Through these 15 images, we'll embark on a virtual journey across continents, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes, captivating cultures, and unique experiences that await those who choose to study abroad. This project isn't just about showcasing stunning scenery; it's about revealing the transformative power of travel. By stepping out of their comfort zones and immersing themselves in new worlds, these students embarked on unforgettable adventures, while also gaining a deeper understanding of themselves.

So, prepare to be inspired. Let these vibrant photos ignite your wanderlust and spark a desire to explore. Who knows, maybe the next adventure awaits just beyond the next page…

By: Evan Riley

Anna Hendrick, a Western student, spent a semester in Costa Rica doing a service learning program to complement her double major in Spanish and music. She volunteered at a music and cultural center, engaging with the local community. Anna's photos capture her immersion in the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Pura Vida!

All photos courtesy of Hendrick.

Photo 1: Anna pictured on a suspension bridge at the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica.

Photo 2:  La Fortuna Waterfall plunges a staggering 230 feet into a turquoise pool below. The force of the cascading water creates a constant mist that hangs in the air.

Photo 3: Near Anna’s homestay in San José, Costa Rica lies Parque de la Paz Park. This is a large urban park on the outskirts of San Jose. The park is known for its tranquility, offering a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Photo 4: Butterfly landing on Anna’s finger while at a butterfly garden. With over 1,500 species fluttering around its rainforests, cloud forests, and dry forests, Costa Rica boasts a staggering 18% of the world's total butterfly population.

Aeryn studied abroad in France in the fall of 2023. The language immersion program she participated in was challenging but rewarding, pushing her to grow in new ways. Her whirlwind of experiences echoes this sentiment — she participated in local activities like hockey games, explored the French countryside, and even ventured into a cave. Aeryn embraced the opportunity to fully immerse herself in French culture and broaden her horizons

All photos courtesy of Aeryn.

Photo 1: Aeryn at a hockey game with a face painted in the team's colors at a local hockey game in France.

Photo 2:  Aeryn laces up her boots and sets off on a hike through the French countryside. Lush green fields and quaint villages dot the rolling landscape.

Photo 3: Aeryn embarks on a weekend adventure, hiking amidst the snow-capped peaks of the majestic Swiss Alps. The crisp mountain air invigorates her as she takes in the breathtaking panorama.

Photo 4: With a local friend as her guide, Aeryn explores a hidden gem - a charming castle nestled in the heart of her friend's hometown.

Photo 5: Aeryn ventures into a French cave. The air is cool and damp, punctuated by the drip of water droplets. Her headlamp cuts through the darkness, revealing glistening formations.

Joe Fitzgerald, a graduating senior at Western, studied philosophy in New Zealand for a year and is now planning to move there after graduation. His time abroad was filled with adventure — backpacking, fly fishing, biking, spearfishing, and surfing — thanks to the diverse environment present throughout the country.

All photos courtesy of Fitzgerald.

Photo 1: Joe and a charismatic local he clicked with at an open mic.

Photo 2: In the remote New Zealand backcountry, Joe and his companion inch their way up a mountain peak. Crisp air and fog swirl around them, a constant reminder of the ever-changing conditions.

Photo 3: A reflection of a majestic mountain range in a still body of water.

Photo 4: The Kepler Track, a well-known multi-day hike located in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. The trail winds through beech forests, past glacial lakes, and over mountain ridges.

Photo 5: The Douglas Rock Hut in New Zealand’s Westland Tai Poutini National Park. It sits on the shores of Lake Brunner and looks out at Mount Sefton, a peak in the Southern Alps.

Photo 6: Looking out from the window of the Douglas Rock Hut, a scene of majestic mountains unfolds. The Southern Alps dominate the view, their peaks capped with pristine white snow that gleams in the sunlight.