I studied abroad in Malaysia, and now I want to share my experience with you
Luisa, 23 years old, studied Biology at Aachen RWTH for her bachelor right after ending her highschool degree in Germany. Now, she is doing her master in medical life science. She informed us that a study abroad expertise is highly appreciated in her research. When the pandemic hit, Luisa experienced her student life as dull. Then she heard tales concerning the study overseas expertise of her fellow students. Since she had nearly all her programs done already, she determined to put in writing her grasp thesis whereas studying overseas in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and explore South East Asia.
Why did you resolve to check abroad?
I never planned to go abroad – I just never considered it as a end result of I was so busy doing my bachelor’s straight after my highschool diploma in Germany. Honestly, I never felt the urge to journey to Asia. And I had never had contact to South East Asia earlier than. But after speaking to my fellow students who studied abroad, I began trying into learning in Asia, and I got fascinated.
Read additionally: Why examine abroad in Asia?
Luisa used her time exterior from uiversit to discover Malaysia and Southeast Asia ( right here Taman Negara, National Park Malaysia) Why did you choose to review in Malaysia?
My first choices were Hawaii and Amercia, but those are too pricy and unrealistic. On the opposite hand, Asia appeared inexpensive and realistic. I checked what my university supplied, however ERASMUS was what everyone was doing and never so fascinating as a outcome of we can additionally travel simply to European international locations and if I even have the possibility to stay longer abroad. Especially since Germany is getting expensive. In distinction Asia is so cheap. Finally, Southeast asia obtained me hooked, and I realized about Asia Exhange. I checked out the locations and packages that they had listed on their website.
Click right here to search out out more about finding out in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I ended up selecting Malaysia for my examine overseas experience. Malaysia was an excellent choice, as a end result of it offers the chance to see many nations. Kuala Lumpur is a gateway to Asia. Moreover, the semester dates and courses provided fit my research and semester dates. I was additionally thinking about Bali, but I thought it would be extra of a vacationer vacation spot. Furthermore, I may visit Bali throughout my studies in Kuala Lumpur.
What expectations were met during your research expertise in Malaysia, and what was totally different than you expected?
I tried to come back to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with no expecations and didn’t plan something. However, I was open minded for brand spanking new experiences overseas. For instance, I by no means expected to see locations like Sumatra or Borneo.
Of course earlier than my study overseas expertise in Malyasia, I thought of how tough will probably be to find friends. It turned out that I found many associates so simply. Honestly, I didn’t anticipated to search out connections like this. That’s why I would say it’s simpler to fulfill individuals whenever you go along with Asia Exchange. You will always have people who travel with you.
Luisa even visited Bukit Lawang in North Sumatra – something that she by no means had expected! Did you experience a culture shock when finding out in Malaysia?
Yes, I did expertise a tradition shock when studying in Malaysia. It was a valuable expertise that made me reflect on my life again home and respect it more. Going out of my consolation zone was a daily incidence, and there have been several situations where I felt culture shock. Some issues that irritated me included the issue of discovering vegetarian meals, the abundance of meat and fish, excessive sugar in meals, and the absence of toilet paper which was always moist, especially as a woman.
However, Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, with three primary cultures: Malay, Chinese, and Indian. I discovered that the university was very multicultural, and everyone obtained alongside. Although, I did notice that people tended to stick with their very own teams. Despite that, as a European white girl, I stood out, and folks wanted to take photographs of me and send them to their family group. It was like being on a never-ending subject trip, which could typically be exhausting and emotionally draining, with some drama.
Overall, my expertise in Malaysia was one which I wanted. It made me notice so much, recognize what I miss in Germany, and value it extra. I wanted to go out of Germany and expertise one thing totally completely different. While it was difficult, I will go away with each pleased and unhappy eyes, figuring out that I actually have discovered a lot from this experience.
Luisa obtained misplaced in paradise: Mabul Island, Borneo, Malaysia What were your biggest hurdles during your examine overseas experience in Malaysia?
My examine overseas experience in Malaysia had its fair share of hurdles. However, some of the important challenges I confronted was selecting programs. It was a posh process, and the courses may change at the final minute or have spontaneous schedule changes for tests. I also discovered it difficult to plan my travels since semester breaks generally changed per week earlier, making it challenging to plan. In the tip, I nonetheless managed to travel round South East Asia.
Another important hurdle I encountered was when our passports were gone for an extended time. It took round a month, as a outcome of we needed to await an appointment to process the passport.
Asia Exchange Recommendation: Don’t plan any trips outside of Malaysia within the first month of your keep and give attention to exploring Malaysia’s magnificence and diversity!
Read additionally: BEST UNIVERSITIES IN MALAYSIA FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Overall, while these hurdles offered some challenges, I was capable of overcome them and be taught from the experience. I believe these obstacles helped me develop adaptability, patience, and problem-solving expertise, which can profit me in my future endeavors. And in the lengthy run, that’s why you develop a lot when you examine overseas.
Luisa had a great week for herself in Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia have you been travelling during your research in southeast asia?
During my time finding out overseas in Malaysia, I had the opportunity to journey to a number of totally different locations like Thailand, Singapore, Bali, Malaysian islands and Borneo. Whenever we had long weekends, my associates and I would benefit from the time to explore. During one lengthy weekend, we went on a jungle tour in Sumatra, which was an incredible experience. We noticed rare animals like rhinoceroses and orangutans, and the eco-tourism facet of the tour was fascinating. We had to struggle through the jungle and sleep on the floor for two nights. It was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding.
We additionally traveled to Penang Island on the east coast of Malaysia to earn our diving certificates. This was some of the spontaneous decisions we made, however it was an unforgettable experience. The island was incredibly lovely, with abundant marine life and vibrant corals.
Borneo was one other spotlight of my travels. We went diving at Sepadan Island, considered top-of-the-line diving spots on the earth. The barracudas and other marine life were breathtaking, and the island was a real paradise. We also went on a university subject journey to a UNESCO world heritage site, which was an excellent opportunity to be taught more concerning the historical past and culture of the area.
Finally, during Christmas and New Year’s, I traveled to Thailand, the place I could discover the country’s vibrant culture and natural beauty. My travels all through Southeast Asia had been an incredible alternative to learn, develop, and expertise new cultures with new pals.
“Sumatra is apart from Borneo the only place in the world the place wild Orangutans nonetheless exist. Amazing to see no less than a semi-wilde one (raised in a sanctuary and released)” – Luisa How is the scholar party life in Malaysia?
The celebration life in Malaysia is vigorous, and there’s one explicit road with many bars and clubs that is significantly well-liked. There are additionally many rooftop bars, such as the Dragonfly, which is beautiful die to the great views over the town. Strict costume codes are sometimes in place. For males, shorts are usually not allowed, and flip-flops are also usually not permitted.
One side of the celebration scene in Malaysia that significantly stood out to me was the underground techno scene. There were many raves and underground clubs that I may expertise throughout my time there. One of essentially the most vital golf equipment within the region was particularly spectacular, with its massive size and excessive energy. However, it’s essential to note that many clubs and bars have strict closing instances, and lights are turned on, and music is turned off at three am. Overall, the get together life in Malaysia is exciting, diverse, and a good way to expertise the culture and nightlife of the country.
Luisa explored Southeast Asia whereas finding out overseas in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Conclusion: This was my research abroad experience In Malaysia
In conclusion, my study abroad expertise in Malaysia has been a life-changing journey. My interest and understanding of Asia have considerably grown, and I truly have turn into extra conscious of cultural variations. Living with the naked minimum has made me extra humble and appreciative of the little issues we regularly take for granted, like having a flushing toilet. Although there have been moments of annoyance and discomfort, I recommend this experience to everyone. It’s an opportunity for private progress, open-mindedness, and learning about completely different cultures. This journey has broadened my horizon and adjusted my perspective on the world. I am curious to see how I will feel once I return home, however regardless, I will be forever grateful for this expertise. It is an experience that no one can take away from me, and I will look back on it for my whole life. If you may have the prospect financially and time-wise, and want to develop, studying overseas in Malaysia is the best choice you can make.
Do you wish to study abroad in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia? Find out more in regards to the University Putra Malaysia!
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