I wish there was more interaction with the Malaysian students and people. I wish we had Malaysian buddies that took us out and explore the city with us especially on our free times. I heard lots of stories from other students in their study abroad programs about their bonding experience with their international students; so I was a little disappointed with that in Malaysia. I wanted a pen pal when I came back home. :(
Also, with other people telling me about their study abroad programs. I was excited for the welcome/farewell dinners, but the dinners here were nice and grand, but their was nothing celebratory. We just ate and left. I was hoping for a close interactions with my group and with the Malaysian students, unfortunately I will be coming home with no pen pals or Facebook messages with them.
My comfort levels were tested living in Malaysia, but I was positive and immersed myself in their culture and ways of living. If you can't adapt then it won't be fun. Let go of thoughts that begin like "Well, in America..." or "If I was home..." or "This is weird..." or "I don't like..." Luckily, I wasn't a complainer about the living situation here and I was able to live comfortably. It's okay...get use to it and enjoy it!
Don't expect things to be like home. That's a silly thought. Have fun and learn!
I had lots of fun on this trip and what made it even more memorable is that 3 of my friends were also on this trip. Please, please if you go on this trip go out and find things to do; maybe go to another country as well while you're out here! We went to Thailand after the study abroad. It's worth it!
I was surprised how I was able to take care of myself since this is my first time being away from home without my family and this is the longest time I have been away from home. I'm quite proud of myself. Malaysia has been a wonderful journey and experience. I might have been irritable at times and a complainer, but I always made sure to remind myself this is a once in a life time chance! Thank you Malaysia and everyone on this trip! :D
Remember "Adventure is out there!"
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Slight side note
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Study abroad is a great experience, but I would recommend that you take a few good friends and travel on your own. If my group of friends traveled by ourselves after our study abroad without any additional help from the school, then you can too! Save your money and just travel without the extra fees and the costs that the financial side of my study abroad could not explain to me.
This is how I felt when I dealt with the people who were in charged with the finances of study abroad.
This is how I felt when I dealt with the people who were in charged with the finances of study abroad.
(ノಠ益ಠ)ノ彡┻━┻