At UOW College, Japanese student Daisuke Konno found a supportive environment to begin his university studies, improve his English language skills and find community. Now, he’s dedicated himself to helping other international students thrive too.
Keen to study abroad, Daisuke was attracted to UOW’s excellent rankings and serene regional location. He decided to begin his journey at UOW College, enrolling in a Diploma of Business as a pathway to his UOW Bachelor of Business (Marketing) degree.
“The UOW College teachers and support staff always helped me and answered my questions. I didn’t have the academic skills and other basics I needed for university, like writing an academic report or how to reference. They showed me everything I needed to know.” says Daisuke, who comes from Saitama, near Tokyo.
The study groups and smaller classes also enabled Daisuke to practice and rapidly improve his English skills. He began to make friends and find community with other students, taking advantage of the College’s many social events and activities, including free barbeques and sports days.
“UOW College is a great place to meet people from all over the world. It was a very good experience to begin my study abroad, and you can gain the skills to be successful. There are only benefits,” he says.
Finding connection and confidence
Well prepared by his UOW College experience, Daisuke transitioned smoothly into the second year of the Bachelor of Business (Marketing) at UOW. He has enjoyed his campus experience immensely and says joining the UOW Japanese English Exchange Society Club (JEES) and later becoming the club President, played a significant part.
The club runs a wide range of activities promoting Japanese culture, meaningful exchange, and a vibrant and inclusive community. It offers everything from coffee chats, trivia and bingo to larger events such as movie nights and barbeques, enjoyed by Japanese, international and domestic students alike.
“I’ve made some long-lasting friendships here, especially through this club. I’ve become friends with people from other clubs, too. Even if you’re shy at first, people here make it easy to feel included.”
“UOW is a great place to study, and there’s always something happening on campus,” says Daisuke.
His experience is echoed by other international students on campus, who have said: “I didn't have any Japanese friends, but by participating in JEES, I was able to meet many people,” and “By participating in JEES, I spent less time feeling lonely and gained more connections with others.”
Daisuke has also forged meaningful bonds with domestic students, including close friend and fellow JEES club executive Abraham, who completed a Diploma of Engineering at UOW College.
“Everyone’s super chill, open-minded and happy to be friends,” says Abraham.
“I always look forward to the club events. I love that there’s always something happening. Even just grabbing a coffee on campus turns into catching up with five people you didn’t plan to see.”
When Daisuke took on the role of JEES President, he wanted to build on the community that welcomed him and extend this positive experience to other Japanese and international students at UOW.
“Discovering this club helped ease my loneliness. Now I’m committed to creating a supportive space for other international students – from Japan or anywhere – so they don't feel left behind.”
An ideal place to live and learn
Daisuke says that Wollongong’s beautiful natural environment and location outside a major city make it an ideal place for Japanese and other international students to live and learn. Though he has accepted a graduate position in Japan and will return home after his studies, he is determined to return to Australia in the future.
“People are very nice here, they're always happy to help you. It’s a very multicultural place and a safe space to make friends, experience life and study,” he says.
“The beaches and the natural environment are beautiful. The cafes are very good here, and I love to have brunch with friends. There are so many experiences that you can have. I want to tell all new students to come here and enjoy the experience of studying abroad at UOW College and UOW.”
Learn more about pathways available to International students at UOW College.
