While studying abroad has its advantages, branch campuses of foreign universities can offer students the chance to immerse themselves in the culture and language of a foreign university without having to fork out large sums of money for an international education.
Malaysia is already home to several branch campuses of UK and Australian universities, and in September last year, a Japanese institution opened its doors, bringing with it the culture and expertise of Japan, said University of Tsukuba, Malaysia (UTMy) School of Transdisciplinary Science and Design dean Dr Maki Tsujimura.
He said at the campus located in Universiti Malaya, students learn to speak Japanese and will be able to interact in the language by the time they complete their degrees.
This though, does not mean they must be able to speak the language upon enrolment.
“Classes in the first year are taught in English and as the students progress, Japanese words and terms are introduced until finally, we expect the students to communicate half in English and half in Japanese with their supervisors,” he added.
Speaking the language is made a little easier since almost all the academics at the campus are from Japan, he said.
Learning independently through project-based learning is just as important — a model that is unique to the Malaysia campus.
“Students determine the topic but we are here to support them,” he said, adding that although students are based in Malaysia, they are still able to gain a global perspective as projects are conducted through university partnerships with many international companies.
