Hi y’all! My name is Dylan Butler, and I’m a first-year business student studying marketing and business analytics. I’m a Texan at heart after living in San Antonio for the first 18 years of my life (so, yes, I use “y’all” constantly and unironically), and I’m excited to get out of this Pittsburgh weather! At Pitt, I’m a member of the American Sign Language club, billiards club, and the Pitt Band as a Golden Girl (a baton twirler)! I’ve been a baton twirler for 10 years and twirled with my high school marching band in addition to playing the French horn. When I’m not in class, practicing, or studying, I’m usually working out, hanging out with friends, listening to music, snacking, or watching TV.

I’m super excited to visit Vietnam and to learn about culture, history, my personal professional development, and sustainable development industries and companies! One of my mom’s close friends is involved in a study abroad program for high schoolers to spend a semester or a school year in the states, and I’ve met several students from Vietnam who all say it’s incredible. Because of the study abroad background and perspective, I’m thrilled to meet some UEF students, so we get an authentic and honest view of Ho Chi Min City and the country. I’ve heard so many amazing things about the food, culture, scenery, and overall experience of the Plus3 program, and it’s even better that I get to experience it with locals and fellow students.

Additionally, Ho Chi Min City is an impressively up-and-coming business hub, nationally and internationally. I know I have a lot to learn about myself, companies, and industries, especially sustainable development, if I want to get involved early. After learning about these companies in class, I’m excited to learn about the aspects of the sustainable development industry and managing business in various environments. Global business is something I’m very interested in, so I’m looking forward to gaining some immediate, hands-on experience on a global stage. I think this Plus3 Vietnam program will provide me with wonderful insights into my own professional development, various industries that I’m interested in exploring, and, of course, amazing cultural enlightening and experiences.