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GO Student Ambassadors, International Summer Programmes

Meet the GO Ambassador 2026/27 – Yousef Almustafa

2 September 2026
Global Opportunities Globetrotters

Global Opportunities Globetrotters

Name: Yousef Almustafa

School, degree programme and year of study: School of Engineering – Mechanical engineering – 2nd year

Host destination: Croatia


Your experience abroad

Tell us about your global opportunity—where did you go, and what did you do?
I attended the International Summer School at Algebra University College in Zagreb, Croatia. During this programme, I took an intensive course focused on Artificial Intelligence. The curriculum combined theoretical foundations with hands-on projects, where I worked on practical machine learning applications, algorithms, and data analysis. Alongside coursework, the programme included cultural workshops and excursions that allowed us to explore Croatia’s rich heritage and collaborate with international students.

 

What surprised you the most about your host country/programme/time abroad?

What surprised me most was how seamlessly Zagreb blends a vibrant tech and innovation hub with a relaxed, historic European atmosphere. I was also impressed by the highly practical, project based approach at Algebra University, where complex AI concepts were made accessible through real-world applications and collaborative group work.

What is the one thing you miss about your time abroad?
I miss the daily coffee culture and lively atmosphere in Zagreb’s city center, as well as the spontaneous discussions with international classmates after classes.

A bit about you!

What’s something you’re passionate about outside of your studies?
I’m a massive motorsport and sports fan, I love following Formula 1, watching tennis and football, and getting on my sim rig for some competitive virtual racing.

What’s your favourite place on campus/in Cardiff?
My favourite places are the Centre for Student Life for its modern, bustling atmosphere to catch up with friends, and the university libraries when I need a quiet, focused space to get into a good study workflow.


If you could live anywhere in the world for a year (a dream destination), where would it be—and why?
I would love to live in London for a year. It’s a world-class global hub with an incredible atmosphere, rich history, and direct access to major sporting events like the Wimbledon tennis tournament and Premier League football matches.

What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
I’m a surprisingly fast learner and adapt to new environments, tools, and situations very quickly, whether that’s picking up a new software framework or adjusting to life in a new country.


Reflections and Advice


Describe your global experience in three words
Insightful, adaptable, and unforgettable.

What advice would you give to students considering a global opportunity?
Step outside your comfort zone and say yes to new experiences. The academic growth is valuable, but the real magic comes from adapting to a new culture, building international connections, and realizing how quickly you can thrive in a completely new environment. After all, you only live once.