Category: English Language Institute
Alumni Spotlight: Mohammad Alharbi
August 17, 2026 Written by CAS Communication Staff | Photos courtesy of Mohammad Alharbi
Do you wonder what it’s like to attend the English Language Institute (ELI)?
Alumni Spotlights celebrate the journeys of former ELI students and the lasting impact their experiences have had on their academic, professional and personal lives. Learn more about the journey of Mohammad Alharbi, a current student at the University of Delaware pursuing a degree in computer engineering. In the future, he plans to start his own business while building his jiu-jitsu skills.
Where I Am From
Kuwait
Where I Am Now
I am a rising sophmore at UD pursuing a degree in computer engineering with minors in computer science, cybersecurity, Spanish and business administration.
Where I'm going
I would like to start a business while growing as a jiu-jitsu athlete.
Why did you decide to attend the University of Delaware?
I was planning to attend Delaware for a long time. It was my plan to go through the ELI, then go to the University and possibly do the 4+1 program to get my master's. When I looked at colleges, it scored the highest in cost of living, location and other aspects of living, and the university is a really decent place to get your degree from.
How did the ELI help you transition to the U.S. and the University of Delaware campus?
The ELI did a wonderful job helping me adjust to American culture. They helped me handle culture shock and understand the differences [between American and Kuwaiti culture], and the language, which was the biggest barrier for me; when I first came here, my English was bad.
Did you join any of the student clubs while you were an ELI student? What about as a UD student?
I played a bit on the D1 ice hockey team, but I got injured and was bedded for almost four months. After that, I got engaged with the wrestling club for a bit, but I mostly focused on my frat.
I joined the Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) frat while I was at the ELI. I've been there ever since, so I know a lot of people at UD. My frat was founded in 1823, and I'm the first Kuwaiti to join. I was inspired by the differences in culture and how they have the brotherhood bonding, which is similar to my culture; we have that brotherhood between me, my friends and my cousins. They've become like a family to me.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a student at the ELI?
When I got injured, everybody that I know–MariaJose, Rebecca, a lot of the students and a lot of the teachers–contacted me and made sure that I was all right. They gave me a lot of support and that showed me how good of people they are. I appreciated that a lot. That memory is embedded in my brain, and it always will be.
Also, one of the funniest memories was building a bridge in one of our classes. That was hilarious. We had to glue together lollipop sticks to make a bridge so it could hold about 10 pounds. You saw people doing some crazy stuff [to build the bridge], and it was so funny.
What challenges did you overcome?
First of all, my accent was really awful [when I first arrived]. I could not handle a simple conversation; I would say a lot of wrong words or use messed up grammar. The ELI made my English so much better. Also, MariaJose and Rebecca did so much for me. They helped me submit my application to UD, get accepted, taught me how to study and socialize better. They supported my journey so much.
What are your current academic or career goals?
It might sound crazy, but I have three career goals: 1. Being an athlete, 2. Being an engineer, 3. Then, being a businessman. I'm pursuing these three things at the same time.
My brain is always moving and has been since I was 13 years old. I had a couple of businesses growing up. I built a clothing brand, which I still have. I also have my small marketing company, which teaches people how to grow businesses and make marketing plans, and I give seminars about marketing and self-development as an entrepreneur.
And then, you've got me as an athlete. I want to take jiu-jitsu more seriously and compete more over the next couple of years. Finally, I've got my career. I'm earning my engineering degree and will work in special ops in the army when I return to Kuwait.
What advice would you give to a current ELI student?
First, I would say, be bold. Don't be scared of anything. Do what you want, and do the best you can; try new things, experience new places and go everywhere in the world. Don't be scared of learning because that is the only way you're going to develop. Knowledge is what makes you a person. Try to be as much of an asset to society as possible.
Don't be scared to fail. I fail. You fail. Everyone fails. You cannot win if you do not fail.
