Building a Home Away from Home: ICAA in Australia

When I first moved to Sydney after graduating from IC in 2016, I only knew three people from our IC community here. I never imagined that one day I’d play a role in helping expand and support the ICAA family in Australia.

What started in April 2024 with just 20 members has now grown to 40, spanning generations—from our most senior alum who graduated in 1975 to our youngest who joined us after graduating in 2023. Despite the age differences, what’s truly beautiful is how quickly we’ve bonded, creating a home away from home for one another.

We’ve been holding regular events, the most recent being an Iftar gathering at a Lebanese restaurant in Sydney during Ramadan, attended by 14 members. Events like these remind us of the strong ties that connect us—no matter how far from IC we are.

While Australia may not yet be the most common destination for IC graduates, it really is a wonderful place to live. From its stunning weather and beaches to its balanced lifestyle, excellent education system, and rich multiculturalism, there’s so much to love.

I'm truly excited to be working alongside my fellow ambassadors, Fadi Kanafani (Sydney) and Helmi Mourad (Melbourne), to continue supporting and growing our IC community here.

If you’re ever considering a move to Australia—whether to study, work, or simply explore—don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help, and we'd love to welcome you to our community.

Sajia El Assaad
ICAA Australasia Ambassador
Class of 2016

Meet Helmi Mourad, ICAA Ambassador in Melbourne, who graduated from IC and continued his education at the American University of Beirut (AUB) with a double major in Food Sciences and Management, as well as Agricultural Engineering. Helmi recently relocated to Australia to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at The University of Melbourne.

Now settling into life in Melbourne, Helmi is enthusiastic about his role as an ambassador. He looks forward to connecting with fellow IC alumni and helping grow a strong, supportive ICAA community in Melbourne and the wider Australasia region. “Since moving here earlier this year, I’ve come to really value the city’s diversity and vibrant multicultural atmosphere,” he says. “Melbourne is incredibly student-friendly—convenient, welcoming, and full of great opportunities. I’m excited to help foster a growing network of IC graduates and encourage others to consider this amazing city as their next step.

Helmi Mourad

ICAA Ambassador in Melbourne

Class of 2020

Meet Fadi Kanafani, ICAA Ambassador for Sydney. Fadi graduated from IC in 1996.

With over 15 years of experience as a business owner, Fadi has built a successful career in launching and growing small businesses. Highly motivated and results-driven, Fadi excels in fast-paced environments and has a proven ability to network, identify new opportunities, and exceed expectations. His passions lie in HVAC systems, coffee beans, and sales, with a strong focus on innovation and achieving strategic goals.

As the IC Ambassador for Sydney, Fadi is enthusiastic about fostering connections and building a strong sense of community among alumni. Specializing in networking, Fadi is dedicated to increasing engagement within the IC alumni network and creating a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Through creative initiatives and meaningful interactions, he aims to strengthen the IC community in Sydney and beyond.

Fadi Kanafani

ICAA Ambassador for Sydney

Class of 1996