Finding Home, Faith, and Creativity in Malaysia
Finding Home, Faith, and Creativity in Malaysia
Hi there! I’m Mariétou Guèye, a Senegalese student currently studying Interior Design in KL.
I looked long and hard for the perfect place to study around the world. I wasn’t attracted to the Western lifestyle. I wanted to be in an environment where I could practice my faith fully and still feel the same warmth I’ve always had at home. I came across so many vlogs of people travelling and living in Malaysia, and everything about the country looked beautiful and inviting.
My biggest challenge in the beginning was grounding myself. It was my first time away from home on my own, and I would often lose things or forget where I kept them because they weren’t in their usual dedicated spot in my room in Senegal. But, with time, I got used to my life here and now Malaysia just feels like a second home.
What helped the most was the fact that my family supported me from a distance and I met the sweetest local and international people here. My closest friends today are the ones I met while mosque-hopping. We had so much in common, from cultural values to religious beliefs, and everyone treated me like a sister of their own.
I enjoy eating local food and absolutely loved the Ramadan bazaars and Raya celebrations. One of my favorite things about Malaysia is how accessible everything is. Whether it’s hiking (Malaysian landscapes are breathtaking!!), playing sports, visiting art galleries, or any other activity. There’s a space for everyone, no matter what your interests are.
As an Interior Design student, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to meet talented and experienced people in the industry. It’s also been really convenient to find the materials and facilities I need for my studies. I especially enjoy going to the KL Library to study and borrow books.
Over time, I’ve grown more independent and organized and learned to approach people more confidently which wasn’t hard at all, because people here are so warm :)).
If you’re thinking about studying abroad, be daring. You don’t have to be perfect or “100% ready.” You learn as you go. Whether you study in Malaysia or anywhere in the world, respect is universal. Be kind, be ambitious, and embrace diversity and new experiences. And if you believe in Allah, know that He is with you wherever you are.
Malaysia is lovely.
Come discover what it has to offer ;)
I looked long and hard for the perfect place to study around the world. I wasn’t attracted to the Western lifestyle. I wanted to be in an environment where I could practice my faith fully and still feel the same warmth I’ve always had at home. I came across so many vlogs of people travelling and living in Malaysia, and everything about the country looked beautiful and inviting.
My biggest challenge in the beginning was grounding myself. It was my first time away from home on my own, and I would often lose things or forget where I kept them because they weren’t in their usual dedicated spot in my room in Senegal. But, with time, I got used to my life here and now Malaysia just feels like a second home.
What helped the most was the fact that my family supported me from a distance and I met the sweetest local and international people here. My closest friends today are the ones I met while mosque-hopping. We had so much in common, from cultural values to religious beliefs, and everyone treated me like a sister of their own.
I enjoy eating local food and absolutely loved the Ramadan bazaars and Raya celebrations. One of my favorite things about Malaysia is how accessible everything is. Whether it’s hiking (Malaysian landscapes are breathtaking!!), playing sports, visiting art galleries, or any other activity. There’s a space for everyone, no matter what your interests are.
As an Interior Design student, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to meet talented and experienced people in the industry. It’s also been really convenient to find the materials and facilities I need for my studies. I especially enjoy going to the KL Library to study and borrow books.
Over time, I’ve grown more independent and organized and learned to approach people more confidently which wasn’t hard at all, because people here are so warm :)).
If you’re thinking about studying abroad, be daring. You don’t have to be perfect or “100% ready.” You learn as you go. Whether you study in Malaysia or anywhere in the world, respect is universal. Be kind, be ambitious, and embrace diversity and new experiences. And if you believe in Allah, know that He is with you wherever you are.
Malaysia is lovely.
Come discover what it has to offer ;)
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