Friendship, Growth and Adventure: A Semester Abroad at UC Davis

“There are exactly five words to describe my experience as a student at UC Davis: the time of my life,” said Felix Speicher, an undergraduate from the Technical University of Munich in Germany who recently completed a semester abroad through the Global Study Program. 

“From the first few minutes of orientation—when the amazing GSP staff so warmly welcomed us—I knew I’d made the right decision to come to Davis,” he said. 

From exploring California and beyond to enrolling in distinctive courses and making friends from around the world, the Global Study Program challenged Felix academically and enriched his personal life. 

“Living in Davis is amazing!” he said. 

What drew you to the UC Davis Global Study Program? 

UC Davis stood out to me because it offered a combination of top-tier research and a relaxed, bike-friendly environment in beautiful California. Beyond excellent academics and fun day-to-day student life, Davis is also the ideal starting point for exploring the West Coast’s incredible national parks. GSP gave me the chance to experience all this—and I took it. 

What made your first days in Davis stand out? 

Going to bed on the night of orientation day, I already knew I was going to have a great time. I loved the campus, the entire GSP staff were so friendly and well-prepared, and I instantly connected with the other exchange students. 

After orientation, we decided to grab dinner together at a local restaurant instead of going straight home. It was already obvious that this would be the first of many fun shared dinners to come. Not long after, we planned our first weekend trip as GSP friends to Yosemite National Park. 

How did classes at UC Davis compare to those in Germany? 

In Germany, my classes were a lot less interactive. Typically, a few hundred students would listen to a lecture for one and a half hours. If you were lucky, a few questions were asked—and answered—during or after the lecture. That was it in terms of engagement. 

The classes I attended at UC Davis were highly interactive. Even in large lectures, instructors kept students involved through discussions, questions, group activities and practical examples. On top of that, UC Davis offered a wider variety of classes to choose from. In Germany, classes focus mainly on career-related skills and knowledge, but at UC Davis, I found courses that also helped me grow personally. 

Was there a class that had a lasting impact on you? 

The course Managing Life’s Financial Decisions had a direct impact on me—giving me insights and ideas I now use in my personal life. The course covered money and finances, starting with the question: “What makes someone happy, and how does money help—or not help—in achieving that?” 

Topics ranged from health insurance to home mortgages, car financing to investing, career and education choices to saving for retirement. For me, one of the key takeaways was the simple but powerful principle: “Buy experiences, not things.” Courses like this don’t exist at my home university, so having the chance to take it at UC Davis was a truly unique opportunity. 

What surprised you most during your time in the program? 

What truly amazed me was how international both the Global Study Program and UC Davis are. In my friend group, there were Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Kazakhstani and Chinese students, as well as three other Germans. Whenever we hung out, I learned something new about other cultures. 

From Japanese and Chinese food to Korean drinking games, Taiwanese driving style and Kazakhstani adventurousness—each came with its own (usually very funny) backstory. I learned as much about Asian cultures as I did about American ones. 

What are some of your favorite memories from your time in Davis? 

One of my favorite memories on campus was making a friend on the MU quad. On a day like any other, a girl named Joyce set up a slackline between two trees and called out, “Come slack with us!” She quickly caught my friend’s and my attention, so we walked over and joined her. From this day on, slacking with Joyce on the MU quad became a regular thing. 

I also really enjoyed the regular lunches with my GSP friends at the MU, where we had the chance to catch up, talk about our classes and discuss everything from weekend plans to cultural differences. 

Landing my first jump at the waterski tournament is another moment that I vividly remember. As part of UC Davis’ Waterski Team, I had the opportunity to participate in one of their tournaments. While I didn’t do particularly well in slalom or trick, to everyone’s—including my own—surprise, I landed the infamous jump on the third try of my first-ever attempt. 

Other highlights were the countless trips I went on with my GSP friends—like climbing waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, surfing at Pismo Beach, hiking in Zion National Park or racing supercars in Las Vegas. Together, these moments made my semester at UC Davis truly unforgettable. 

What lessons did you take away from your experience? 

I was personally moved by how amazing people are and how quickly friendships can form when you’re open and willing to talk to others. No matter where people are from, shared interests and passions can instantly create strong connections. I realized that often, all it takes is starting a conversation—everyone is essentially a friend you haven’t met yet. 

Academically and professionally, I gained valuable insights into both personal and corporate finances. I learned to understand and apply basic accounting principles and how to structure financial decisions in a rational way. 

This combination of interpersonal growth and practical financial knowledge was one of the most powerful outcomes of my time at UC Davis. 

How have you applied those lessons back home in Germany? 

When I returned home, I made a promise to stay open and outgoing and to talk to people who seem interesting—something that’s less common in everyday German culture. This mindset has already helped me build new friendships and networks. 

My undergraduate program is bilingual in English and German, so my improved English skills have been a huge advantage as the research and business environment becomes increasingly international. Additionally, understanding basic accounting principles and personal finance helps me read financial reports more confidently and make better investment decisions. I also consciously apply the “buy experiences, not things” mindset by prioritizing meaningful activities and travel over material purchases whenever I can. 

What have you been up to since completing the program—and how did your UC Davis experience shape your next steps? 

After completing the Global Study Program at UC Davis, I returned to the Technical University Munich, where I had one more semester of classes before starting my bachelor’s thesis. Inspired by how much I enjoyed being part of the UC Davis Waterski Team and the sense of community it gave me, I decided to get more involved in extracurricular life at home. I joined the board of the Family Business Club, where I help connect students with family-owned companies through events and networking opportunities. 

The confidence I gained at UC Davis—speaking English, working in international teams and stepping out of my comfort zone—has helped me a lot in this leadership role. 

I am also already making plans to visit my international friends in Asia, and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before my academic or professional path leads me back to the United States. 

What advice would you give other international students considering the Global Study Program? 

Go for it—after all, I had the time of my life, and I am sure you will, too! Use the Global Study Program as a chance to challenge yourself academically, but also to grow personally and culturally. 

I highly recommend joining a club, because it’s the easiest way to make friends outside GSP. In classes, most students are focused on their work and schedules, which makes it harder to connect beyond small talk. Clubs, sports teams and events are the best settings to get to know people. 

Lastly, say “yes” to opportunities: go on trips, try new activities and talk to people and make it count. Your semester will go by quickly, so make the most of every week.