Journey of Enrichment: My Experience at Universiti Malaya
Salwa Fadia here, hailing from Universitas Syiah Kuala, where I pursue Home Economics Education in the Faculty of Teacher Training & Education. I seized the opportunity to partake in the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) Co-Funding program at Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, spanning from 6 October 2023 to 12 February 2024. Allow me to share the enriching journey I embarked on.
At Universiti Malaya, I delved into four captivating courses: Traditional Heritage of Southeast Asia, A Comparative Study of Indian and Malay Modern Literature, Sustainable Development, and Development Economics. All of these courses extensively explore subject matter within their respective fields on a global scale, aligning with Universiti Malaya’s utilization of the International Curriculum. The academic landscape at Universiti Malaya offered a refreshing departure from the norms I was accustomed to in Indonesia. Here, grades were distributed with a unique weighting of 60% for final exams and 40% for assignments, projects, attendance, and class participation. The lecture timeline also presented a distinctive rhythm, punctuated by a one-week semester break before every midterm and final exam, providing valuable opportunities for preparation and reflection. What truly stood out was the incorporation of guest lecturers, experts in their fields, enriching our learning experiences with their insights and perspectives.
Outside the academic schedule, I actively engaged in extracurricular activities, finding a sense of community in the Korean and Malay language clubs. These engagements not only enhanced my language proficiency but also facilitated meaningful connections with fellow students, both local and international. Furthermore, I seized the chance to undertake thesis research on the Malaysian Baju Kurung, exploring the depths of Malaysian culture and forging valuable collaborations with various sources. Through interactions with government agencies such as Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara (the Department of Culture and Arts) and Jabatan Warisan Negara (the Department of National Heritage) in Kuala Lumpur, I gained invaluable insights and expertise, enriching my research journey. In addition to academic and research pursuits, I eagerly participated in workshops relevant to my future endeavors. Among these, the META Digital Marketing Associate workshop left a lasting impression, equipping me with practical skills and strategies for effective promotion and marketing.
Reflecting on my time at Universiti Malaya and in Kuala Lumpur, I am filled with gratitude for the enriching experiences and opportunities afforded to me. The university’s commitment to student welfare is evident in the plethora of free facilities available, including 24-hour study rooms, campus buses, Wi-Fi accessibility, swimming pools, sports halls, and kayak sports venues. Moreover, the clean and efficient environment of both the university and the city itself facilitated seamless navigation and exploration. Throughout my journey, I was met with unfailing kindness and efficiency from various agencies, further enhancing my overall experience. Universiti Malaya and Kuala Lumpur have left an indelible mark on me, shaping me into a more globally aware and culturally sensitive individual. In essence, my time at Universiti Malaya was not merely a chapter in my academic journey but a transformative experience that will resonate with me.
