Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

3 Cultures in 1:Malaysia Past Review

By (Sociology., Berea College) - abroad from 02/08/2013 to 06/28/2013 with

Universiti Sains Malaysia: Penang - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Was wonderful. Got to learn a lot about Islam.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

One class, taught by anthropologist Lye Tuk Po was the best class I ever had in my life.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration is horrible. ,

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms are bad quality, but livable. Would have been much better if I could have had a local roommate.

* Food:

Off campus it is great, on campus it is fine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Malaysians are shy but friendly. As long as you make the first move, you will fit in fine.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was sick a lot. Also, you will need a medical form before you go...but you can just wait until you get to USM to do it. Thats what some students did, and it was much much cheaper.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat cheap, fly air asia, and go see all of SEA!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Class with locals
  • treated like a real student
* What could be improved?
  • should be gvien local roomamtes
  • too much time with international students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to be so shy. just make local friends