- Name
- Maria
- STUDY PROGRAMME
- WPS
- Semester
- 4th semester
- HOST INSTITUTION
- Taylor's University
- LOCATION
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Zeitraum
- August to December 2023
Funding
Self-funded & Auslands-BAföG
What was your main motivation to go abroad?
Since the beginning of my studies, it was clear to me that I wanted to spend a semester abroad. I had never been on holiday outside Europe before and thought that a semester abroad would be the perfect opportunity to explore a new region of the world. I wanted (and still want) to see as much of the world as possible.
I got to know many new countries and cultures, made friendships and have definitely grown from the small and great challenges that a semester abroad brings with it.
What were your biggest concerns?
I had various concerns when I realised that I would be almost 10,000 km away from Germany! I was particularly worried about the food in Asia, both in terms of hygiene and because I can't eat very spicy food. In the end, however, there were always plenty of alternatives to choose from, and I even dared to try spicier dishes on one or two occasions - and luckily I never had any real food poisoning.
Would you recommend a stay abroad? Why?
I highly recommend Malaysia and Taylor’s University. Everything just fell into place, as the university offered some really interesting courses in psychology, and Malaysia was an excellent base for travelling around Southeast Asia. As a result, I was able to visit countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and even South Korea during the semester.
What did you learn from your stay abroad?
I got to know many new countries and cultures, made friendships and have definitely grown from the small and great challenges that a semester abroad brings with it.
Fun Fact
Malaysia is indeed one of the countries with the most public holidays - sometimes twice as many as in Germany, depending on the state. To accommodate the many ethnic groups, all the holidays of Malays, Chinese, and Indians are celebrated. As a result, after the decorations for "Malaysia Day," they are quickly changed for the Indian festival of "Deepavali," and then Christmas decorations follow in the malls and at the university. There’s always a reason to celebrate throughout the year.
Were your expectations met?
Yes, my expectations were definitely met! The semester abroad in Malaysia was a fantastic experience, which was very enriching both academically and culturally.
Is there anything you would like to highlight about your experience abroad?
In my opinion, Malaysia as a (holiday) destination is much too underrated, especially compared to its far more well-known neighbours, Thailand and Singapore. Malaysia is incredibly diverse and has so much to offer: stunning islands and beaches, the ultra-modern capital Kuala Lumpur, untouched tropical rainforests, and a vibrant mix of cultures.
Impressions of Malaysia
