Between Two Worlds: From Shock to Comfort

Seeking an opportunity and stepping out of her comfort zone, this courageous woman declared, "The smallest chance can lead to a path, and the greatest differences can make unity possible"

Cikarang, Indonesia - The clinking of cutlery echoed through the restaurant that night, blending with the aroma of Chinese food adjusted to suit Indonesian tastes at the dining table. After traveling over 10,000 kilometers from her country, she experienced more than just survival, she discovered opportunities and grew alongside the differences. Accustomed to new experiences, Victoria Camia, a student from Angola, appeared confident as she talked about her life as an Agribusiness student at President University. Hearing about her journey of studying in various countries since middle school, she seems adept at handling cross-cultural challenges. However, living in Indonesia has brought surprises she never imagined before.  

That night, the memory of her first trip to an Indonesian supermarket resurfaced as she began tasting the food served. She stood frozen before the olive oil shelf among rows of cooking oil and soy sauce bottles. The price tag made her frown, "Is this gold or oil?" she thought. In Angola, olive oil was incredibly affordable and a staple in every meal, but here? It was nearly out of reach for a student living far from home like her. After seeing the price on the shelf, she even briefly considered making her olive oil in her tiny dorm room. At a glance, it was just a small surprise. But for Victoria, that moment was the beginning of a big opportunity there was something she could bring from her homeland to this country.

Spotlight and Stereotypes

At President University, Victoria Camia is often seen at various events---her face adorning campus activity banners and student organization social media pages. As an international student, her presence always attracts attention. Yet, behind her broad smile in every promotional photo, there is a feeling that has gradually become harder for her to hide. "They often suddenly call me and ask me to take one or two videos," she said.  At first, Victoria thought of it as part of the experience of being an international student.

However, her perspective shifted when she saw some of her fellow international students decide to give up on continuing their studies at the university due to similar pressures, especially for those who were not accustomed to being in front of a camera. The pressure to always appear "appealing" to the public often overshadowed the true role of international students in academic and organizational environments. This phenomenon, unknowingly, left many international students feeling isolated, even when surrounded by crowds. Even so, the attention she received wasn't always unpleasant. The characteristic warmth of Indonesians, with their smiles and simple greetings, often surprised her and made her feel at ease. "In Angola, people aren't so friendly unless they know you well, but here, everything feels warm," told her with a big smile.

Embracing Diversity

Victoria is one of the many foreign students at President University. Although she initially felt like an outsider in the new environment, there was something that made her feel more accepted. She realized that Indonesians have a unique way of making people feel comfortable. Often, when she tried to explore the area around campus or the dormitory on her own, she became the center of attention, spending her time trying traditional food or simply walking around observing the surroundings. This made her stand out compared to other foreign students. "In addition to the hospitality of Indonesians, we also have to be friendly towards them to grow," she said when discussing how some of her friends chose to separate themselves from the local environment.

Furthermore, Victoria's involvement in campus activities accelerated her adaptation process. Becoming the one and only foreign student among the 30% of international students from 13 countries on campus who managed to hold the position of the Chairperson in Agribusiness Student Association was a huge opportunity for her. Victoria's main strength was support from friends, the organization, and campus programs. Slowly but surely, she began to understand the patterns of life in Indonesia. "From the confusion in the beginning, now I know that I am not alone. Adaptation takes time, but with the right support, everything becomes much easier,".

Challenging the Opportunity

The next challenge came sooner than expected. Through the Entrepreneurship Business Competition sponsored by SetSail, Victoria joined a team to develop a sustainable tourism agency concept. Under the spotlight and the critical gaze of the 

judges, she typed out ideas, devised digital marketing strategies, and engaged in endless discussions. The immense pressure did not shake her winning the competition became a testament to her perseverance and ability to seize opportunities. From jotting down workshop subtopics to presenting ideas on the competition stage, Victoria's journey is a story of courage in facing culture shock. Instead of being hindered by cultural differences, she turned them into a space for learning, growth, and development, bringing home more than just an achievement a profound life lesson.

Business Competition Sponsored by SetSail. Sumber: Victoria Camia LinkedIn

Other Meanings of an Experience

Now, Victoria walks across the campus with a steadier stride. She has found her rhythm amid the busyness of organizational work, classes, and social interactions. The sambal that once terrified her has now become her favorite dish. The once-awkward smiles from strangers are now reminders that kindness can come from anywhere. "At first, everything felt difficult. Over time, however, I realized that culture shock is like a spice in life. It might feel strange at first, but it's what makes life richer," she said while gazing at the twilight sky over the campus grounds.

The small surprise in the supermarket aisle, awkward moments in front of a camera, and bursts of laughter with local friends all have shaped who Victoria is today. A young leader with a vision, someone who sees opportunities amidst differences. "I came here to study. But what I found was so much more, I found a way to grow," she concluded.  Who would have thought that a journey of 10,000 kilometers from Angola would lead her to a big idea that started with a single bottle of olive oil? And perhaps, one day, that very oil will sit on the shelves of Indonesian supermarkets a small symbol of Victoria's long and meaningful journey.