A place to grow, belong and lead

Lily An has spent the last twenty years growing with and giving back to the UOW community – and it all began at UOW College.

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When Lily arrived in Australia in October 2005, she was stepping into the unknown. She vividly recalls her first glimpse of Wollongong, the breathtaking spectacle of the Jacaranda trees in full bloom etched forever in her mind.

“It’s so different from where I was born and raised; Beijing is crowded, loud and dynamic, whereas Wollongong is cosy and community-based. It’s just fresher, and so beautiful.” 

Lily had recently completed undergraduate studies in accounting, majoring in forensic accounting, in Beijing. Back then, the University of Wollongong (UOW) was the only university offering a master’s in forensic accounting, and she excitedly embraced the opportunity.  

With limited English skills, she chose to begin her journey at UOW College, enrolling in the 12-week English for Tertiary Studies (ETS) course and gaining direct entry into her postgraduate degree. 

Opening the door 

Not a seasoned traveller, and feeling apprehensive, Lily opted to stay with a local family through the UOW College Homestay program. She didn’t realise it at the time, but she was opening the door, quite literally, to a new chapter of her life. 

“When I knocked on the door, it was opened by another homestay student from Beijing. I didn’t know it for another four years, but he would eventually become my husband,” she laughs. 

Lily quickly felt at home with the family and ended up staying for a year, long after transitioning to the master’s program. She describes it as a brilliant experience. 

“When West meets East, things are so different. My host family were always there to guide and support me, like cultural chaperones. To this day, we’re still family. We still keep in touch and see each other at big occasions like Christmas and Easter.” 

Finding her voice 

Though Lily’s time at UOW College lasted just 12 weeks, it was a transformative experience. When she arrived at Sydney Airport, she struggled to understand and speak basic English. But just a few weeks into the program, she found herself initiating conversations with students from all around the world. 

“One of the most beautiful parts of the experience was mixing with people from all different cultures. We weren’t just speaking English, we were sharing challenges across cultures, with the college staff supporting us at every step.” 

Beyond their teaching expertise, Lily credits her teachers with creating a safe space to grow. 

“They had enormous patience. Rather than intervening when we struggled, they guided us skilfully and without judgement through every challenge. That support made all the difference.” 

Building confidence and community 

Lily formed lasting friendships with her fellow students, not just from China but Thailand, Nepal, India, Cambodia, Japan and South Korea. The course unit on critical thinking also had a lasting impact. 

“It has shaped who I am today. I still apply that knowledge when I face tough business decisions.” 

By the time she graduated from the ETS program, she felt ready for the next stage. Though moving from a cohesive small group to the university environment was sometimes challenging, her transition to her master’s was smooth. 

“Everything at UOW College – the teaching methodology, the exam and assessment modules – aligned with UOW’s rigorous academic requirements. It was a seamless transition,” she says. 

Coming full circle 

While completing her master’s, Lily landed her first job working with the Engineering and Information Sciences teams at UOW. It was the beginning of a diverse and vibrant career with the university, always focused on internationalisation. 

Now a senior manager for international engagement and strategic partnerships, she manages global relationships that help advance UOW’s international reputation and impact. 

“My experience as an international student helps me connect the dots. I see myself as a cross-cultural communicator, bridging gaps and helping others reach common goals.” 

Lily became an Australian citizen in 2009 and is also a Justice of the Peace, another way she contributes to her adopted home. 

“Countless people helped me become who I am right now. I decided early on, even before I graduated from UOW College, that I would give back to the community,” she says. 

“I want to grow my leadership and influence more global collaboration. I am proud to help UOW provide premium education and build the next generation of global citizens.” 

To future international students considering the UOW College pathway, Lily’s advice is simple: “You will never regret it. Even after ten or twenty years, you’ll look back and realise it was the best part of your journey.”