LANGKAWI, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- A cultural immersion programme for international students in Langkawi is giving participants a closer glimpse into Malaysian culture and way of life through experiences centred on local traditions, food, nature and community.
For Carl Milton, 23, from Sweden, the Malaysian way of life is markedly different from what he is accustomed to back home, but he sees adapting to these differences as an integral part of the experience of studying abroad.
“Obviously, it’s a contrast to Sweden, where I’m from. But I think over time I will acclimatise a little more. It’s part of the experience, I think, to realise that Malaysians live like this in this part of the world,” said the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering student to Bernama here.
Leila Bouida, 29, from Algeria, who is pursuing a PhD at Universiti Sains Malaysia, said she enjoyed the programme as it allowed international students to experience Malaysian culture while gaining a better understanding of how local people live.
“I really like the way they help us to indulge in Malaysian culture. I really like their way of living, how they take life very easy and everything. That has helped me a lot in my studies and in my life in Malaysia,” she said.
Merjen Porrykova, 23, from Turkmenistan, said the programme also provided an opportunity for international students to meet one another, improve their communication skills and learn more about Malaysia's culture, diversity and food.
She said it was important for international students not to remain within their own communities, but to engage with the culture and the country that had welcomed them for their education while giving them opportunities to meet new people and gain new experiences.
“That’s why I really like when EMGS is doing this kind of activities because it’s bringing international students together, so we can feel like we’re not far from home, but we’re exactly where we should be,” she said.
Recalling her own experience, Merjen said that after six months in Malaysia, she had 'literally fallen in love' with the country and no longer felt like an outsider, describing the people around her as her family, her second family.
Meanwhile, Elyorbek Abdullajonov, 18, from Uzbekistan, who is studying at Universiti Utara Malaysia, said he had learned a lot about local people, food, traditions and culture during his stay.
He said the EMGS programme encouraged international students to learn more about Malaysia, its culture and nature, while also giving them opportunities to make new friends and experience different aspects of the country.
“At first it was a bit different from my country because Malaysia has quite spicy food. But day by day, as we eat nasi kandar and nasi goreng, I am getting used to it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) Chief Executive Officer Novie Tajuddin said maintaining good relations with the local community is crucial to fostering an environment of friendliness, care and mutual respect that support the presence and well-being of international students in the country.
He said EMGS also took the opportunity during the MYDiscovery Langkawi programme to engage with the local community and present contributions to selected recipients.
“Our responsibility in international education is closely linked to the community around us. EMGS’ role is not limited to the welfare and experience of international students, but also includes supporting community initiatives that empower the young generation,” he said.
Novie said contributions were presented to 50 recipients from the Langkawi District Children’s Activity Centre and the Desa Keda Wang Tok Rendong housing area here as part of EMGS’ efforts to reach out to the local community and assist those in need.
The contributions, comprising cash and school supplies, including stationery, with a total value of RM14,000, were presented at a ceremony at MAHA Tower, which was also attended by MAHA Tower Chief Executive Officer Dzariman Ibrahim.
Novie said the initiative reflected EMGS’ commitment to ensuring that its role within the international education ecosystem also created value for the wider community.
The second edition of MYDiscovery saw 90 international students from 38 countries take part in the three-day cultural immersion programme on the tourist island, which began last Monday.
-- BERNAMA