Engineering dreams and community at UOW College

At UOW College, Youssef Elshimy found the perfect foundation for his engineering studies and a safe, supported pathway into life in Australia. Now, he’s helping other students – from the Middle East and all around the world – adjust, thrive and build lasting community.

---

Born in Egypt and raised in Saudi Arabia, Youssef was drawn to engineering. He set his sights on Australia and the UOW Bachelor of Engineering, attracted by the program’s strong international standing and accreditation. His two sisters were already studying at UOW. 

“I was offered a place in the UOW College Foundation Studies pathway and I expected engineering to be challenging. But the Foundation Studies course allowed me to ease into university, learn the platforms and expectations and build my study skills – all while giving me time to adapt to the culture before moving on to harder things.” 

Building a strong foundation

Youssef arrived in Australia in February 2023, starting classes just two days later. He stepped into a world quite unlike the one he’d known back home.   

“The lifestyle is completely different; I was used to my day beginning at night instead of in the morning, whereas here most things close at 5pm,” he says. 

“Thankfully, I lived with an Australian family for the first six months through the Homestay program. They really helped me adapt to Australian life much more quickly than if I were living with relatives or other Arabic students. I am enjoying Wollongong and the peaceful life I have here.” 

Over two 14-week sessions at UOW College, Youssef completed intensive studies in English, mathematics and science, along with critical study skills to prepare for his first year of engineering. He says the nurturing, inclusive environment was exactly what he needed to find his feet. 

“The College was extremely supportive. I met some amazing teachers and mentors, including my English teacher, Carolyn Panozzo. They were all highly knowledgeable in their fields and fostered a learning experience that was not just challenging, but rewarding and fun,” says Youssef. 

“It feels like a family; the staff were always there to support us, and that helped me understand everything thoroughly and adapt much faster.” 

Youssef Elshimy (right) with UOW College Australia General Manager, Felix Lanceley.

Finding community 

Youssef gained much more than a university pathway at UOW College, building friendships and connections that have transformed his experience. 

“I met some amazing people from all different backgrounds and cultures, including some of my best friends who came from the UAE (United Arab Emirates),” he says. 

“I have since made many more friends through my bachelor’s degree, and I’m an active member of the Muslim Association of Wollongong University, attending most of the events and immersing myself in the community. I have built strong friendships in the wider community as well.”  

Youssef is determined to ensure others have the same positive experience. As a peer coach and mentor at UOW College, he has helped students build confidence and succeed across the Foundations Studies and Diploma of Engineering programs.  

For the past year, he has been a Student Relations Coordinator at UOW College, helping students – particularly those from Saudi Arabia and the UAE – settle into life at the College and in Australia. Earlier this year, he spread awareness about Ramadan and Eid through the College’s Eid celebration, sharing traditions and foods with students from diverse cultures and bringing a piece of home to Middle Eastern students. 

“Youssef has connected with our students from the Middle East in ways that other staff can’t, supporting them to share their passion for their culture with each other and with other domestic and international students,” says UOW College Student Support Officer, Sara Treble. 

“He creates a bridge between Australia and the Middle East, not just for the College but for all our students.”

Engineering the future

Now in the second year of his Bachelor of Engineering degree, majoring in mechatronics, Youssef hopes to combine his love of engineering with his passion for teaching. He is inspired by his work supporting the next generation of UOW College students. 

“UOW College helped me grow my confidence and really shaped who and what I am today,” he says. 

“I’m really interested in teaching and enjoy helping other students, so I would love to go into the field. I am thinking of pursuing an academic teaching role, so I am considering doing my PhD after I complete my honours.”