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Department of International StudiesField trips are often conducted in countries in the East Asian region, places that are both near and far, unfamiliar yet familiar. While students from previous cohorts completed their internships in China and Thailand, this year's K65 International Studies High-Quality Program students chose Malaysia as their destination for four days from September 13-16, 2023.
We invite you to hear the experiences of the K65 International Studies High-Quality Program students about this memorable trip!
"Salam!"
Last September, 52 students from the K65 CLC program and two faculty members from the International Studies department embarked on a trip to the beautiful country of Malaysia. A land of harmony, where many different cultures from around the world coexist; where English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil all live together; and where the greenest tropical vegetation in the world can be found.
We had an interesting study trip, learning about Malaysian politics, visiting the administrative capital Putrajaya, a city with a beauty reminiscent of the land of a thousand and one nights, with a mosque opposite the Prime Minister's Office and highways.
We also visited the ancient city of Malacca – a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008. Stopping in Malaysia's oldest city, admiring the blend of the old European architecture of the East with the bustling Chinese quarter of the West, and the beautiful, tranquil Malacca River in the middle, we felt as if we could see the past, present, and future of Malaysia. Add a little bit of rich, creamy durian and red bean ice cream… It's unforgettable! We also went to Batu Caves, challenging ourselves to climb nearly 300 steps to admire the unique architecture of the Hindu temples, comparing them to the Three Religions of the Same Origin in Malacca. And of course, Kuala Lumpur at night, with its bustling commercial districts, glittering twin towers, luxurious shopping malls, and vibrant night markets, truly captivated the hearts of those yearning for new experiences.
From small things like going through immigration at Kuala Lumpur airport, to using English, exchanging money, shopping, and even some of us trying the metro, we grew with each experience.
Please consider these photos as a small gift we've brought back from Malaysia for you!
