How UC Davis Became My Home Away from Home

“Studying at UC Davis opened many doors for me,” said Muhammad Faiz Satrio, a third-year microbiology student from Bandung Institute of Technology in Indonesia. “It has been such a blessing—the experiences, connections and knowledge I’ve gained will create new opportunities for my future.” 

Faiz, as he is often called, is one of 18 undergraduates from the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) participating in the Global Study Program for fall 2024. Initially focused on expanding his knowledge of entrepreneurship and management, Faiz gained far more than he expected. From immersing himself in American culture through his homestay to conducting research in the Phaff Yeast Culture Collection Laboratory and even brewing a winning cup of coffee, Faiz returns to Indonesia with a broader perspective on life, his career and the world around him. 

What inspired you to study at UC Davis and how does it compare to your home university? 

My studies at UC Davis were very diverse. There is a broad list of courses that the IISMA cohorts can take during their time here, so I got to study classes outside of my major that taught me different perspectives, such as The Design of Coffee and Introduction to Entrepreneurship. 

But UC Davis is famous for its agricultural courses and other biological fields, that’s why when I arrived in Davis, I wanted to visit labs and become a research assistant in one. I am very fortunate to have been able to join the Phaff Yeast Culture Collection Laboratory, one of the biggest yeast collection labs in the world, where I improved my laboratory skills. 

Compared to my university back home, there is more discussion between peers and lecturers, and collaborations between students of different stages of education and professors are really encouraged. 

What insights have you gained during your time here? 

I learned that bringing together different perspectives in a discussion helps deepen understanding by allowing you to see topics from various points of view. I also found that mistakes are alright and do not mean that you have failed. As I worked in the lab, some things were very unfamiliar at first, but I ended up learning by experience. 

My team also won second place for best-tasting coffee in one of the most interesting classes UC Davis has to offer, The Design of Coffee. We had several trial-and-errors from our bean selection to our brewing process, and it was fascinating to see how a simple cup of coffee can be affected by various physical and chemical properties. 

How has studying at UC Davis influenced your perspective on microbiology and your career goals? 

Studying at UC Davis opened my eyes to the many possibilities that research has to offer. After visiting laboratories in different fields of biological science, I became more aware of how essential interdisciplinary collaborations are to sustaining global innovations. As I return to my home university, I hope to utilize Indonesia’s abundant natural resources in upcoming research and improve my lab skills by diving into different fields in the future. 

What support systems at UC Davis were most helpful to you as an international student? 

The GSP staff were very friendly. They helped us as we prepared for departure and during our time at UC Davis. Staying with a host family also showcased the traditional American culture. 

However, the best support system is the friends that accompanied me throughout this journey, especially the other IISMA awardees. The 18 of us came from different universities with different backgrounds, yet we united as a group, all fulfilling our individual dreams by studying abroad. We hung out on campus or downtown, traveled across states during the holidays and collaborated to create impactful events that showcase Indonesian culture. I am eternally grateful for their presence, and I hope all of us keep in touch after we return to our individual lives. 

How did your American host family contribute to your study abroad experience? 

Living with a host family is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At first, I was nervous, but my host mom Tammy, who has decades of experience with international students, really welcomed me with utmost respect. We grew close and shared a lot about our life experiences. My favorite times are when we would have deep conversations in the car or at the dining table, where I learned about her perspective on life. 

One time, my host mom, who was a triathlete and is still very athletic, invited us to go on a hike in Lassen Volcanic National Park. I didn’t have any prior experience hiking a mountain before, but it turned out to be one of my most memorable experiences here. 

What was your homestay experience like and were there any moments of cultural exchange that stood out to you? 

My housemate was from Japan. We had a lot of differences, such as our taste in music, but we got along well and spent time together every day doing simple things like teaching each other our home languages. This helped me learn how to share a space with so-called strangers while respecting each other's boundaries and communicating with someone from a totally different background. 

Daily routines such as seeing what condiments we add when we eat also showcase some of our differences. I got the chance to introduce my culture through food for one of our 'CULTURISE' projects. It was fun to see my host mom and other host families enjoying exquisite dishes from Indonesia.

What challenges did you face adjusting to life in Davis, and how did you overcome them? 

When I first got to Davis, I questioned what I was doing. Yes, studying abroad has always been a lifelong dream of mine, but it would be a lie to say that it did not take time to adjust. After a while, I could finally call Davis (and nearby Woodland where my homestay was) a home. I learned how to stay calm in new situations and that things would work out in the end. Adjusting just takes time, and soon I found myself adapting without actively trying to. 

What aspects of American culture surprised you the most?

I adore how people respect each other's personal time here and understand that we all have our own individual lives. I also like how pedestrians and bikes are prioritized, and cars always yield to them. I hope to implement these positive traits in my home country. Another thing that amazes me is how well national parks and popular destinations are preserved. 

What will you miss most about UC Davis and life in the U.S.? 

I will miss the freedom of my life here. Being thousands of miles from home, I can make my own routine. It has made me more independent. I will also miss conversing with my friends, as I have gotten to know many people through this opportunity, and all the tourist destinations I visited. 

Do you have any advice for international students considering studying abroad at UC Davis? 

Take the chance, give it your all and have a work-life balance. UC Davis has so much to offer. If you utilize your opportunity well, you will leave feeling fulfilled and ready to face more adventures in life.