From Kindergarten to Degree: My 20-Year Journey in Malaysia as an International Student
By Bushra Bibi binti Rahim

When people ask me where I am from, my answer is always a little unique. I am a Pakistani citizen, but I have spent more than 20 years living in Malaysia. In fact, my journey here began when I was just a child in kindergarten. Today, I am in my final semester pursuing a Degree in Education at Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM),  preparing for my internship and reflecting on how much this country has shaped my life.

Growing up in Malaysia has been an incredible experience. Since childhood, I have been surrounded by people from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds. What I appreciate most is how welcoming Malaysians are. Despite being an international student, I never felt like I was different. I was able to make local friends, participate in school activities, and experience the beauty of Malaysia's multicultural society firsthand.

My academic journey has also been filled with memorable milestones. One of my proudest achievements was obtaining 6A's in SPM. That success motivated me to continue my studies at the STPM level, where I also performed well. These experiences strengthened my passion for education and inspired me to pursue a degree in the field. Looking back, every stage of my education in Malaysia has contributed to my growth, both academically and personally.

 
Figure 1: Announcement of STPM Examination Results

University life has given me opportunities beyond the classroom. I have always enjoyed being active in campus activities, especially sports. Dodgeball became one of my favourite activities because it taught me teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Through sports, I met many students and created friendships that I will always cherish.

 

Figure 2: Participating in dodgeball tournament at UKM

Another meaningful part of my journey has been volunteering. I enjoy contributing to programmes that bring people together and create positive experiences for others. One of my most memorable experiences was helping to organise a team-building programme for international students. As part of the student leadership team, I had the opportunity to work closely with students from different countries, helping them feel welcomed and connected. Seeing friendships form and students support one another reminded me of my own journey growing up in Malaysia.

 

Figure 3: Volunteering activity at Permata Kurnia 

As I prepare for my internship and the final stage of my degree, I feel grateful for everything Malaysia has given me. It has provided me with quality education, lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities, and countless unforgettable memories. Although my roots are in Pakistan, Malaysia will always hold a special place in my heart because it is the country that helped shape the person I am today.