Yiyi's study abroad journey

‘If I could choose again, I’d still choose Wollongong’, says Yiyi, an international student from China now in the final year of her Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing and Public Relations.

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Yiyi’s parents always encouraged her to pursue overseas study, so after learning about the University of Wollongong while studying at Kunshan Liren Foreign School, she felt inspired to take the leap. 

From China to Australia 

Yiyi arrived in Wollongong from Jiangsu ready for a new experience. Studying alongside a diverse group of local and international students gave her the confidence and support she needed to succeed academically. Yiyi’s previous experience in a culturally diverse learning environment prepared her for her time at UOW College.  

‘I met a lot of other Chinese students and Australian students who helped me feel at home and practice my English-speaking skills’, says Yiyi.  

Yiyi took purposeful steps to ensure she had a positive learning experience in Australia. She built confidence in her English-speaking skills by making friends with her classmates and getting involved in campus life.  

Wollongong provided a peaceful learning environment for Yiyi. She always dreamed of studying beside the ocean; with rainforest hikes and beaches close to her accommodation at Kooloobong Village, Yiyi couldn’t have been happier. 

As a freshly independent high school graduate living abroad for the first time, Kooloobong Village gave Yiyi a supportive environment to focus on her studies and embrace a new chapter in her life. 

Yiyi felt supported by her peers and teachers while studying at UOW College Wollongong Campus, both in class and while living in campus accommodation at the University of Wollongong Kooloobong Village.  

Confidence in English 

Yiyi began her studies at UOW College by completing an English for Tertiary Studies (ETS) program where she could practice essential university skills like referencing and research while gaining confidence in speaking English every day. Soon after, she began the Diploma of Business Fast Track course. 

Yiyi decided to enrol in the 18-week ETS program so she could ease herself into speaking English daily and gain the confidence and skills needed to succeed in her studies going forward.  

Since classes were smaller, it was easy to build a close relationship with teachers and receive constant feedback about her progress.  

‘[My teachers] would answer any questions we had and even stayed back to help us through coursework.’ Yiyi was able to gain confidence through the support of her peers and teachers as she built academic skills that were key to her future study.  

‘We did tasks in class which helped us learn how to reference academic articles and did presentations in English often. This was particularly helpful for my business studies as I hope to work in marketing one day and present products to customers and companies.’ 

The ETS program was an opportunity for Yiyi to find her feet in a new chapter of her life and begin to seriously plan her career trajectory.  

Support in her journey 

Many of Yiyi’s friends went straight from ETS to university, and while Yiyi also had the option, she chose the Diploma of Business pathway. 

‘I wanted to gain a general understanding of business before I chose my major and subjects’, says Yiyi.  

‘I felt like I wanted more support as I was still learning the vocabulary of business studies and still wanted to build confidence in speaking English daily,’ she says.  

‘Many of my friends went to university without a plan, but I wanted time to consider my goals and assess which courses would lead me where I wanted to go.’ 

Yiyi appreciated being able to speak to her teachers in person every day and feeling supported through each subject. UOW College gave her the chance to put all her focus and attention into her studies so she could gain more confidence in the discipline of business. 

Plus, studying at the UOW Wollongong campus, she was never far from her friends in university; they still spent much of their time studying together. 

‘When I graduated from UOW College, I entered university in the second year of my Bachelor of Business and took the same classes as my friends,’ she says.  

By the time she’d entered her Bachelor of Business with a double major in Marketing and Public Relations, Yiyi felt confident in her English skills. She’s prepped with all the business knowledge needed to succeed in her studies, and focused on her goals.  

Now in the final year of her bachelor's degree, she’s working casually with UOW College Marketing and building the skills and experience needed to flourish in her future career. 

Next Chapter  

Yiyi is focused on her future career goals, planning to move back to China and use the skills she learnt as an international student to enter the world of marketing confidently. She encourages future international students to take time to consider their needs carefully, just as she did.  

‘Try to make friends in the beginning through class and social activities,’ she says.  

‘It’s good to befriend other international students who understand your situation and speak your language but also make friends with local students in your host country so you can practice English and learn Australian culture.’ 

Yiyi says support is important in keeping a level head and staying focused on your studies. 

‘UOW College was such a meaningful experience because it allowed me to meet friends and to be supported by teachers who answered all my questions, no matter what.’ 

Whatever comes next for Yiyi, she is equipped with the knowledge and skills to confidently pursue her goals.  

Learn more about pathway programs offered at UOW College.