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Roselyn Rayappan is on the cusp of a new career

Now in her final year of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, international student Roselyn Rayappan is starting to make the transition from student life to the working world. ACU is supporting her every step of the way.  

Why did you want to study at ACU?

ACU's holistic approach to education, emphasizing service and sustainability, combined with its strong academic reputation perfectly aligned with my personal values. This, coupled with its affordability, comprehensive student support services and personalized teaching approach, combining both face-to-face and online instruction, set it apart from other universities and made it the ideal choice for my studies. The quality of education and advanced curriculum offered here far surpass what I experienced during my foundation university course in Papua New Guinea.

You mentioned student support initiatives — what sort of support services have you accessed during your time at ACU?

ACU provides a wide range of support for international students, including an International Student Advisor, a Careers Advisor, the Academic Skills Unit and Campus Ministry’s Pastoral Associate. I found the regular consultations with the Campus Ministry’s Pastoral Associate, International Student Advisor and on-campus counselling service to be invaluable when I first arrived at ACU. Now in my final year, I'm taking full advantage of the university's careers and employability advisors. I believe they are instrumental in helping students bridge the gap between study and work.

You’ve described ACU as a friendly place to study. Why is that?

The friendly and approachable nature of the lecturers at ACU was a pleasant surprise for me, especially coming from a culture where addressing academics with titles was strictly adhered to. The relaxed and respectful atmosphere created by ACU's lecturers encourages open communication and collaboration, allowing me to connect with them on a personal level. In addition to the faculty members, my course mates are also amazing. They are amiable, and we have formed our own friend groups, which has significantly contributed to my positive academic experience.

ACU is really proud of the practical experiences that are embedded in all the degrees. What sort of practical experiences have you had in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science?

I really appreciate the practical approach to our classes. It makes learning much more engaging. We use models of skeletons, muscles etc in our anatomy subjects. In neuroscience and human biology, we get to do exciting things like anatomical dissections of animal hearts and brains. I find it incredibly fascinating! These practical skills are invaluable for deepening our understanding of the material.

When you’re not studying, what sort of campus activities are you involved in?

When I'm not studying, I actively engage in activities as a Widening Participation Student Ambassador for ACU's Education Pathways department to promote tertiary education to prospective students from remote, rural, and regional communities. Beyond this role, I’ve been involved in various campus events. Through Campus Ministry I participated in Ignite, an annual national Catholic conference in September. It was a truly enriching experience that contributed significantly to my personal growth. Additionally, ACU has a variety of student societies. I’m the treasurer of the Brisbane Society of Science, which brings together ACU members passionate about the biomedical sciences. It’s fantastic because we host various fun events ranging from DIY Ice-cream experiments to Students vs. Staff Trivia, that support our career development.

Choose a university that will connect you to practical learning and employability support in preparation for your future career. No matter what you’re interested in,our international student support team can help you find a course at ACU.