For our student Manal studying abroad is more than academics. It’s about personal growth, cultural exchange, and unforgettable moments. Manal has a really multicultural background. Originally, she is Moroccan but was born in Italy. For the past ten years she has lived in France. Despite being a polyglot, she sees herself as a regular student in France. Currently she is studying at Université d’Angers and spent this year’s Spring semester abroad at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). She is super happy to have taken this chance, because choosing Malaysia for her semester abroad transformed her life.
Why study in Malaysia?
Before starting her studies at UPM, Manal had never been to Malaysia or even Asia. She chose Malaysia for its multicultural society and contrast to Europe. The weather, culture, and architecture made it a refreshing change. The Malaysian society, as well as location, is a perfect gateway to Southeast Asia. While Malaysia naturally has a lot to offer and experience itself already, other countries like Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia are close by as well. They are just a short flight away; Singapore can even be reached via bus.
Manal perceived local people to be quite shy at the beginning. However, once you break the ice they can turn into a friend for a lifetime. Generally, all Malaysians are extremely kind. Kuala Lumpur also has a vibrant student life to offer. For Manal it was easy to meet new people by attending student events. The events were organized by UPM, for both local and international people.
Studying at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Located just outside the vibrant capital city Kuala Lumpur, Universiti Putra Malaysia offers the perfect mix of academic excellence and cultural immersion. UPM ranks in the global top 1% of universities. The English-taught course selection covers a broad selection of fields. Based on her studies back home in France Manal enrolled for courses in the faculty of engineering. She is really interested in nature and ecosystems. During her studies at UPM she had the chance to explore many plants that she has never seen before. They simply don’t exist in Europe.
The lectures were pretty similar as the ones at Manal’s home university in France. However, she felt like they were a bit more interactive. She always felt like she can ask questions if she didn’t understand something right away. Since the teaching language is English, both the lecturers and students speak it very well.
Classes were really good, I met so many people, I ate so many good things, I discovered Malaysian culture and it’s crazy how I love this experience. – Manal
In total Manal took four courses at UPM. She found them to be very engaging. The coursework was manageable, leaving enough room for free time activities. Transferring the credits was easy, just plan beforehand when choosing the courses how many credits are needed. Manal also highlighted that she received a lot of support and guidance for the credit transfer by Asia Exchange. At UPM you can grow academically and personally at the same time.
The Asia Exchange Journey
Even though Manal’s home university Université d’Angers has been collaborating with Asia Exchange for several years already, together with one other student she was the first one from her faculty to go study abroad with Asia Exchange. No one seemed to be brave enough before her to go. Manal didn’t mind becoming a pioneer. She was ready to live her adventure abroad.
So, I was like why not trying to be the first one living an adventure and let me just trust Asia Exchange and I’m so happy to have done this. – Manal
In fact, she didn’t only live her own adventure. More than that, by sharing captures of her study abroad journey on social media, she inspired other students to do the same. Manal is more than happy that she made the decision to join this study abroad program. In return for trusting Asia Exchange, she received guidance and support throughout the whole process.
Making friends & embracing culture
One of the most enriching parts of Manal’s study abroad experience in Malaysia has been the friendships she formed with both local Malaysians and fellow international students. Through university-hosted events and everyday campus life at Universiti Putra Malaysia, she had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world who were going through the same journey. Manal shared that while Malaysian students can be shy at first, once you take the time to connect, they are incredibly kind and welcoming. The shared excitement of exploring a new country made it easy to bond and build meaningful friendships.
Malaysians are the nicest people on earth! – Manal
These relationships often led to deep cultural conversations, where students exchanged perspectives on life, identity, and global issues. Manal emphasized how much she learned simply by talking to others about their backgrounds and experiences. These moments helped her grow personally, allowing her to see the world through different lenses. What started as casual interactions quickly turned into lifelong connections that became one of the most valuable parts of her time abroad.
Cost of living in Malaysia
Living in Malaysia as a student is surprisingly affordable. Manal shared that campus meals often cost just €2-3, which is a big difference compared to prices in Europe. Even with a tight student budget, she never had to sacrifice quality when it came to food.
Getting around is also easy and cheap. Public transport is efficient, and you can travel across the city for as little as 40 cents. As for housing, it takes a bit of searching, but once you find the right place, it’s much cheaper than student accommodation in Europe. For anyone looking to study abroad without breaking the bank, Malaysia is a smart and budget-friendly choice.
Personal Growth & Lessons Learned
Studying abroad in Malaysia helped Manal grow in ways she never expected. She met people from all over the world and learned how different cultures see life. These daily interactions gave her a new, more global perspective.
She became more open-minded, curious, and aware of how others think. Manal said if she hadn’t taken this chance, she would have missed out on so much personal growth. Now she sees the world with a broader mindset and that is something she will carry with her forever.
Manal’s Message to Future Students
Manal’s advice to other students is simple. If you have the chance to study abroad, take it. No matter where you go, it will be a life-changing experience.
If you doubt, don’t doubt! Just go, wherever you want to go, just go! Because it’s going to be an experience, even if it’s not Malaysia or Asia. – Manal
And if that place happens to be Malaysia, even better. She describes it as safe, welcoming, and full of opportunity. You will meet amazing people, discover new cultures, and grow in ways you never imagined.
Feeling inspired to come to Malaysia?
Start your study abroad journey today. Explore our programs in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia here.
The post How Malaysia Opened My World – Manal’s Exchange Story at UPM appeared first on Asia Exchange.
Article source: https://asiaexchange.org/blogs/how-malaysia-opened-my-world-manals-exchange-story-at-upm/
