Felipe Reyes
Junior
Major: Software Engineering
Bogota, Colombia
Why were you interested in attending college in the United States?
My hometown is Bogota, Colombia, but before attending Butler, I also lived in Cordoba, Argentina, and Manila, Philippines. I was interested in attending college in the United States because the universities also offered athletic programs. As a former soccer player, I was intrigued by the possibility of studying and playing simultaneously. Aside from living on a college campus with people from all over the world, I also wanted to continue my education in English. After mastering one language, you can expand your skills into another, opening up many career opportunities.
Why did you choose Butler?
I chose Butler because it offered multiple programs I was interested in, including entrepreneurship and innovation, and software engineering. It also has a great population size. It is big enough to offer many clubs and organizations, such as fraternity and sorority life, research opportunities, and athletics, but small enough to provide classrooms where I could get to know my professors and connect with other students.
Butler encourages experiential learning so that you can practice what you learn in class. It was important for me to be somewhere I could make a difference. Aside from playing Division 1 sports, I also saw Butler is located in Indianapolis—a major city—which can offer amazing business opportunities.
How has Butler helped to support you as an international student?
Butler’s community has certainly helped me. Bobbie Gibson, the Associate Director of International Student Services, helped me by connecting me to valuable people, ranging from friends to professors. Whenever a new international student arrives, a team of diversity ambassadors welcomes them and shows them around the city. These ambassadors assist international students with whatever they need help with until they learn to do it independently, from choosing classes to buying groceries.
What are some of your favorite things about Butler?
One of my favorite things about Butler are the small classes. Because the classes are small, you can interact with your professor who can help you make connections, potentially leading to future internships or jobs. Butler’s faculty are very smart, interesting, and willing to go the extra mile to assist when needed.
Basketball games are also a highlight of my Butler experience. I recommend attending them during the season.
Lastly, I want to mention how nice campus life is regarding amenities. Dugan Hall, home of the Lacy School of Business, is very modern and my favorite place to study. There are a lot of green spaces while still being a 15-minute ride to downtown Indy.
What are you involved in on campus?
I am a board member of the International Club and part of a group of student entrepreneurs connected to the Lacy School of Business. I’m also on the men’s club soccer team and a part of the snowboarding and ski club. Whenever I meet exchange students, I show them the cool things about Butler they wouldn’t otherwise know.
What advice would you give someone interested in being an international student?
If you can do so, I would 100% encourage it. You may be scared to leave your comfort zone, but once you learn the many things Butler offers, you will love it here. There are many valuable resources for you to take advantage of.