German Study Abroad student returns for ICMS Master degree

As a German backpacker touring Australia, Carolin Jeffraim would look up at the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS) ‘castle on the hill’ and think how lucky the students were that attended classes in such a beautiful location.

Now it is Carolin who is ‘living the dream’ after an undergraduate Study Abroad trimester at ICMS was followed by her current Master of International Business studies at ICMS.

‘A journey that changed my entire life’

Carolin was an award recipient and key speaker at the Dean’s List Ceremony* that took place in October at the ICMS Northern Beaches Campus in Sydney, NSW. [Pictured above]

She shared her unique journey that brought her to ICMS, recounting it as a “journey that changed my entire life”.

Read on for an edited extract of her speech:

“It has been more than a year since I came to ICMS. I was a Study Abroad student during my bachelor degree.

“Initially, my plan was to study for just one trimester and return home after 12 weeks. However, life had a different plan for me.

Before my academic journey started, I had already been aware of ICMS for years.

In 2017, I was a backpacker in Australia, and my travels started in Sydney, more precisely in Manly. Every day when I walked at the beach and I saw the beautiful castle on the hill.

I couldn’t believe that it was actually a college and I remember thinking about how privileged those people are, that they can live and study in such an incredible place.

If someone had told me at that time that I would be living and studying here five years later, I wouldn’t have believed it.”

Never giving up on the ICMS dream

“I returned home to Germany and a few years passed by.

I was still thinking a lot about this beautiful place, but I could not see any realistic chance to study at ICMS in Australia. I was almost finished with my bachelor studies when ICMS became a partner of my home university in Germany.

From that moment on I was motivated to do whatever it took to fulfil my dream of studying at ICMS for a term.

I put in every effort to make this dream come true, even while balancing a full-time study and having two jobs at the same time.

To be honest, life became a whirlwind of stress and sleepless nights. However, I never once question my decision.

One thing I never expected was that a 12-week Study Abroad experience would turn into a lifelong journey.”

Finally finding belonging at ICMS

“I have always felt restless in my life, moving frequently when I was younger as I was trying to find a place where I belong.

It is incredible to say that I have now found where I belong, and that is at ICMS.

Giving up my secure life in Germany, leaving my family and friends behind, to move to the other side of the world to start a master’s degree at ICMS was one of the most unpredictable and frightening things I’ve ever done, but it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.

ICMS is not just a college. It is a place where academic excellence goes hand in hand with personal and professional growth.

As a student from Germany, I have never experienced an academic journey like what ICMS offers us with its diverse and inclusive community.

It’s more than just about sharing classrooms; it’s about sharing experiences with people from diverse backgrounds, making it an environment where every day is a cultural exchange.

The Postgraduate program at ICMS is truly exceptional and represents a unique opportunity to start a successful career that transcends borders and opens doors.”

Working at ICMS while studying

“My connection to ICMS goes beyond the classroom.

Since March of this year, I am proudly a part of the ICMS Marketing team.

Learning from the best each and every day is fulfilling me, and I couldn’t be more thankful.

Among these remarkable colleagues, I hold Georgina Gain, my manager, and mentor**, in the highest regard.

Her guidance and mentorship have not only shaped my professional growth but also enriched my personal development. I am profoundly grateful for the invaluable lessons and experiences she has shared with me.

Balancing a part-time job alongside my studies has often presented its challenges. It hasn’t always been easy to excel academically, perform well in my job, and manage all my commitments at the same time.

But no matter how hard and challenging some periods of times are, with ICMS I’ve always found the support and encouragement needed to help me bring out the best in myself to achieve everything I desire.”

Missing home… but finding ICMS to be a ‘home away from home’

“Being at the Dean’s List Ceremony, sharing my story, feels like a dream come true.

While I wish my parents could be here tonight, I know they are incredibly proud of me.

However, I am now surrounded by the family that ICMS has become to me, and I couldn’t be more blessed.

I am very grateful for the invaluable experiences and education I am receiving while studying and working at this special place.

ICMS has truly become my home away from home, and I feel deeply privileged to be a part of this community.”

* The ICMS Dean’s List ceremony honours outstanding results from students in their specialisations. To be eligible, students must enrol in at least three subjects and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 out of 5.0 per term. To read the full story about the February/May 2023 Dean’s List Ceremony, click here.

** ICMS is The Professional Mentor is an ethos where staff and faculty prioritise mentoring and supporting students throughout their journey from enrolment to graduation and beyond.