Meet Sarah, an international student from the Czech Republic, who found her ideal fit at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Initially unsure of where she wanted to study for her undergraduate degree in the US, Sarah found support and inspiration from the international admissions team at Carroll University. Today, Sarah is pursuing a double major in Global Studies and History, and also works on campus helping other international students feel at home.
Read on to learn how Sarah navigated the challenges of finding the right university with help from Shorelight and the international admissions team at Carroll.
Finding Her Place at Carroll University
When Sarah began her college search, she applied to more than two dozen universities, but none felt quite right.
“I got into some universities and I didn’t really like any of them a lot,” Sarah said. At this point, she started working with Shorelight, and her advisors suggested universities based on her preferences, leading to her decision to attend Carroll University in Wisconsin.
Ranked #18 in Best Value Schools in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, Carroll University offers undergraduate and graduate students more than 95 areas of study. The university’s welcoming and supportive campus community and small class sizes (with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio) ensure each student is given the attention required to succeed in their studies.
While the transition to a new culture was not easy, she received support from Carroll’s international admissions counselor, new friends, and professors, allowing Sarah to quickly find her footing. Today, in addition to her double major, she is also pursuing a minor in Art.
There [were] ups and downs with culture shock and everything, but the university was great. I have made so many friends, met so many good people. The professors are great, and if you have questions, they’re just there for you.” – Sarah, Czech Republic, Carroll University
Ambition & Drive: Graduating Ahead of Schedule
At Carroll University, Sarah is enrolled in the Carroll3 program — a unique, accelerated pathway that lets students complete a traditional four-year undergraduate degree in just three years. By taking up to 20 credit hours each semester and attending summer classes, Sarah is fast-tracking her education without compromising her college experience.
With personalized attention from professors, manageable class sizes, and flexible deadlines on projects, Sarah has been able to stay on top of her coursework. “With the environment at Carroll, [graduating early] is actually not that impossible to do, because the professors really want you to succeed,” she explained.
The close-knit environment at Carroll University has helped Sarah thrive academically while also allowing her to step into leadership roles in campus organizations, which has helped her build skills in teamwork, communication, decision-making, and more.
Campus Life at Carroll
Living on campus has made a big difference in Sarah’s experience at Carroll University, allowing her to save time commuting and also stay connected to everything happening around her, from classes and clubs to athletics and social events.
Being close to campus life has allowed Sarah to make the most of a well-rounded college experience, giving her the opportunity to be a part of the junior varsity tennis team, be active in student organizations, and even hold an on-campus job, all while staying on top of her accelerated studies.
“We have a travel series on campus where the student activities board [organizes] events and we [get to] travel to Bucks games, the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and stuff like that makes it fun,” she said.
At Carroll, Sarah sought out other international students during Travel Series excursions, as well as to check out campus events, explore the local region, and to try new food. Her outgoing nature turned into opportunity: Sarah now works with the international admissions team, helping new international students find their place at Carroll.
Supporting Carroll’s Newest International Students
Inspired by her own experience, Sarah made it a point to give back to her university community, working with the international admissions team to help international students feel welcomed and informed. From writing emails and answering student questions to creating videos featured on the university’s website, she plays an active role as an orientation mentor, helping international students adjust to campus life.
“I help the international admissions counselor, and I’m also an orientation mentor. International orientation mentors are part of ‘Welcome Week’ for international students. Then, like all orientation mentors, we sit in on their FYE [First-Year Experience] classes and have check-ins with the students throughout the semester,” she said.
As an orientation mentor, Sarah ensures that incoming international students feel supported from day one, just like she did.
Outside of her admissions work, Sarah is also a volunteer with Carroll University’s team at Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve affordable housing. As a member of the executive board, she serves as a leader in the organization and runs its Instagram page, showcasing events and encouraging student involvement.
By stepping into leadership roles across campus, Sarah is not only creating a welcoming environment for the next class of international students, but also building valuable skills for her future.
Sarah’s Law School Dreams and Advice for Future International Students
Sarah is already taking steps toward law school. With support from the career counselors at Carroll University, she is organizing her applications, building her resume, and also preparing for the LSAT.
When asked what advice she would give to other international students considering universities in the US, Sarah encourages students to choose a place where they will truly feel at home.
“Look at the university [and] look very [closely] at the alumni, the way they engage with the community, and the way they try to stay a part of the university,” she said.
The welcoming atmosphere, tight-knit circles, and supportive environment were key factors in Sarah’s decision to enroll at Carroll University and they continue to shape her journey forward.
Just like Sarah, you can find a university that aligns with your personal and academic goals with the help of an admissions advisor. Reach out to a Shorelight advisor today to match with your best-fit university.
