Australian Student Finds Easy Credit Transfer, Inexpensive Travel and “Great People” While Studying Abroad in Malaysia
Lucas Malina, who chose to study abroad at Swinburne University of Technology – Sarawak,
is “embracing it all.”
By Kelli Modica
AsiaLearn Assistant Manager
Lucas Malina, an Australian student, chose to study abroad in Malaysia at Swinburne University of Technology - Sarawak.
Malaysia may not be on everyone’s list of places where they want to study abroad, but for Lucas Malina he would probably ask: “Why not?!”
Malina is an Australian student who wanted to explore a place outside of his homeland and experience a new culture. That is why he packed his bags, flew to Malaysia and continued his studies there at Swinburne University of Technology – Sarawak (SUTS).
Why did you choose to study abroad in Malaysia and at SUTS?
I chose to study in Malaysia because it was easy to transfer credit points across to my degree and because I needed a change from home. I looked into the campus, and Borneo in general, and it looked like a really good chance to have a change, travel and meet new people.
Describe your study abroad experience. What did you learn, gain, like, and dislike?
A traditional fishing boat comes ashore in Malaysia.
My experience so far has been excellent, learning about the different ways of other cultures – and I especially love the cheap travel. It is really easy to travel around East Malaysia, and there are some beautiful places here. Kota Kinabalu, Mulu caves and Bako National park are all excellent, affordable destinations that are easy to visit during the mid-semester break. I love meeting all the new people.
I haven’t disliked anything so far.
What was the best aspect of studying abroad in Malaysia?
The best aspect is the travel and all the people. I have met so many locals, and they are really friendly and inviting.
It is also a really good place to start an Asia trip. It is cheap to fly to the rest of Asia from here after the semester ends.
What are some of the interesting cultural differences you discovered while living in Malaysia?
The food is an obvious one. And the way they all try and get you to buy their bus ticket or boat ticket, etc., was interesting, all fighting and trying to offer the best bargain. Price-setting by the government to eliminate competition was also another interesting thing.
Children participate in the Durian Festival in Malaysia.
Also, everybody is really, really friendly. People you just meet invite you to dinner. You don’t get that sort of thing from everybody back home.
What was the key thing you got out of your study abroad experience?
Life experience. Traveling, meeting new people, and taking on the challenges and great experiences that come with living in a different culture – and embracing it all.
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