International Student Profiles

Claudia Rosty (first to arrive) International undergrad student Economics and Public Relations Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Karolina Rosty (third to arrive) International grad student Masters in Public Policy Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Larissa Rosty (second to arrive) International grad student Masters in TESOL Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Why did you choose UNI?
Larissa: I chose UNI for two basic reasons: first, my sister Claudia was having a great time making friends and feeling at home and that lit a spark in me saying “Hey, that is something cool!”; and second, when I learned that UNI is famous for having a tradition in education, which is my major, it was all I needed to know in order to make my final decision and come to UNI.
Karolina: I choose UNI because of the great things that my sister told me and the flexibility of the master’s programs are offered here. UNI has wonderful staff support, library, computer lab, WRC and a safe and friendly environment that helps students integrate and learn more.
Claudia: UNI was one of my choices when I was looking for universities in the USA. I received a package with information about the university and I also checked the UNI Web site and decided that I wanted to go to school here. What attracted me the most was the extensive extra curricular activities and majors that UNI offers.

What was the most difficult thing you had to get used to here?
Larissa: Since I come from a big city, I knew anything smaller would have a certain impact on my lifestyle. But after a couple of months I started to appreciate the little things that are not available in big cities such as riding your bike to and in the nearest state park. There is a set of great nature trails that link Cedar Falls to Waterloo.

What do you tell your friends back home about UNI?
Karolina: UNI is a great university where opportunities are knocking on your door. You can have access to a lot of research material, come in contact with different cultures and have another perspective of things. However, be prepared to slow down your life and concentrate more on your studies.

How does UNI support and encourage international students?
Claudia: The International Services Office works very hard to make transitions between cultures smoother on international students. ISO also provides activities and events for international students to make their stay more enjoyable and to introduce us to the American culture.

What's the best thing about having sisters attend the same college?
Larissa: It really made a difference to come and already have “friends” waiting for me. It was great to see my sister’s friends welcome me. This is something that decreased my anxiety and homesickness. And as a female, of course, it was great to see my closet “multiplied”!