Study Abroad Peer Advocates
Learn about the study abroad experience and how to get started from the student perspective—reach out to a peer advocate who studied abroad in your region, shares your major/minor, or went on the program type you’d like to go on!
Select students from our drop-down menu to learn more.
- Majors: Business Technologies and Analytics, and Spanish
- Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
- Program: Butler Semester in Spain
Abby Kurek is a senior double majoring in Business Technologies and Analytics and Spanish. She studied with the Semester in Spain program which is held in the famous Cervantes town, Acala De Henares. During the fall of 2024, she was able to not only learn about different Spanish cultures, but traveled to other countries as well and eventually saw the ruins of Pompeii, which she has been in awe of since 3rd grade.
Next international experience Abby is planning on:
She continues her love of studying abroad by being a peer advocate for the Center of Global Education, and hopes to travel after graduation.
- Majors: Marketing and Finance
- Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
- Program: Butler Exchange, WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management – Vallendar, Germany
After visiting Europe senior year of high school, Billy knew soon after he would want to study abroad during college, and eventually got the opportunity to in Vallendar, Germany through the first four months of 2025. The rolling hills of the small town of Vallendar to the grand celebrations in Cologne were a experience he will never forget! On top of experiencing the German lifestyle, he was fortunate enough to travel to various other countries such as Greece, Switzerland, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, and many more! He was very grateful for this great experience allowing him to not only see the world, but truly experience it, through new languages, foods, and amazing lifestyles!
Next international experience Billy is planning on:
Hopefully land a business internship during the summer in a country he hasn’t been to before.
- Major: Psychology
- Expected Graduation: Winter 2025
- Program: Butler Exchange, Macquarie University – Sydney, Australia
Cathleen knew she wanted to study abroad during her time at Butler, and studying in Sydney, Australia for a semester changed her life! She was able to immerse herself in the city of Sydney, as well as travel up and down the east coast of Australia and into New Zealand. She was able to take psychology courses that opened her worldview for her major, learning about international opportunities in the field. She also took classes exploring Indigenous Australian history, which especially transformed her experience abroad. Her favorite memory was hiking to the top of Mt. Amos in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania.
Next international experience Cathleen is planning on:
Cathleen plans to attend law school next fall but hopes to travel abroad again before pursuing her graduate studies!
- Majors: Political Science and Spanish ; African Studies Minor
- Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
- Program: CGEE Augsburg College: Nation Building, Globalization, and Decolonizing the Mind – Windhoek, Namibia
Claire studied abroad during the 2025 spring semester in Southern Africa. Most of the program took place in Windhoek, Namibia but the first two weeks of the program were in Johannesburg and Capetown, South Africa. She has always had an interest in studying colonization and imperialism and this program was the perfect opportunity to do that. She took classes taught by experts in the fields of history, politics, and environmental science. During the semester, Claire also got to complete two homestays and learn directly from Namibians about their perspectives on the country and their hopes and dreams for the future. Exploring all around the country and also Zimbabwe and Botswana during Spring Break were the highlights of her study abroad experience. Dune 7, the NamibRand Nature Reserve, and Table Mountain were particularly beautiful sites. She also made many life long friends and hopes to return to Namibia soon.
Next international experience Grace is planning:
Doing a trip in Central Asia or Southeast Asia post-grad.
- Major: Marketing
- Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
- Program Type and Location: Butler Rome Centre
Devyn’s semester in Rome through the Butler IFSA program was nothing short of life-changing. As a marketing major, she found herself fully immersed in the vibrant culture—learning the language, exploring the city’s rich history, and connecting deeply with the local lifestyle. From the busy markets to quiet moments in Roman cafés, every experience added a new layer to her personal and professional growth. She built lasting friendships with other Butler students, creating a close-knit community that made the adventure even more meaningful. The program exceeded every expectation, offering the perfect balance of academic classes and cultural immersion. She couldn’t have chosen a better place or program to study abroad, and she carries the lessons and memories from Rome with her every day.
Next international experience Devyn is planning on:
After graduation, Devyn plans to return to Italy and visit the regions she didn’t get to explore during her semester abroad. She’s also hoping to travel to other European countries to continue expanding her global perspective. Whether through travel or future international marketing opportunities, Devyn is excited to keep discovering new cultures and building meaningful connections around the world.
- Majors: Data Science and Computer Science; Mathematics Minor
- Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
- Program IFSA Tech Career Accelerator – Prague, Czech Republic
Jessie studied abroad in Prague through a program designed for computer science students, enabling her to earn major-specific credits while living abroad, a rare opportunity for technology majors. The program partnered with local Czech companies, giving her the chance to work alongside professionals, observe different workplace cultures, and strengthen cross-cultural communication skills. Beyond academics, she traveled to 19 cities across 11 countries, with highlights including the world-famous Christmas markets of Lucerne, Strasbourg, and other European destinations. She enjoyed Prague’s beautiful and efficient public transportation – which she believes sets the standard for other major cities’ systems (and none ever compare) – as well as Prague’s national hockey team, cafés, nightlife, architecture, and rich culture. Jessie describes her time abroad as “life-confirming.” While she has always loved traveling, the scale of her journeys and the diversity of her experiences have deepened her passion and excitement for life.
Next international experience Jessie is planning on:
Jessie will be traveling to the coasts of Slovenia and Croatia at the end of summer 2025. After graduation, she hopes to continue her travels across Eastern Europe and is considering the possibility of starting her post-graduate life in Prague.
- Major: Sports Media Major; Marketing and Creative Media and Entertainment Minors
- Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
- Program Type and Location: IFSA University of Canterbury – Christchurch, New Zealand
Before stepping foot on Butler’s campus, Jia knew that she wanted to study abroad. She found herself embracing the Kiwi lifestyle, filled with personal growth, new perspectives, new friends and unforgettable memories along the way. From analyzing films to exploring how various influences have shaped the representation of Māori and their relationship with Pākehā, to understanding how communities hold power in creating social change, Jia appreciated the opportunity to take courses that aligned with her passions and interests while learning about her host country and culture. Outside of the classroom, her highlights included kayaking in Milford Sound, soaking in Aotearoa New Zealand’s stunning scenery through tramps (like backpacking) and hikes, tackling the Nevis Swing in Queenstown – dubbed the “Adventure Capital of the World” – and playing ultimate frisbee at UC. Studying in New Zealand solidified Jia’s passion for travel and interest in learning about other countries and cultures.
Next international experience Jia is planning on:
Jia hopes to visit her German high school exchange student in Ireland next summer with her family! She is interested in pursuing job opportunities abroad and the ability to continue traveling internationally.
- Major: Kinesiology; Spanish and Sport Coaching Minors
- Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
- Program: ISEP University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras – San Juan, Puerto Rico
Kasey studied abroad in the spring semester of 2025 in Puerto Rico to fulfill her Spanish minor, experience language immersion, gain global experience, and indulge in a different culture. She always knew she wanted to study abroad since she began learning Spanish in high school, and an exchange program felt like the perfect fit for her, where she could immerse herself into the university culture while maintaining a level of independence. Kasey studied at a university where the primary language was foreign, Spanish! Her classes were all in Spanish, apart from one, and she got to strengthen her reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. She spent my time outside of academics exploring the island’s rich, vibrant environment, singing and dancing to Latin music, and visiting historical sites. Her favorite part of her experience was getting to experience pure, authentic Puerto Rican culture; such as taking a salsa class, trying Puerto Rican cuisine, and learning the slang and jargon. Even if you are unsure about how studying abroad may fit into your academic career, how it works financially, or if it is something worth your time, please consider it, it genuinely changed Kasey’s life for the better.
Next international experience Kasey is planning on:
Kasey is hoping to visit Germany within the next year or two to visit her brother’s in-laws! She plans to entertain her passion for culture by continuing to visit unfamiliar places around the globe.
- Major: Marketing
- Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
- Program: IFSA University of Sussex – Brighton, England
Maddy came to Butler knowing she wanted to study abroad — and that she did! In May 2024 Maddy took part in the Leadership London faculty-led 3-week program. Shortly after, she traveled south to the University of Sussex where she spent the Fall 2024 semester studying and traveling around Europe. Studying abroad was transformative for Maddy as it expanded her eagerness to learn in a global context. Highlights of Maddy’s semester included travels around the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, France and simply enjoying her home base in Brighton — all alongside friends from home and new lifelong friends made at Sussex. Studying abroad was an invaluable experience for Maddy as she pushed beyond comfort zones, embraced cultures outside her own, and sparked personal growth.
Next international experience Maddy is planning on:
Maddy hopes to travel to Melbourne to visit her Sussex roommate, Tilly, in the near future. She is also excited to be interning with the Center for Global Education this fall encouraging other students to embrace Butler’s various study abroad opportunities!
- Major: Healthcare and Business; Asian Studies Minor
- Expected Graduation: Winter 2026
- Program: ISEP Exchange – Seoul, South Korea
Tiffany came to Korea already knowing another Butler student. ISEP also lets students share their contact information with other students attending the same program. To those who were willing, Tiffany and her peers all made a big group chat and got to know each other a little before officially moving in. This made her adjustment very easy! She made many friends, traveled to many places (even countries she was not studying in), and ate tons of good food!
Before going to South Korea, her other dream destination was Japan. She was able to travel there twice while abroad. Tiffany even managed to go to Vietnam and Thailand afterward, so to be honest, she feels like she has already knocked out her dream vacations at such a young age.
Next international experience Tiffany is planning on:
If she had to choose, she would either go to Singapore or Rome. It is not planned for the near future, but so wasn’t Japan, Vietnam, nor Thailand. Who knows where life could take her next?