G'Day World
Ohio Wesleyan Student, Future Teacher Spends Semester in Australia
Name: Shaelyn Cretu '26
Hometown: Livonia, Michigan
High School: St. Catherine of Siena Academy
Major: Integrated Science for Teachers (Education)
Minors: Chemistry
OWU Connection Experience: Studying abroad
Cretu is spending fall semester in Australia, studying at the Queensland University of Technology. She is participating in the Arcadia Abroad program, which enables students to find international experiences through their home colleges and universities.
Why Australia?
"Since before I began applying to colleges, I knew I wanted to spend an entire semester abroad. I just never knew where I wanted to go.
"I chose Australia because the school I am attending offered many unique classes, and it gave me the opportunity to travel to the other side of the world. … I am in a physics class, organic chemistry, a film history class, and an educational technologies class about the Australian curriculum."
My Favorite Moment
"I think my favorite thing so far was going up to Cairns to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef and see the Daintree Rainforest."
Ready to Travel
"Lisa Ho helped me find my program and guide me through the application process, applying for my visa, and making sure I was prepared to leave the country." (Ho is associate director of OWU's Office of International & Off-Campus Programs.)
And Ready for the World
"Before I left (for Australia), I completed the Bishop Launch Program, where I was able to participate in mock interviews, create a professional resume, and network with professionals in my desired field. This experience helped me gain confidence when interviewing and learn how to present myself in a professional manner.
"I was also able to work with Mindy Agin in the Career Connection office to create a resume that reflected my accomplishments and work completed at OWU. (Agin is the assistant director for internships and externships.)
"The Education Department has also been a major aspect of my time here at OWU. The Education Department makes sure that we get into the classroom early and get as much experience in teaching as possible before we graduate."
Outside the Classroom
"I'm a member of the OWU women's lacrosse team and Kappa Phi."
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"The opportunities given by the OWU Connection were unmatched compared to other schools I was looking at. From the study abroad opportunities to preparing me for a professional career, there were many different events and programs that stood out to me and ultimately made OWU my top choice when applying for colleges."
From the people to the programs, OWU is helping me become prepared for the real world.
My Plans After Graduation
"I knew I wanted to be a teacher before I started applying for college. … From the people to the programs, OWU is helping me become prepared for the real world."