by Ema Miyaura

My Exchange Experience in Malaysia

Embarking on an exchange programme in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at the University of Malaya has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life, providing me with a wealth of insights and memories that I will cherish forever. Throughout my journey, I encountered diverse cultures, navigated through challenges, and embraced opportunities for personal growth.

One of the most remarkable aspects of my exchange in Malaysia was the opportunity to connect with individuals from various corners of the world. Living with two incredible girls from Belgium and Germany not only enriched my understanding of their cultures but also fostered deep friendships. Together, we explored many vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur, tried delicious Malaysian cuisine at very local spots, and embarked on adventures to neighbouring countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore. Our shared experiences created lasting bonds and unforgettable memories, reaffirming the power of global connections.

While my semester was filled with incredible moments, I also faced difficult challenges, such as adapting to Malaysia’s tropical climate, which was very hard as the relentless heat and humidity required constant adjustment. Moreover, as Malaysia is a Muslim country, I had to be more aware and respectful of their culture, such as the dress codes and social norms in public spaces, which became an integral part of my daily life, serving as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptation. Furthermore, the sounds of the mosques waking me up at 5 a.m. every morning were a challenge, but eventually, my body started to adapt to this over time.

Some travel essentials during my time in Malaysia were mosquito repellent, the ‘grab’ app, which is a transportation app, an e-wallet, and a food ordering service that is used all around the country. Other essentials were bringing warm clothing, such as a jumper or sweater, with me everywhere since shops, classrooms, and malls are all air-conditioned, so it got very cold after minutes. Another travel essential I would recommend bringing is a pack of cards since they are always handy to have when hanging out with friends. Lastly, for long-haul flights, if you have the choice, I would recommend booking an overnight flight since time flies a lot faster when you’re sleeping.

My time in Malaysia taught me invaluable lessons and fostered a spirit of openness and curiosity within me. I learned to step out of my comfort zone and embrace these new experiences. Every encounter, whether with the friendly locals, my fellow exchange students, or flatmates, offered me a unique perspective and expanded my worldview. These experiences have changed the way I define home. Home for me means having people around me who I can talk about my day-to-day activities with, as well as having supportive and encouraging energy whenever I have a bad day and feel ill or homesick.

The transformative experience overseas has profoundly shaped my outlook on life and career aspirations. With my last two weeks here, I am super sad to be saying farewell to this country, to my amazing friends, and to the friendly locals here, but at the same time, I am enthusiastic to come home and share my experiences with my family and friends and share my ideas and knowledge to my future job.

My exposure to Malaysia’s multifaceted society has deepened my understanding of social, cultural, economic, and environmental dynamics, offering a nuanced perspective that I intend to carry forward in my future endeavours.

In conclusion, my exchange journey in Malaysia has been a tapestry of experiences, weaving together moments of friendship, challenge, and growth. As I reflect on the lessons learned and memories created, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to immerse myself in a culture that had a huge impact on my life.