Opportunity in Abundance
Ohio Wesleyan Junior Spends Fall Semester Studying in Czech Republic, Denmark
Name: Etta Pierce '26
Hometown: Arlington, Vermont
High School: Hong Kong International School
Majors: Inclusive Elementary Education
Minors: Psychology
OWU Connection Experience: Spending the semester studying in Prague, Czech Republic, and Copenhagen, Denmark, through The Council of International Educational Exchange (CIEE) Open Block Program
Location, Location, Location
"I chose to study abroad due to having grown up overseas for the majority of my life. I knew that Ohio Wesleyan had a strong study abroad program, which drew me to the school while I was applying, and the opportunities Ohio Wesleyan provided were in abundance!
"I specifically chose the CIEE Open Campus Block Program because I wanted to be in more than one location. The 18-week fall semester is broken down into three six-week blocks, which allows me to spend six weeks studying in Prague, Czech Republic, and 12 weeks in Copenhagen, Denmark."
My Favorite Moments
"I have been abroad for almost two months now, and my favorite experience thus far has been the amount of traveling I have been able to do. During my time in Prague, I was able to visit a new country each weekend. The proximity of the Czech Republic to other Central and Eastern European countries allowed for an abundance of travel! In addition, the access to public transportation has been such a treat!"
My time in Prague and Copenhagen has increased my adaptability, problem-solving, cultural awareness, and confidence.
Life Lessons
"Studying abroad has allowed me to gain independence through experiences that I wouldn't have had if I were back in the U.S. this semester. My various solo trips, having to navigate new countries, interacting with locals, and working to overcome a language barrier – my time in Prague and Copenhagen has increased my adaptability, problem-solving, cultural awareness, and confidence."
My OWU Mentor
"William Hayes, Ohio Wesleyan's associate chaplain and director of the Outdoor Ministry Team, has been pivotal to my OWU experience. Connecting over our love for travel and the outdoors, Will has significantly broadened my perspective on what it means to be grounded in your faith and how to intertwine my passions with my faith."
My Involvement Outside the Classroom
"I am a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. I am also involved in the Outdoor Ministry Team, Education Fellows, Bishop Scholars (tutoring program), and the Ski & Snowboard Club."
Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan?
"I gained interest in Ohio Wesleyan … because of the Inclusive Elementary Education major. Throughout high school, I knew I wanted to teach special education, but it wasn't until I did an internship during my senior fall semester in a grade two class that I realized I wanted to somehow major in both.
"Out of the 10 schools I applied to, Ohio Wesleyan was the only school that offered a program that would allow me to graduate with a certification in both Special Ed and Elementary Ed. …
"I chose to attend OWU because they had a well-developed Inclusive Elementary Ed major that would allow me to study abroad, I received a generous amount of scholarship money, and they had a women's rugby team for which I was in touch with the coach."
My Plans After Graduation
"My plans after graduation are to attend grad school and pursue a master's degree in Adaptive Recreational Therapy, which would allow me to combine my love for the outdoors and working with special needs kids."