Empowered by her UOW College experience, Emma (Mai Phương) is on the fast track to a degree and a global career, supercharging her English language skills along the way.
Growing up in Vietnam, Emma’s analytical mind naturally gravitated towards science, maths and business. But as she progressed through high school, she began to realise that she needed to improve her English if she wanted to unlock the many opportunities available in a globalised world.
“Studying abroad seemed the best way to build on my language skills and experience new people, places and cultures at the same time,” she says.
Emma was drawn to Wollongong’s beach lifestyle and UOW’s industry-leading graduate employment and employer satisfaction rates. In October 2022, fresh out of high school, she flew to Australia to begin the Diploma of Business at UOW College as a pathway to a Bachelor of Business.
Under 18 and studying abroad
When Emma came to Australia as a minor, it was important for her to have guardianship arrangements in place, in line with government requirements.
In addition to enrolling in a Diploma program that guaranteed entry into the second year of the bachelor's degree, Emma also benefited from the guardianship services provided by UOW College to support her transition as an international student under 18.
“We recognise the trust families place in us and understand how important it is for them to feel confident when their child studies overseas. We’re committed to providing a safe and supportive environment, especially for students under 18, so they can settle in and smoothly transition into university life,” says Felix Lanceley, General Manager of UOW College Australia. 
Support to thrive
UOW College proved to be much more than a pathway to university for Emma. The supportive environment helped her bridge the gap between high school and university while adapting to life in a new country.
“At UOW College, the small classes and two-hour tutorials mean the teachers have time to guide you and you feel more comfortable asking questions,” she says.
“The College is extremely focused on the whole of student life, not just the academic side. There’s so much support for anything you might be struggling with, like English, study skills or time management. They also run special events and programs to keep us motivated and connected.”
One of the most valuable parts of the experience for Emma was the Peer Learning Program, where UOW College graduates return to support current students in class and through collaborative and one-on-one study sessions. Eager to pay it forward, she became a Peer Leader herself right after completing her diploma.
Emma is set to complete her Bachelor of Business in mid-2025. Majoring in business analytics and supply chain management, she has her sights set on a career in logistics, the perfect fusion of her love of detail and passion for travel and new experiences.
“Supply chain logistics are so important in every aspect of society, and you can work anywhere in the world. I hope to start my career as a logistics analyst and see what society needs before I do any more studying.”
Ideally, she hopes to secure a graduate role that allows her to remain in Wollongong for the next few years.
“I love my country, but there are still so many things I can learn and do here,” she says. “I want to enjoy this beautiful beach city for a bit longer.”
Home away from home
Emma also credits much of her successful transition to life in Australia to the UOW College Homestay program. Required to stay with a local host family until she turned 18, she was initially hesitant, but it would become a much-loved part of her experience.
“I intended to only stay for a short period while looking for somewhere to live with other Vietnamese students, but my host family quickly made me feel like part of their family. I wasn’t scared to speak English with them, and I learned so much – not just the slang Australians use, but things like how to navigate university life, local food, public transport and setting up an Australian bank account.”
Emma stayed with her host family for almost two years, forming an enduring bond with her host parents and siblings.
“Adjusting to living and studying in a different country and language was tough at first, but I’ve never once regretted my decision. And I’m so proud of how independent and adaptable it has helped me become.”
