Student Spotlight: Willy Cahyadi, Indonesia

Welcome, Willy! Please introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello there! My name is Willy Cahyadi and I’m an international student from Indonesia. I’m currently studying informatics engineering at the Universitas Ciputra Surabaya. Just a few months ago, I completed a five-month exchange program at ITMO University and it was one of the best experiences of my life.

Great! We will be talking about it all but first, tell us a little about your hometown.

I was born in Surabaya, East Java, but I grew up in Sidoarjo, a city right next to Surabaya. I spent most of my life in East Java, but I often went on trips with family and friends to Bali, Mount Bromo, Yogyakarta (the city of students), and Jakarta. Traveling is a big part of life back home!

What made you decide to do a semester exchange in Russia?

I was lucky to be selected for the IISMA (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards) scholarship, which allows Indonesian university students to study abroad in various countries, including Russia. I chose Russia because of its fascinating culture and strong reputation in IT. ITMO stood out as one of the best places for computer science, so it was an easy choice!

How did you first hear about ITMO?

Believe it or not, I first heard about ITMO on TikTok! I found out that ITMO is the only university to have won the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) seven times. That got me really excited and when I saw ITMO on the list of IISMA partner universities, I knew I had to apply.

What were your expectations before coming to Russia? Did they match reality?

My main goal was to make as many friends as possible. I had heard stereotypes about Russians being cold or distant, but I found the opposite! I made great friends – not only with Russians, but also with students from India, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, and many other countries. Academically, ITMO exceeded my expectations. The materials were excellent and the professors were great. That being said, I barely passed one subject despite many all-nighter study sessions with friends, haha!

What courses did you take at ITMO? Which one was the most challenging?

I took five courses: modern control theory, control systems programming, network security, machine learning theories, and Russian as a foreign language. The hardest one was modern control theory. It was way more mechanical engineering-focused than I expected and I struggled a lot. I spent countless hours in the lab, working on projects, and pulling all-nighters just to pass. Every time I left class, I felt a single tear rolling down my cheek.

That must have been a grind! How does ITMO’s teaching style compare to your home university?

ITMO uses the ECTS grading system, while my home university in Indonesia uses the SKS system (30 ECTS = 18 SKS). At ITMO, courses are fast-paced, with some lasting only one to two months instead of a full semester. At my home university, all courses start and end together after 16 weeks. 

Also, ITMO separates lab work and project grades, while my home university combines them into one. It was a big adjustment, but I learned a lot from ITMO’s more research-driven approach.

Could you share your experience of working in the labs?

It was hard! I worked with my fellow Indonesian friends – it was always so much fun! Unfortunately, I didn’t get to work with other international students, but we had a great time. As they say, Apes Together Strong!

What was your daily routine like at ITMO?

My classes were mostly in the late afternoon or evening, so I usually woke up between 9 and 11 am (I’m definitely not a morning person!). I’d skip breakfast to save money (don’t try this at home!) and cook lunch – sometimes for my roommates, too. In the afternoons, I’d grab some pyshki (Russian donuts) on Sadovaya Street before heading to class at ITMO’s Lomonosova campus. After class, I’d head home, eat again, and call it a day.

What was the biggest challenge you faced while studying in Russia?

The weather. In Indonesia, winter doesn’t exist. The coldest it ever gets is maybe 20°C. In Russia it can drop to -20°C. I had to learn to dress in layers – puffy jackets, thermal clothing, and gloves. My best advice? Invest in good winter gear!

What was your most memorable cultural experience in Russia?

The banya experience at ITMO’s Yagodnoye camp was truly the best! After a fun day at the camp, we were told to get ready for the Russian banya (sauna). I was hesitant, but my friends convinced me. Imagine sitting in a tiny wooden room at 80-90°C for 10-15 minutes. Then, you sprint outside and jump into a freezing lake. The trick is to get back to the sauna before you freeze! Sounds crazy, right? But we did it several times and it was an absolute blast!

You mentioned you enjoy travelling a lot. Which trip was the most unforgettable one in Russia?

Murmansk. I saw the northern lights for the first time – it was magical! I also visited Teriberka, where I saw the Dragon Eggs Beach, a ship graveyard, and an Arctic waterfall. We went in January, so it was super cold. But the best part? The journey itself – the planning, the travel, and the friends I shared it with.

What’s the biggest lesson you took away from your exchange experience?

Independence. Living abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone. I learned that failure isn’t the end – it’s just a part of the learning process. Oscar Wilde said, "Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes." ITMO gave me plenty of both and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

Do you see yourself returning to ITMO?

Absolutely! I would love to return for my Master’s. ITMO is an amazing university and my time there was unforgettable.

What advice would you give to students considering an exchange at ITMO?

Go for it! ITMO is an incredible place to study, meet people, and grow as a person. But before you leave, spend time with your family – you’re going to miss them. Also, be curious. Ask more questions, join clubs, attend events, and explore the city. Make every moment count!