Students, local and international, share why they chose to study in our country
I’m glad that I decided not to go overseas even before the pandemic hit because I would have been extremely disappointed – like so many of my friends – if I had to cancel my plans because of Covid-19.
While the idea of going abroad to study was tempting, the reasons to stay here outweighed the pros of me going to the United Kingdom.
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I believe that my course is not one that needs to be completed overseas, and that studying in Malaysia would not prevent me from receiving quality education.
I can pursue what I chose to study within the comforts of my own home and have the convenience of being familiar with the local environment –meaning that I would not have to readjust to time differences or get homesick for Malaysian food.
Qarlene Rishiqa Dharminder, 22, BA (Hons) in Communication, Sunway University
Pursuing a degree in the UK would be too expensive for me due to the currency exchange rate, the high cost of living, the various expenses such as tuition fees, student visa fee, accommodation and transportation costs.
These will affect my family’s budget as I come from a middle-class family. Undeniably, a degree from a UK university is internationally respected but there are also many universities in Malaysia that can deliver elite education to enhance graduate employability.
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After checking out the various foundation and degree programmes at a few colleges and universities here, I decided to remain in Malaysia to pursue my studies at Sunway College for my foundation course and subsequently at Sunway University for my degree programme. Sunway University is an internationally recognised university for its academic excellence, and it is very affordable to study here.
Chloe Ng Qing Ning, 21, BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance, Sunway University
I chose to study at UCSI University because I wanted to experience Malaysia. Malaysia is one of the leading nations in electronics, particularly in the area of manufacturing.
I saw it as an opportunity to expand my network here. I also wanted to experience new cultures that I would not be exposed to in Europe.
Malaysia is a great place for foreign students when it comes to affordability. In France, everything is expensive.
On average, apartment rentals are 500 euros (RM2,280) per month. A basic meal would cost around 3.30 euros (RM15) even at eateries on campus.
A meal outside would be at least 6 euros (RM27). University fees here are also very attractive after taking into account the currency conversion rate.
There are, however, some cultural norms to adjust to. For example, in France, greeting friends with a kiss on the cheek is very normal but in Malaysia, it would be very strange!
So my fellow exchange students and I had to get used to a “new” code of conduct, particularly in meetings and interviews.
Frederic Roussel, 24, exchange student in electrical and electronics engineering, UCSI University
