Alumni Stories
Finding community far from home: Noel Jacob’s journey from international student to mentor
When arriving in Canberra six years ago, it wasn’t a major milestone that made the experience feel real for Noel Jacob, it was catching the bus.
“A vivid memory from my first week in Canberra, was taking my first trip into the city,” Noel says.
“Figuring out the bus routes, topping up my MyWay card, managing my time and adjusting to a much quieter environment than I was used to, made it clear I was starting a new chapter.”
Noel grew up between cultures. He was born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, and his family remained closely connected to their roots in India, but moving to Australia to study a Master of Business Administration at the University of Canberra was the first time he had truly been on his own.
“Suddenly, everything – from my routine to my decisions – was entirely up to me,” he says.
“That shift in independence made me realise I was not just studying abroad; I was starting a new chapter.”
Although drawn to the University of Canberra’s practical and career-focused approach, Noel also saw the national capital as a place to build a future. Compared to larger cities, it felt calmer and more structured, which suited him.
But beginning life in a new country also meant learning how to navigate uncertainty alone.
Not long after Noel arrived, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed life around the world, and his classes quickly moved online.
“When that happened, the campus experience disappeared, almost overnight,” he says.
“I remember logging into back-to-back online classes from my desk for most of the day, with very limited in-person interaction, it was repetitive and isolating.”
Noel had to find ways to create routine and connection during a period where both felt fragile.
“To manage that, I built a daily timetable with fixed study hours and made a deliberate effort to stay engaged in discussions and group work,” he says.
He also stayed connected through student activities and regular conversations with classmates, small efforts that helped maintain a sense of momentum and build community.
Noel says the accessibility of UC staff and lecturers made the difference.
“Lecturers and unit convenors were approachable and supportive during the pandemic,” he says.
Careers UC also helped him understand the expectations of the Australian job market as he adjusted to life and study in Canberra.
As COVID-19 restrictions eased, Noel took the opportunity to re-engage with campus life and helped organise events with the UC Indian Association.
“Being part of the team delivering those events and seeing that level of engagement made me feel like I was contributing to something meaningful,” he says.
“That was when my experience shifted from simply studying, to becoming part of a community.”
These connections stayed long after graduation.
Today, Noel works as a public servant for the ACT Government but has remained closely connected to UC through the Student Mentoring Program – for him, it was a natural continuation of his experience as an international student.
“For me, as an international student, there were moments when some additional guidance would have made a real difference,” he says.
“Being able to provide that support to someone else now is something I really value.”
Last year, Noel mentored a postgraduate student studying a Master of Professional Accounting. Rather than focusing only on technical advice, many of their conversations centred on confidence – how to communicate clearly, approach opportunities and navigate the uncertainty that often comes with entering the workforce.
“My mentee initially struggled to clearly present his experience and felt unsure about how to approach opportunities,” Noel says.
“Over time, I saw a clear change in how he communicated. He became more confident, more structured and more direct in how he spoke about his experience.
“Seeing this shift made it clear to me how impactful and meaningful practical guidance can be.”
Looking back on his time at UC, Noel says one lesson stands out above all else.
“Growth often comes from stepping into situations that feel uncertain,” he says.
For international students arriving at UC today, his advice is simple – get involved early, build connections and make full use of the support available to you.
“Sometimes, the moments that may seem small at first – a bus trip into the city, a conversation after an event, reconnecting with people after a difficult period – become the moments that quietly shape a life,” he says.
“Looking back on my studies and time in Canberra, it has been more than study, it’s been about growth, resilience and building a life in a place that now genuinely feels like home.”
Words by Jonathan Le Bourhis, photos supplied.