The closing date to apply for a spot in next year’s programme is today. For details, visit facebook.com/niebrats.
“The first thing I noticed was the prices of goods and services. I was startled when I had to pay US$2, which was about RM9.30, for a bottle of water. It took some time to get used to it.
Another thing I had to get used to was the tipping culture. In Malaysia, I frequently dined out at mamaks or kopitiams but here in the United States, I avoid doing so to save on the extra 20% tip. I rarely have sit-down meals and usually opt for takeaway.”
– Qamil Mirza, 20, Berkeley, US
“Locals here generally make more time for their passions.
I’ve observed that Malaysians, on the other hand, make little time for hobbies, whether it’s making art, baking, reading fiction, or playing a sport. Here,
I’ve encountered people who are passionate about tightrope-walking, a capella or poetry.
There is a lesser sense of rush, and wellness is just as much a priority as work.”
– Shveenita Alyza, 20, Los Angeles, US
“I’ve always been an outgoing person, but I never anticipated how New Zealand would shape me into becoming even more so. Back home, we would usually go to a café, purchase our beverages from the cashier, and go about our business.
Almost everyone I encounter here, however, enjoy small conversations.
They would start off with “How are you?” or “How was your day?” and proceed to strike up a chat. I find myself picking up on this, be it at a grocery store or a railway station.”
– Siddarth Kumaran, 20, Otago, New Zealand
“People in Hong Kong have a different speaking style compared to Malaysians. In this fast-paced city, it is common for people to go straight to the point.
The working culture here can be tough to get used to as many individuals are expected to work overtime to demonstrate their dedication to the company. Although there is friendly banter at times, people I have encountered usually just keep to themselves.”
– Chang Sin Tong, 22, Hong Kong
“I find that people in the United Kingdom adopt a more interactive and open approach. For instance, if you get lost while walking around, people are generally more helpful if you stop them to ask for directions.
This, in turn, has prompted me to do the same for others. I also find myself becoming more sociable with people of various ethnicities, thanks to the friendly spirit and sense of community in my accommodation, which comprises over 60 international residents.”
– Daniel Ch’ng Shen Loong, 23, London, UK
Now that you have read the article, test your understanding by carrying out the following English language activities.
1 Is there a foreign country where you would like to study and live? If so, which country is it?
Explain your choice.
2 If you were a foreign student in Malaysia, what challenges and joys do you think you would experience while studying and living here? Discuss this with your friends.
The Star’s Newspaper- in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes the use of English language in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
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