centred. During her studies she received exposure to all the different types of nursing. Her placements were in various areas of the hospital as well as the community.
Build Your Confidence
Rachael chose to study Nursing at Western because of the simulation labs. Working alongside faculty members in the simulation labs develops your confidence before you embark on your first practical placement.
Question What Others Don't
Simran chose this program because she wants to learn media skills — while also viewing, understanding, and creating media using a critical lens.
Create Your Vision
Spencer chose to combine his Information & Media Studies degree with Music so he can apply his creativity in various production fields. Build exactly the experience you want.
Like a Pro
Kendra loves being able to write, record, and produce her own music in a professional studio at Western.
Go After What You Love
Morgan chose to combine Music Education and French Studies so she can pursue her passions. She finds it equally challenging and rewarding.
Learn With Your Community
Jermiah chose to study Integrated Science at Western because he wanted a quality education with a balance of community. Western has given him that.
Understand All Perspectives
Nadia's favourite part of her program is the way science is taught from different perspectives because that's how you understand problems. She also loves how Western has many different communities that overlap—something you can't find anywhere else.
Advocate for Your Peers
Montana chose to get involved with student clubs, groups and teams during his studies at Western. He is the VP of the Science Students’ Council and enjoys the opportunity to work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Apply Your Learning to Your Community
Zameena chose to study Biochemistry and Cancer Biology at Western so she can focus on cancer research. She is taking what she learns from all the different people, different programs and different perspectives, and applying it to her own learning.
Expand Your World View
Marisa chose to take her studies in International Relations and French to the next level by spending nine months in the South of France. Her experience was unforgettable.
High-Performing, Inside and Outside the Classroom
As a varsity athlete, Nicolas is great at time management. As an economist, he also knows all about efficiency. He uses all of the resources available to him to optimize every minute of his day.
Launch Your Own Venture
Brendan chose to study Consumer Behavior at Western to assist with his DJ business. The program has helped Brendan with his brand, understanding his clientele, accounting and day-to-day networking.
Build Your Network
Connor chose to make his Western experience entrepreneurial by joining the DAN Management Student Association and attending networking events to meet potential employers. He also completed an internship in the financial services industry to gain real-world experience.
Follow Your Passions
Hannah chose to study Media, Information and Technoculture to take her passion to the next level. As an influencer, author and activist, Hannah is charting a path for change. Her Western experience helps her explore new ways to make a difference.
Create a Better Future
These students chose experiences and courses to build a more sustainable world. They're already impacting their communities, and are preparing to make their mark in their careers and beyond.
What’s it like to move here from another province or country?
Moving is a big decision! You're brave, and you're ready. What was it like for these students? Let them tell you.
Moving from Calgary, Alberta 🇨🇦
Kaiz Alarakyia is an undergraduate student studying Engineering and Business.
Moving from Vancouver, BC 🇨🇦
Deniz Alper is an undergraduate student studying Health Sciences and Sociology.
Moving from Winnipeg, Manitoba 🇨🇦
Sarah Brolley is an undergraduate student studying Music and French Language and Literature.
Moving from St. John's, Newfoundland 🇨🇦
Aanchal Ralhan is an undergraduate student studying Health Sciences.
Moving from Victoria, BC 🇨🇦
Samantha Roberts is an undergraduate student studying Art History & Criticism with a certificate in Business French.
Moving from China 🇨🇳
Shawn is from China and is studying in the Faculty of Social Science. “To summarize my one-year experience at Western, I would say ‘community.’ Everyone is so friendly and the staff and faculty are really flexible. They are here to help you.”
Moving from Greece 🇬🇷
Rebecca was born in the United Kingdom but raised in Greece. She’s studying in Western’s School for the Advanced Studies in Arts & Humanities (SASAH). An active participant in Theatre Western and other activities on campus, she loves the connections she’s made here.
Moving from Bangladesh 🇧🇩
Peya is from Bangladesh and came to Western to be part of campus life and enjoy city life too. “I would definitely recommend Western to other international students because of the beautiful campus and the chance to meet people from all different walks of life and different cultures.”
Moving from Angola 🇦🇴
Cintya is an Engineering student from Angola, who first studies at the Western English Language Centre before beginning her degree. “The professors are really great here and they want to help all the students succeed."
Moving from China 🇨🇳
Tianyi is from China and has a combined major of Business with Food and Nutrition. She plans to open a restaurant some day. “My life at Western is pretty great because I feel Western is very supportive to International students."
Every experience will be different, including yours!
Ask current students about their extracurriculars, work experiences, classroom experiences, and anything else you're curious about.