Student Spotlight: Bimo Rizki Abdusshamad

As an exchange student in the UC Davis Global Study Program, Bimo Rizki Abdusshamad has big dreams for his time here in the United States—personally, academically and professionally. Abdusshamad is a recipient of the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) Program—a prestigious program that provides well-qualified Indonesian undergraduates the opportunity to enroll as visiting students in universities around the world. A biotechnology student from faculty of biology of Gadjah Mada University, he also plays an integral role in his family’s new start-up business, Grow N Luck Specialty Coffee. His goals include expanding his network—particularly in the coffee industry—broadening his horizons and gaining new experiences. He said he hopes to inspire others at his home university to be bold and do whatever it takes to achieve their dreams.  

How did it feel to be selected for the IISMA scholarship program?

I was extremely grateful and felt truly blessed. I am having one of the best and most extraordinary opportunities that I can get while I am still in my youth.  

What do you hope to achieve during your time here in California?

I want to expand my connections and collaborations here in the USA, while also improving my research back in Indonesia, especially in regards to coffee. I want to gain many perspectives and opinions of professors, students and the system here in America and learn all of the methods that can benefit me when I got back to Indonesia as I pursue my academic career.  

Personally, I want to learn how to be the best version of myself—to have a balanced mental and physical state, as well as being truly happy and satisfied with my life.  

How are you enjoying your time in Davis?

There are many events that I have had such a good time at, such as the BBQ party at the International House, game nights and many more! Whether with Indonesian, international, or American friends, I have made many valuable memories here that I will cherish forever, such as when I tried baking for the first time for a friend’s birthday! For the most part, living the Californian way of life has been truly enjoyable, because it challenged and improved me to be healthier both mentally and physically.  

What is your impression of UC Davis?

UC Davis is very interesting. It is unlike any American college that I have pictured in my mind before. And it is obviously very different than universities in Indonesia. The campus is very peaceful, and it is very satisfying to get from one place to another. Architecturally, the buildings are beautiful and the shaded areas are a breath of fresh air, especially in the summer. The campus feels truly alive.  

Academically, the system is very different than in Indonesia, which I truly enjoy, because it is what studying abroad really is all about! One of the classes that I have taken, Managing & Using Information Technology (MGT 120), has probably taught me half of all the things that I ever need to know to solve problems, both in my career and in my life, and to get the best outcome possible. It is probably my favorite class, second to the Design of Coffee course.  

What are you most looking forward to about studying here at UC Davis?

I am looking forward to analyzing coffee with professors at the UC Davis Coffee Center, as well as students that are interested in coffee tasting. I brought many coffee samples from Indonesia, such as specialty Arabica beans from Bali Kintamani, Sindoro and many more. They have been processed in different ways, and their tastes are very unique. I hope to provide other students with the opportunity to taste and recognize some of the best quality coffees of Indonesia!  

What are your favorite things to do here in Davis, California?

My favorite things to do in Davis are to discover and spend my time in memorable places such as the Davis Farmers Market. I also really enjoy trying different coffee shops in the area!  

Tell me about your family’s coffee business and the role you play.

My father is a startup incubator/accelerator and his most recent startup is our coffee business. I am in charge of exporting and providing extensions and collaborations to other countries. My hope is that my stay here in America will give me a direct access to provide specialty coffee beans in coffee shops and supermarkets here in California. We are planning to open our first coffee shop in Klaten, Indonesia.  

I understand you are planning to attend the San Francisco Coffee Festival. What do you hope to gain from that experience?

I am attending the coffee exhibition for the experience and to further my connections with coffee experts! I am expecting to learn about the foundations and the system of the coffee industry here in America, from the selection of beans to the processing and preparation. The grading of the coffee here is also a must to be learned, especially if I can get connections and contacts from the experts of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA). The premise of providing coffee to America is extremely huge, since I have given my American colleagues here coffee samples from Indonesia and they all loved it. During the exhibition, I hope to further understand how the Indonesian coffee tastes with American palate.  

My family and our partners are planning to have a coffee exhibition next year in Hanover, Germany. Our company is still growing, and hopefully with my experience here and at UC Davis, the growth will become exponential.