Doors open for Abdulla

With the RizeUp scholarship and UOW College support, Abdulla has moved one step closer to his dream of studying Marine Sciences in Australia.

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Thanks to the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge’s RizeUp scholarship, Abdulla achieved his dream of visiting Australia. 

“I always said that one day I would go visit Australia. I never knew I would study here.”  

Why Australia? 

Abdulla was seeking quality education and opportunities for work in his desired field of Marine Sciences. He knew Australia was the perfect location, and found UOW College offered the support and qualifications he needed to improve his English and continue to study to achieve his career goals.  

“When I heard about UOW College at the University of Wollongong, I knew it was the place I wanted to study,” says Abdulla, who looked forward to escaping city life and living by the coast. 

Abdulla was also drawn to Australia’s “vibrant multicultural environment” and Abdulla felt right at home with the clubs and activities offered at UOW. 

“Leaving my home country, I was anxious about missing the familiar religious atmosphere, especially the sense of community during Friday prayers. Growing up in the UAE, those moments were a comforting part of my routine, and I worried about feeling isolated without them.” 

As an international student, Abdulla was not sure how he would fit in at Wollongong. But his experience on campus made him feel right at home.  

“Being at UOW College has eased those fears significantly. The College’s diverse student body and welcoming environment made the transition much smoother than I expected. I quickly discovered that many others here share similar backgrounds and values, which helped me feel connected and supported”. 

English skills for further studies 

Completing UOW College’s English for Tertiary Studies (ETS) program gave Abdulla a new level of confidence in achieving his academic goals.  

“I taught myself how to speak English, but I needed to learn academic English,” says Abdulla. 

“I was so thankful for the English program here at UOW College, which gave me the structures to write things like reports and argumentative essays.” 

Learning these foundational english skills before diving into his studies put Abdulla one step ahead. 

“I'm not perfect, but I learned a lot, and hopefully I'll work even more to achieve the targets that I have.” 

Support for success 

The support Abdulla received from his teachers at UOW College had the greatest impact on his academic journey. Settling into a new lifestyle wasn’t easy, but he felt seen and understood by the support system at UOW College. 

“I had a lot of challenges finding accommodation at that time, because I moved from Sydney to Wollongong.” 

Smaller class sizes at UOW College meant Abdulla could connect with teachers and staff. Abdulla’s teachers knew Abdulla was determined to pursue an education and work hard for his goals. 

“My teachers, they got the idea. They understood I was willing to study, and I was putting in a lot of effort to improve. I’m truly thankful to them.” 

After UOW College 

Though Abdulla’s interest in the Marine Sciences has already opened doors for academic and professional success, he believes that following his heart will take him exactly where he needs to be. 

"When you work on what you love, you achieve, and you shine.” 

No matter where his ambitions take him, the skills gained at UOW College will allow Abdulla to excel in his chosen career.