WKU News

For Carroll Ann Shackleford, stepping into the unknown wasn’t just part of the plan—it was the point.

A double major in dance and psychological sciences with a minor in clinical and community behavioral health, Carroll Ann recently completed her first study abroad experience through the KIIS Austria program. “Yeah, it was my first time abroad and my second time on a plane,” she said. “So it was really diving right in.”

The four-week program, based in the small town of Bregenz near the borders of Switzerland, Germany, and Liechtenstein, offered courses across disciplines. Carroll Ann enrolled in The Psychology of Good and Evil and Cross-Cultural Psychology. “I felt that both of those courses kind of aligned best with my major—teaching about culture and empathy,” she explained. “I chose to do the program because I thought it would be the most immersive… you’re living with a homestay, staying with a local Austrian person for a month.”

Most of the learning happened outside the classroom. “Especially for my cross-cultural class, we got to actually go outside and make observations—like, how is American culture different from Austrian culture? Just maybe sitting on a park bench and observing people was a big part of our classes.”

Inside her homestay, she shared space with five other students. “Our host mom made us breakfast every single morning… different types of bread, some cheeses. She knew that Americans love Nutella, so she bought us Nutella and peanut butter,” she laughed. “She’s been doing this for 15 years.”

The courses weren’t only experiential—they struck a personal chord. “The Good and Evil class focused more on the Holocaust and the generational trauma side of things,” she shared. “Living in Europe after a war… we discussed that quite a bit. That kind of aligns with what I see myself doing in the future of psychology.”

That future may include lab-based research focused on trauma and PTSD. “I’m more so interested in doing a research lab next semester,” she said. “I also enjoy culture. I enjoy cross-cultural studies. I thought that would be something that also aligns more with my dance degree—getting to explore art, music, and different people.”

Carroll Ann’s experience in Austria helped her realize how interconnected her interests really are. While psychology gives her the tools to understand systems of care and resilience, dance offers a different kind of insight—one grounded in expression, observation, and movement across boundaries. “Getting to observe how people move through their world and how culture shapes that—there’s a lot of overlap,” she noted.

Now back on campus, she’s focused on deepening that intersection. With study abroad behind her and a clearer sense of direction ahead, Carroll Ann carries with her the lessons of immersion: “Learning how to navigate new cities, interact with people in different languages, even just learning how to be flexible—it all made me more confident. I think it’ll make me a better student, a better researcher, and honestly, a better person.”

For students interested in exploring their study abroad options, stop by the Global Learning Fair on SEPT 17, 2025 from 10AM - 2PM in the Multipurpose Rm. of the Honors College and International Center. Learn more: WKU Global | Western Kentucky University