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Lisa and Ju­lia in Malay­sia

11.10.2023, Study Abroad :

Lisa and Julia spent a semester abroad at one of our three partner universities in Malaysia. Find out what impressions the two students experienced in the Southeast Asian country.

Name
Lisa and Julia
Study Programme
IMUK
Semester
5th Semester
Host Institution
Taylor's University
Location
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Period
March to July 2023

Fund­ing

Auslands-BAföG

What was your main motivation to go abroad?

First and foremost, we wanted to seize the opportunity to improve our English language skills during the semester abroad and to experience studying in a completely different environment. Once it was decided which country we were going to, one of the major motivators, of course, was getting to know the culture, the cuisine and the people as well as exploring as much as possible. The course selection on-site and the university, which is very modern and with all lectures taught in English, really motivated us. This allowed us to enroll in our desired courses and earn enough credits.

Everything simply fitted - the university, the people and the country.

Lisa and Julia

What were your biggest concerns?

During a rather long stay abroad, nearly 10,000 kilometres away from home, there were naturally concerns, both from us and our families. The main concerns were our safety, health and organisation. However, we were able to overcome everything quickly because everything on-site was well organized and also, we had no safety issues neither on campus nor elsewhere.

Would you recommend a stay abroad? Why?

Absolutely. During our stay abroad we repeated several times how happy we were about our decision and that we would do it all over again. Everything simply fitted - the university, the people and the country.

Fun Fact

In Malaysia or Asia in general, punctuality is not taken so seriously, so it happened from time to time that German students had to wait quite a while in front of the lecture rooms. 🙈

What did you learn from your stay abroad?

We gained many insights into the culture and life there. Moreover, we developed a deep affection for Asia. We got to know new working methods and mastered group projects with very diverse compositions. Additionally, we have developed independence and organisational skills that enable us to approach situations with much more composure.

A view of Taylor's University, where Lisa and Julia spent her semester abroad

Were your expectations met?

In fact, our expectations were even exceeded; everything went better and was still more beautiful than anticipated.

Is there anything you would like to highlight about your experience abroad?

The country and the flexibility you have in Asia to travel, see dream destinations and experience wonderful adventures. The culture and the food have always been a fantastic experience and, if you allow it, always a positive surprise. Furthermore, we would like to highlight the country of Malaysia itself. As it is not typically included in most people's travel destinations Malaysia is somewhat overlooked alongside more frequently visited countries like Thailand or Vietnam. However, this should be seen as an advantage, because Malaysia is not overcrowded and you can truly immerse yourself in Asian culture here. Especially Malaysia's islands are simply a dream.

Im­pres­sions of Malay­sia