From Romania to Malaysia: A Multicultural Adventure

I arrived in Malaysia in early 2021, filled with excitement about embarking on a new chapter in Southeast Asia. Starting at Sunway College in the Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) program felt both thrilling and challenging, as I adjusted to a new culture and educational environment. I quickly found my footing by joining the MUFY Student Council (MUFYSC), where I was able to get involved in campus life and connect with my peers and organise events like the Yayasan Chow Kit bazaar. These experiences shaped my first year in Malaysia and allowed me to create local friends that went beyond just studying together; they encouraged me to explore every corner of Malaysia. After completing my foundation in 2022, I was thrilled to get accepted into University Malaya (UM) for my undergraduate degree in economics. UM had always been my dream school, offering an authentic Malaysian university experience where I could learn Bahasa Melayu, forge local friendships, and celebrate Malaysia’s vibrant festivals. Luckily, as a native Romanian speaker, a romance language, I found Malay relatively easy to pick up, which often surprised Malaysians by my quick adaptation and made every interaction feel even more rewarding. My first Malaysian festival was Hari Raya, an unforgettable introduction to the warmth and spirit of Malaysian culture. Participating in the “salam” greeting tradition, where children show respect by taking an adult’s hand and gently bowing their head, made me feel truly included, as though I were part of the family. The Raya celebrations were filled with the joyful chaos of children laughing and playing, surrounded by the loving care of their grandparents and cousins, beautifully reflecting Malaysia’s deep-rooted respect for family. By the end of my first year at UM, I was given the incredible opportunity to participate in a one-week exchange program through the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) Youth Forum in the UAE. There, I connected with over 50 delegates from 11 Asian countries, exchanging ideas and learning about each university’s approach to tackling sustainability challenges. The friendships I formed during this experience deepened my appreciation for Asia’s cultural diversity, religious harmony, and its promising future. Fast forward to my third year at UM, when I was invited by my Malaysian friends, Krishan and Waran, to celebrate Deepavali at their open house in Penang. From the moment I arrived, their families welcomed me like one of their own. Krishan’s grandmother even gave me a warm kiss on each cheek on my way out, a gesture that left me deeply touched, and was a beautiful reminder of the genuine kindness and open-heartedness that defines Malaysians. To anyone considering studying in Malaysia, know that it’s a place where traditions and celebrations come together, where people of all backgrounds coexist with respect and unity. Universities here offer an education that goes beyond academics—they provide lifechanging experiences that shape you. My advice? Dive in with enthusiasm, embrace the culture, and remain open to new friendships. Malaysia will not only offer you a well-rounded education but an adventure of a lifetime.