Written by: Jinna Hyatt | Fall 2025
ISEP Exchange: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Milan)
My sophomore year at Butler, I had the opportunity to be a part of the International Diversity Ambassador (DA) Program ran by Ms. Bobbie Gibson, who is the Associate Director of International Student Services and Incoming Exchange at the Center for Global Education. My role as a DA is to be a mentor, as well as a resource, for incoming international students. Although it takes a lot of effort and coordination, this program is the most rewarding organization that I have had the privilege to be a part of during my time at Butler.
One of my best friends, Esther Gonzalez, told me about the DA Program, and we both applied for the position together. I instantly felt very welcomed by the community of other DA’s once we began training for our first international students to arrive. From picking them up at the airport to taking them to their first trip to Walmart, I felt proud as I began to make lifelong friendships with incoming international students each semester as well as seeing them grow on campus.
It has always been a dream of mine to study
abroad once I got to college, but I was very nervous to live in another country. However, as I watched many international students come to Butler and thrive outside of their comfort zone, I felt inspired by their stories to want the same for myself. Therefore, I have gone on two study abroad programs back-to-back: the summer Butler in Asia Singapore Internship and the fall semester ISEP Exchange Program.
Living in Milan, Italy, as an international student has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but ultimately, I cherish every memory that I have made during my time abroad. From running to catch my train with gelato in my hand to reuniting with past international students in their home country, this experience will forever be one of the greatest times of my life that I got to live to the fullest thanks to my mom, my boyfriend, Ms. Bobbie, my scholarships, and all of my friends across the world.