I joined the MacEwan International Buddy Program after I spent a semester as an exchange student at the Hochschule Luzern in Lucerne, Switzerland. 

I had a fantastic time, totally immersed in a different culture while meeting students, professors and locals – in large part because I had a great Swiss buddy student, Nick. 

When I landed in Lucerne, Nick showed me around and we went to a magical festival called Fasnacht where people parade in the streets wearing fascinating costumes and show off parade floats they spend the whole year building. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Without a buddy student, I probably would have missed out on that experience.  

I have so many cherished memories from my time abroad, and I wanted students to have similar memories to take back to their home countries. So, I signed up to be a buddy with MacEwan International – and I’ve been leading the program for the past year and a half, helping students settle in, find campus resources and fun events, and feel more at home here. 

Being a buddy is an unexpectedly exciting experience! Think about your favourite place in Edmonton. Now imagine being there for the first time – for me, it’s a tingly feeling that I get to experience again when I share those places with students from other countries. 

Joining the program not only helped me meet so many wonderful people and learn what they love about where they’re from, but it also helped me personally overcome the reverse culture shock that came with returning home from my exchange semester. I had a community I could talk to about my experiences that understood what I was going through. 

The program improved my cultural awareness and changed the way I interact with others. Intercultural communication and knowing how to be patient, open-minded and aware of your own cultural biases is so important in today’s globally connected world.  

I am so happy to say that I’m about to graduate from MacEwan! Thank you to all of the professors, students, staff and the MacEwan International team who helped make my experience here so fantastic. My advice is to get involved as much as you can early in your degree! It’s the best way to learn more about yourself, make friends and elevate your university experience. 

– Natalia Hotsaliuk, Bachelor of Commerce student

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