The views and opinions expressed in the Graduate and International Ambassador Blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Arkansas.
By guest contributor Patrick Kwok
Hi! My name is Patrick Kwok, and I am an undergraduate (Junior) majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. I am also the President of the Indonesian Student Organization called Persatuan Mahasiswa Indonesia Amerika Serikat or shortened as PERMIAS. I am studying abroad at the U of A in hopes as I pursue my dream goals, which are to become the chairman of my father’s company and also my own IT start-up company. A little bit about me: My interests outside of school are playing music and also sports! I can play the piano, a Chinese instrument called Guzheng, a little bit of violin, and during this quarantine, I am currently learning how to play guitar by myself. Furthermore, I’m very passionate about sports–that is one of the reasons why I chose the U of A.
Being a Razorback
The University of Arkansas is very unique in the way that students feel like they are part of the Razorback family. The idea of coming to the United States alone is already challenging for me because I am away from my friends and family. However, international students will never feel that loneliness coming to this university since everyone in this community makes you feel like you belong here. A lot of programs at the university, such as iFriend or ICT, help international students in making a family when they are away from home. Before coming here, I was accepted by several universities including the University of Toronto. However, after much consideration, I chose the U of A because they welcomed me warmly. Studying in the United States means getting closer to my expectations of life. I have to admit that I am an ambitious kid from Indonesia. I have lived my whole life in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. Jakarta is lively, diverse and charming at the same time. Everybody in this city seems rushing to reach their own dreams and goals without looking left or right. Hence, this city motivates me to reach my own goal no matter what it takes. With the help from the U of A’s vast resources, I feel like I am getting closer to my goal. 
Facing Unexpected Challenges
The biggest challenge for me so far has adapting to the United States’ cultures. I have only ever had one name prior coming to the University of Arkansas – I do not have any last name as a result of a horrifying tragedy that took place in Jakarta in 1998, right before I was born. However, nearly all people in the U.S. have two names. Every document that needs to be filled usually asks for a last name, even when you’re applying for a credit card. Hence, I finally manage to add my last name in Houston last year to accommodate the culture here in the U.S.
Taking Classes as an International Student
Now that the most challenging part is behind me, I’m here to say that studying in the U.S. is worth it! Every student here is so passionate and driven about what they are studying. This makes me feel more connected to my field of study. What I found very astonishing about my program is that the U of A conducts a lot of research in different subjects. I recently joined the Computer Vision and Image Understanding Lab (CVIU) led by Dr. Khoa Luu and Dr. John Gauch. Although my coding classes are generally fun, I personally had more fun taking the General Psychology class (PSYC 2003). It is the best class I’ve taken so far because I enjoyed the material. Learning the material did not feel like a burden. In this class, I learned a lot about how people tend to think and how to analyze their minds. It is really interesting to know that there is science behind how people think or feel! 
Don’t Be Afraid of Taking the Leap to Study Abroad
My one and only piece of advice to someone who is interested in applying to the Computer Science program at the U of A is: don’t be afraid! You will never know until you get your feet wet (so to speak). Studying abroad can be scary, but, it can also be fun and memorable. I get to explore this country, visit famous cities such as New York City, and find new friends and family away from home. International students should also be proud of studying in the U.S. because they manage to speak English fluently. My most memorable experience in the U of A must be spending time with my international friends. I made friends with people from Malaysia, South Korea, Great Britain, and even Sweden! Last semester, we went to a Halloween party, had a vacation in New York City & Boston, visited the Ozark National Forest, and spent countless nights laughing and studying together. Furthermore, I also found a new family here with my PERMIAS friends. We hang out sometimes for lunch and try to cure our homesickness! I hope you enjoyed learning about my experience at the U of A! You can also check my Instagram at @patrickwokk. It has many memorable pictures from my time in the U.S.!
