1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Insurance
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Chat
  • Success Stories
  • TOEFL Testing

Francesca Tanmizi from Indonesia: Studies Sociology and Business at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles

Francesca Tanmizi from Indonesia: Studies Sociology and Business at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles

Aug 1, 2019

Interview:

An interview with Francesca Tanmizi, from Indonesia, a sophomore at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, majoring in Sociology & Business Administration.

Why did you decide to study in the America?

I wanted to try out a different education system and felt that the education system in America allows me to explore many different interests.

How did you choose your university?

My parents wanted a school that has a safe, nurturing environment. I love LMU's campus – it has a small, suburban town feel, but it's located right in Los Angeles, where you never run out of things to do.

What do you like best?

Definitely the professors. I was surprised that most of the professors sincerely want to help me. They don't act like I'm bothering them when I drop by during their office hours.

What do you miss most?

Indonesian chilli! America doesn't have enough spicy food.

What was your biggest surprise?

The informal way of the professors – they act like we are peers! I'm used to bowing to teachers so it was a huge shock when one of my professors genially told me, "Call me Eric!" I still can't call him by his first name, and he respects that.

... your biggest disappointment?

Meeting people who assume that America is the only civilized country in the world. Others I've met are very open, however; both extremes are represented. You find a wide range of reactions in the USA; that is what I love about it!

How have you handled: ... finances?

My family had prepared for me to come to the USA to study well in advance, so I was ready financially, but I found the tax and banking system confusing! With a lot of help from my friends, I managed to develop an understanding of how things work here.

... adjusting to a different educational system?

I had a relatively easy time adjusting. I'm still having problems trying to master the art of writing essays American style since it's completely different from the way I was taught to write my essays.

What are your activities?

I'm Secretary of the Asian Pacific Student Association and Co-President for the next year. I'm also a staff writer in the school paper and a member of the Gay Straight Alliance and the Gamelan Orchestra. Last summer, I did a study abroad in Florence, Italy.

How easy or difficult is making friends?

It was pretty easy. I didn't know many Indonesians in my school so I had to force myself to make other friends. Luckily, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. A lot of Americans are really friendly and they're genuinely interested in other cultures.

How relevant is your U.S. education to your personal goals and to the needs of your country?

My education in the USA helped me discover new interests since my university strongly encourages taking courses outside your major. I found out that I'm actually really fascinated by theology, history, communication studies, music, art history, mathematics, economics and psychology. I want a career in Public Relations and I think that having a broad education can help with whatever situation I have to deal with in my future career.

What is your advice to other students who are considering a U.S. education?

Make friends with people from different nationalities and backgrounds, live in a dorm to get to know more people and be involved in student clubs and organizations. Don't be afraid to take on leadership positions! Know what your beliefs are, and that it is OK to stick to them, but also be open to other ways of thinking.

Follow us:
Written by

Study in the USA®

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled Studying Marketing at Hillsborough Community College in Florida
Studying Marketing at Hillsborough Community College in Florida
Main image for the article titled Global Dreams Realized: Inspiring Journeys of Priscilla and Eduardo at American English College
Global Dreams Realized: Inspiring Journeys of Priscilla and Eduardo at American English College
Main image for the article titled Embracing Diversity: Navigating Culture Shock on Campus
Embracing Diversity: Navigating Culture Shock on Campus
Main image for the article titled Read it now! Study in the USA's new India edition!
Read it now! Study in the USA's new India edition!
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College

$10,000 — $15,000 Year

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term English Programs
Contact
Study Oregon

Study Oregon

$1,000—$5,000 Session

Undergraduate Certificate/Short Term English Programs
Contact
Valencia College

Valencia College

$1,000—$5,000 Semester

Undergraduate Bachelor Degree 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact

Featured Programs

University of North Georgia

Typical cost per Year: $15,000—$20,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Undergraduate
Learn More

Mission College

Typical cost per Semester: $1,000—$5,000

Bachelor Degree Summer English Programs
Learn More

Glendale Community College

Typical cost per Year: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree English Programs 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Learn More

Related Stories

Where Can I Study English in Los Angeles, CA

Main image for the article titled Where Can I Study English in Los Angeles, CA
Fall in love with all things Austin!

Main image for the article titled Fall in love with all things Austin!
Lights, Camera, Action! Take a closer look at Los Angeles

Main image for the article titled Lights, Camera, Action! Take a closer look at Los Angeles
5 Things I Wish I’d Known in My First Year Abroad

Main image for the article titled 5 Things I Wish I’d Known in My First Year Abroad

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for Student loan for international students? Yes, it is real!

Student loan for international students? Yes, it is real!

MPOWER Financing is the top-rated lender offering international student loans without cosigners, collateral, or credit history for global citizens, PLUS international student scholarships & career coaching! Fully online application, 96% customer...

Read more
Partner service logo for TestDEN Ultimate TOEFL Test Prep Online Course

TestDEN Ultimate TOEFL Test Prep Online Course

TestDEN's Online TOEFL Test Prep is just what you need to quickly and effectively prepare for the TOEFL test. Since 1998, TestDEN has helped tens of thousands of students raise their TOEFL scores.

Read more
Partner service logo for Find an Advisor

Find an Advisor

Study in the USA’s advisors can work with you to navigate the requirements to study abroad in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. We help you find the right school and apply.

Read more

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Insurance
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • TOEFL Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Featured Programs
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.