Where New Beginnings Lead: A Global Study Program Experience

“There's a version of you on the other side of this that you haven't met yet.” 

That’s what Nahush Modak realized when he participated in the UC Davis Global Study Program. 

Currently a doctoral candidate studying the intersection of biological systems and electronic technologies at the Technical University of Munich, Nahush credits his time in the Global Study Program with expanding his worldview. In Davis, he encountered new perspectives that shifted how he approached life and his studies. 

Since returning to Germany, Nahush has been working toward his doctoral degree, creating sustainable environmental solutions and translating academic research into practical tools that support public health and safe agriculture. He also teaches courses to graduate and undergraduate students. 

“I was so inspired by the structure, teaching style and real-world relevance of one of the courses I took at UC Davis that it fundamentally changed how I think about education,” said Nahush. “Today, my own teaching is heavily inspired by that experience. Seeing how an engaging, thoughtfully designed course can shape students beyond the classroom is something I directly carried forward from my time in the Global Study Program.” 

Nahush’s experiences at UC Davis forced him to step outside his comfort zone and embrace new environments wholeheartedly. The growth he experienced as a study abroad student continues to shape him in unexpected ways. 

What have you been up to since completing the Global Study Program? 

I am currently a doctoral candidate. I also teach courses in organic chemistry, biophysics and entrepreneurship. 

My research is in the interdisciplinary field of biophotovoltaics and electrobiotechnology. At its core, my research aims to reduce the cost and complexity of testing food and water samples, making reliable analysis accessible beyond specialized laboratories. By doing so, I hope to support pesticide-free organic agriculture, strengthen groundwater safety and empower people to make informed decisions about the quality of the resources they depend on every day. 

I was drawn to this field because of its unique balance between fundamental science and real-world application. I contribute to technologies that are scientifically innovative, environmentally conscious and socially relevant. 

For me, this work represents a way to translate research into tools that can support safer agriculture, cleaner water and more resilient communities. The global perspective I developed during my time in the Global Study Program continues to guide how I approach the real-world impact of my work. 

What is one of your most memorable experiences from your time in the Global Study Program? 

One of my most memorable experiences was the personal and intellectual growth that came from fully immersing myself in a new environment. 

I chose the homestay option. From the very beginning, I was welcomed into an incredibly warm and supportive family. What started as accommodation quickly turned into a sense of belonging. I truly became part of their family and we have stayed close ever since, even meeting again during their trip to Europe. 

Looking back, how has the Global Study Program helped you get to where you are today? 

The Global Study Program played an important role in shaping both my academic path and my personal development. Academically, it exposed me to a different teaching culture—one that emphasized interaction, critical thinking and real-world application. This experience directly influenced how I approach research today and how I design courses for my own students. 

On a personal level, the program strengthened my confidence in working across cultures, communicating complex ideas in English and collaborating in international teams. These skills are now essential in my doctoral research, where interdisciplinary and global perspectives are key. The friendships I built, the mentorship I received and the encouragement to step outside my comfort zone all reinforced my belief that meaningful growth happens when you embrace new environments wholeheartedly. 

What advice would you give to students starting the Global Study Program? 

There's a version of you on the other side of this that you haven't met yet. 

I know that sounds dramatic. But years from now, you'll be mid-conversation with someone, and something will slip out. A reference, a habit, a perspective you didn't have before. It will be from the time you spent in this program! 

The transformation isn't loud. It doesn't happen during orientation or on the big planned excursions. It happens in the ordinary everyday moments. For me, it was at an improv session by Cherry Pie Club, at the Sound of Life exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), or when I was cycling around Davis. The small things really do make a difference. 

This program gave me the chance for conversations with those whose lives look nothing like mine. It gave me the space to slowly realize that the world is both much larger and much more familiar than I thought. 

This is my advice: don't wait for the experience to come to you. Walk into rooms where you're the only one who looks like you. Linger after class. Let yourself be terrible at something new in front of people. Don't be afraid. It will remind you of something important: that you were brave enough to begin.