The Malaysian Odyssey: A Decade of Growth, Language, and Leadership

My name is Youssefi Frozan, I am from the Netherlands, and I am currently pursuing Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at UNITAR International University. My story in Malaysia began much earlier, back in the year of 2014. When I first arrived, I was stepping into a world that felt entirely alien, I didn’t know the language, the culture, or the environment, which left me feeling incredibly anxious. My journey started at a private school where I felt isolated, but moving to a local government school changed everything. I still vividly remember the "good vibes" of my first day there, standing in the school assembly on a bright, sunny day, surrounded by students who were genuinely curious and friendly. Even though I was a newcomer facing the UPSR exams with no prior knowledge, the warmth of the community made me feel like I finally belonged.

As I progressed into secondary school, I found myself in a Malay-speaking environment that encouraged me to truly integrate. I loved chilling with my classmates they were humble, punctual, and always ready to crack a joke, which made the learning process so much fun. Through these interactions, I found my two best friends, whom I am still close with today. One of my biggest personal achievements has been mastering the beautiful Malaysian language. Today, whenever I meet new people, the majority of my Malaysian friends are completely shocked and ask, "How can you speak Malay so fluently?" and some people even told me that “You are Malaysian within your heart even though you are not holding any Malaysian identity card (IC)”, seeing their surprised and happy faces when an international student speaks their language with ease is a huge source of pride for me. It proves that Malaysia isn't just a place where I live, it’s a place where I have truly rooted myself. I even earned my Malaysian driving license while waiting for my SPM results, and I’ve explored the country extensively, for example, I have visited Cameron Highlands seven times for its breathtaking views and its fresh cold air as well as Genting Highlands, they are magical.

A defining moment in my journey at UNITAR was the opportunity to serve as a Moderator for the UNITAR Global Leadership Series on March 6, 2026. It was an immense honor to host Mr. Novie Tajuddin, the Chief Executive Officer of Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), as he shared insights on internationalizing higher education. Facilitating a keynote session with such a prominent national leader was a milestone I never imagined. This experience not only boosted my confidence but also made me deeply grateful for the platform UNITAR provides its students to connect with global industry experts.

My transition to UNITAR International University opened a new chapter of leadership. Starting with a Foundation program, I mastered time management by tackling assignments, eventually earning a scholarship for my Degree in Psychology. Moving from online classes to the physical campus felt like a nostalgic homecoming. From organizing community events at Rumah Hope in Kelana Jaya to going for field trip at the PUSPEN drug rehabilitation center, my education has been deeply hands-on. I have evolved from a shy student into a confident moderator and the Secretary on the International side of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at UNITAR. Malaysia is the best country in the world for international students because of its endless opportunities and the kindness of its people. I am so grateful for this decade of growth.

Saya sangat bersyukur kerana telah memilih Malaysia sebagai tempat untuk menuntut ilmu. Kepada kawan-kawan semua, terima kasih kerana sentiasa menyokong saya dan membuatkan saya rasa seperti di rumah sendiri. Malaysia Boleh!
 


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