Beyond Borders : My Eye-Opening Study Exchange In Malaysia
Hi, my name is Putri Ayu Salamah. I'm a tourism student at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, and I have always believed that taking on the opportunity to study abroad is a valuable experience. For me, student exchange is more than just an academic journey, it is the door that leads to various opportunities, both for self-development and future career. With that spirit, I decided to join the study exchange programme through the Asean International Study Mobility Awards (AIMS) programme and chose Malaysia as the destination country, precisely at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
This journey was certainly not without its challenges. Starting from the registration process that was full of surprises on the first day I arrived in Malaysia, everything was a valuable lesson. Coming to a new country with the hope of gaining new experiences, knowledge, and opportunities to grow, I realized that this adventure would be one of the most meaningful chapters of my life.
To some, Malaysia may feel similar to Indonesia, as it is a close neighbour with familiar-sounding language and culture. However, to me, Malaysia is unique in its own right. The first thing that struck me was the country's ethnic diversity. Malaysia has three main ethnic groups: Malays, Chinese and Indians, who coexist in harmony. This diversity provides such an interesting dynamic and is one of the aspects that made me feel like I was exploring three countries at once. Sometimes I would feel like I was in a Malay neighbourhood, then it would change to an Indian one, and often Chinese culture would be the main attraction. It really opened my eyes to a diversity that I had never encountered in Indonesia.
During my time in Malaysia, I also took the time to travel to various places. I visited Kuala Lumpur and enjoyed the majestic Petronas Twin Towers that are an icon of the country. Not only that, I had the opportunity to visit Penang, which is famous for its street food and cultural heritage. I even went to Genting Highlands to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery from above. Each of these trips not only refreshed my mind, but also gave me new insights into Malaysia's rich culture and natural charm. In addition, there were many small but meaningful experiences that shaped my outlook during my time in Malaysia. From trying local foods like nasi lemak, char kway teow, to roti canai at traditional stalls, I learned how food can be a cultural bridge. I also had a little trouble understanding the Malaysian Malay language, which is different from Indonesian, both in vocabulary and intonation. However, I challenged myself to understand and adapt because that's where the beauty lies.
Not only in academics, I also learned a lot from my daily interactions with local and international students. Light discussions about cultural differences, the education system, and daily life opened up new perspectives that I had never thought of before. This programme really taught me valuable lessons about the importance of diversity and tolerance. Through this study exchange experience, I realized that the world is vast and full of interesting things to learn. Malaysia may only be my first step, but from here, I feel more confident to pursue bigger dreams in the future. For me, this experience is proof that getting out of your comfort zone is the best way to grow and get to know yourself.
This journey was certainly not without its challenges. Starting from the registration process that was full of surprises on the first day I arrived in Malaysia, everything was a valuable lesson. Coming to a new country with the hope of gaining new experiences, knowledge, and opportunities to grow, I realized that this adventure would be one of the most meaningful chapters of my life.
To some, Malaysia may feel similar to Indonesia, as it is a close neighbour with familiar-sounding language and culture. However, to me, Malaysia is unique in its own right. The first thing that struck me was the country's ethnic diversity. Malaysia has three main ethnic groups: Malays, Chinese and Indians, who coexist in harmony. This diversity provides such an interesting dynamic and is one of the aspects that made me feel like I was exploring three countries at once. Sometimes I would feel like I was in a Malay neighbourhood, then it would change to an Indian one, and often Chinese culture would be the main attraction. It really opened my eyes to a diversity that I had never encountered in Indonesia.
During my time in Malaysia, I also took the time to travel to various places. I visited Kuala Lumpur and enjoyed the majestic Petronas Twin Towers that are an icon of the country. Not only that, I had the opportunity to visit Penang, which is famous for its street food and cultural heritage. I even went to Genting Highlands to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery from above. Each of these trips not only refreshed my mind, but also gave me new insights into Malaysia's rich culture and natural charm. In addition, there were many small but meaningful experiences that shaped my outlook during my time in Malaysia. From trying local foods like nasi lemak, char kway teow, to roti canai at traditional stalls, I learned how food can be a cultural bridge. I also had a little trouble understanding the Malaysian Malay language, which is different from Indonesian, both in vocabulary and intonation. However, I challenged myself to understand and adapt because that's where the beauty lies.
Not only in academics, I also learned a lot from my daily interactions with local and international students. Light discussions about cultural differences, the education system, and daily life opened up new perspectives that I had never thought of before. This programme really taught me valuable lessons about the importance of diversity and tolerance. Through this study exchange experience, I realized that the world is vast and full of interesting things to learn. Malaysia may only be my first step, but from here, I feel more confident to pursue bigger dreams in the future. For me, this experience is proof that getting out of your comfort zone is the best way to grow and get to know yourself.
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