If you choose a smaller university when you study abroad, you get the best of both worlds: a horizon-expanding experience and a personalized, nurturing learning environment.
The small class sizes, one-on-one international student support, and close-knit campus stood out to first-year Vietnamese grad student Ivy when she decided to pursue her MBA at Carroll University.
“Carroll gave me what I needed most: a welcoming environment where I could focus, reflect, and grow,” said Ivy. “Unlike larger, more competitive universities, Carroll offered me something rare: a space to be seen, supported, and stretched intellectually.”
From Ho Chi Minh City to Wisconsin
Before coming to Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Ivy had never been to the US – but she had been preparing to study abroad in many ways. Having studied English since she was three and worked across international environments in Vietnam, she was no stranger to cultural adaptation.
What caught her attention about Carroll wasn’t just the academic program, but its location: Wisconsin, the original home of Kimberly-Clark corporation, where she most recently led talent acquisition for Vietnam and the APAC region.
“That connection felt symbolic,” Ivy shared. “It reminded me that growth isn’t always about starting somewhere new – it’s also about coming full circle.”
Alongside her HR career, Ivy spent four years teaching at ILA Vietnam, an experience that sharpened her communication skills and deepened her commitment to cross-cultural learning. With that blend of corporate and educational experience, Ivy knew that Carroll’s MBA program was her next step, both professionally and personally.
“After several years working full time in Vietnam, I was drawn to the challenge of stepping outside my comfort zone and learning how business works in a different culture,” she said. “Carroll’s MBA program offered exactly what I needed at this stage of life: [it’s] small enough for personal attention, yet broad enough to give me real-world perspective.”
Carroll University Supports International Students
Coming from Vietnam’s university system, where she described support services as limited to academics, Ivy was amazed by Carroll’s comprehensive approach to student success.
The international services department offers a range of services, from English language support to community-building social events, designed to help new students feel at home.
“At Carroll, I never felt like I was navigating this journey alone,” said Ivy. “From day one, I have felt supported on multiple levels: academically, emotionally, culturally, and professionally.”
Carroll: A Safe Campus with Transportation Support
When Ivy first arrived on campus as an international student, she was worried she wouldn’t be able to get around without a car, especially if she needed to go somewhere alone.
“But they offer easy-to-access rides around campus and to nearby grocery stores, and help students if the weather turns,” said Ivy. “That kind of support is not something you find in most Vietnamese universities, and it make me feel protected and cared for.”
Ivy also feels safe on campus, knowing that she can ask for help when she needs it. Traveling across the globe to attend university far from friends and family takes courage, and sometimes it also takes someone to talk to when you are homesick.
“In Vietnam, counseling is rarely discussed overtly, and students often feel hesitant to seek help,” said Ivy. “But here, emotional well-being is taken seriously and addressed without stigma.”
Check out mental health services for international students at Shorelight universities >
Support for International Students at Carroll University
Unlike many of her international student colleagues, Ivy came to Carroll with a strong background speaking English. However, that doesn’t mean the academic transition from Vietnam to the US was always smooth and easy, especially since Ivy had spent time working before returning to graduate school.
“There’s a big difference between studying in the US and studying back home, where learning is often theory-based and test-oriented,” said Ivy. “In the US at the graduate level, academic success depends on independent study, critical analysis skills, and real-life situations. You have to take initiative.”
Helping Ivy along the way are professors and mentors who guide her academic progress. Both inside the classroom and out, and through office hours, scheduled meetings, and email, professors are available to answer Ivy’s course-based and even cultural questions.
“During my transition from full-time work in Vietnam to academic life here in the US, I had to adapt to a different learning style, more interactive, research-based and more self-directed,” said Ivy. “Dr. Sielaff always encouraged me to ask questions, participate in class discussion, and think more critically. Her support didn’t just have me [working toward] good grades, it gave me confidence in a new academic system.”
Campus Life as an International MBA Student
While many campus activities and clubs at universities in the United States are geared toward undergraduates, there are still numerous opportunities for graduate students at Carroll to build community. For Ivy, this also means plenty of opportunities to develop her interpersonal skills and further refine her English language skills.
“Participating in student life is important, not just for social reasons, but also for personal growth and integration,” said Ivy. “These experiences help me connect with students from different backgrounds and practice collaboration, communication, and adaptability. I also have the chance to share about Vietnamese culture and learn from others.”
Carroll combines a global perspective with personalized learning. The university maintains a close-knit community of 3,500 students, which includes 550 graduate students, representing more than 30 countries. Despite its small size, Carroll has several notable programs in business, education, nursing, and other fields. The average class size is just 14 students.
“Carroll really felt like the right school for me,” said Ivy. “Small enough [to have] personal attention, yet broad enough to give me real-world insights.”
On-Campus Events, Employment, and Career Services at Carroll
In her first year studying for her MBA, Ivy attended as many events on campus as possible, including a “Dine in the Dark” event that taught her and her fellow sighted students what it was like to eat dinner as a blind person.
She sought out employment on campus, and quickly found two jobs that not only provided income to cover basic expenses, but also further developed her business skills.
“In the Learning Commons, I assist with academic support service, and at the Business Office, I support administrative tasks related to student accounts and finance,” said Ivy. “Even though these aren’t traditional internships, I have learned how to manage my time between work and study, collaborate with supervisors and the college, and adapt to new work and accountability expectations in the US.” Ivy discovered these opportunities through the university’s student employment website and through peer referrals – resources that proved both accessible and impactful.
As she looks ahead to gaining off-campus experience in her second year, Ivy sees Carroll’s award-winning Career Services department as a valuable resource to take her next steps with confidence. The department connects students with alumni mentors, internship opportunities, and potential employers in the greater Milwaukee area — a thriving international business hub just 30 minutes from campus — and beyond.
“Their resume workshops, job search guidance, and one-on-one coaching sessions have helped me feel more prepared for the professional world ahead,” said Ivy. “I’m looking forward to applying for internships once I become eligible.”
What’s Next for Ivy?
With professional experience teaching and in human resources, Ivy is looking to continue her career in talent acquisition for an international company in the US after graduation.
“I love working with people, that’s why I’m seeking a job as a recruiter or in talent acquisition here in the US after graduation,” said Ivy. “My background really helps and Carroll is preparing me for the workplace culture here.”
When it comes to advice for international students looking to study at Carroll, Ivy has the following advice: don’t try to do it all alone.
“The support is here — you just need to reach for it,” she said. “While feeling overwhelmed is completely normal for international students, at Carroll, you’re never alone. From professors and advisors to fellow students, everyone genuinely wants to help you succeed. I’m grateful to have found not just a university, but a community that believes in my potential.”