A Cultural Illumination in Justice

The recipe of a successful study abroad experience typically carries a checklist of core requirements: enthrallment in culture and society, academic captivation and meeting the right people.

You can have two out of the three and still call it a wonderful experience — but my personal list can go on, filled with checks that have made my study abroad experience one of the most memorable trips in my short but fruitful college career.

As a result, I am coming home with an extra beat and note to add to the incessant rhythm and melody of my life.

Exploring Indonesia’s Street Food

Who doesn’t love food? I believe food is the universal language of the world and we can learn the culture of one nation based on its cuisine.

As an Indonesian studying at SDSU, I really miss Indonesian food  — especially the street food. In fact, when people ask me what I miss about my country, I always say the street food.

Criminal Justice in a Familiar Corner of the World

“Why am I required to study abroad? I am from abroad!”

Admittedly, this was my first thought as my major adviser scanned through my major classes checklist and with a red pen, circled a few words — the deep red ink seemingly bringing the words to a life I was unwilling to dive into again: “To graduate: Study Abroad Requirement.”

Getting a Taste of Europe Without Leaving the States

Last month, 16 students from my city planning program and one of our professors had a chance to go to New Orleans for the National Planning Conference (NPC18). Thanks to SDSU (we won part of a Student Success Fee grant) we were lucky to attend this important event in our field! Having a lot of stress before all finals and graduation, we enjoyed the chance to relax under New Orleans sun.

Living A Healthy Life in the U.S.

In Indonesia, riding a bike is not a common thing. Because we do not have bike lanes, it is a little hard and dangerous to ride a bike on the big road.

Honestly, there isn’t any necessary rules or laws about riding a bike on the big road either. As long as we are careful and know how to ride, we are good to go. Yet, most Indonesians choose to drive a car or ride a motorbike because it is more convenient and comfortable. As a result, the pollution is quite high and the traffic is unbearable in the big cities.

A Year Full of Exchange

My year as an exchange student at San Diego State has truly been a unique and revealing experience.

Going abroad is always a big decision that might seem scary at first. But I found that I totally enjoyed it once I allowed myself to step out of my comfort zone and to dare to try.

America, From an Indonesian Perspective

Three years ago, when I was 18 years old, I decided to go to America to continue my studies. I remember how excited I was — until I got to the airport.

The fact that I would live more than 8,000 miles away from my family and we would not see each other often anymore scared me. However, studying in America had been a life-long dream for me. So it was a mixed feeling.

Earth Day: A Day at the Lake

A few days ago, Earth Day was celebrated worldwide. It’s a day when people come together to raise awareness of how precious and valuable our Mother Earth is. Over the years I have seen and attended pro-environmental festivals worldwide and I’m amazed how many people are really concerned about our planet and all species that inhabit it.

This year, to celebrate Earth Day, I decided to embark on a trip by myself to the most natural place I could reach.

Coachella is Amazing

The greatest thing about living in a new place is discovering the many sides to that place. Studying abroad in the United States has not only opened up the beautiful city of San Diego to me, it has also opened up California. There are many customs and events that I have discovered, but the one that I enjoyed the most has to be the how excited students here at San Diego State are about Coachella.

What is Coachella?

I always wondered that from my campus at the University of British Columbia. I got many answers coming to San Diego. Americans generally (not only residents of California) are really excited about this music festival, usually lasting over two weeks, during which they get to see their favorite artists perform, meet new people, party with their friends and bond with total strangers.

Hope for the Future

A couple of days ago I was talking with my groupmates about the future. We are supposed to graduate this May and we were discussing our plans. One girl said that she declined a job opportunity from a company in San Diego in order to return to the Bay Area to live closer to her family. She said that she wants family support; she loves adventures and traveling, but she prefers to be more of a homebody.

I was surprised by it, because in our field it is hard to find a good full-time job. However, on the other hand it is understandable. Finding your comfort zone is very important to succeed in life — especially when your relatives support you.

However, I’ve always thought that challenging yourself is the main point to be successful in this life. As a Russian international student, I live thousands of miles from my family, my best friends, my lovely room and my comfy bed. And I do not regret it. I got so much experience and new skills in every aspect of life, that I would not change even a bit of my current life.