Life-Changing Experience: Studying Abroad in Malaysia

Studying abroad in Malaysia was one of the most defining moments of my life. It really opened my eyes to the fact that there is a world out there. And it made me a more independent and curious person, as well. 

Looking back, it’s hard to know where to begin to describe the life-changing experience Kuala Lumpur gave me, but I guess if I had to start somewhere, it would be by describing its great advantages.

As I begin to write about this experience, I can definitely say that Malaysia shaped me and taught me things I could not have learned by choosing anywhere else as a destination for my study abroad. I grew as a person, but also as a student. 

I have changed in so many ways, but at the same time, found out traits about myself that have always been true. I have become more confident, less stressed, and more aware of the things that truly matter in life.

Taking the Leap Into the Unknown

Moving to a new country for your studies is a bold and exciting step. If you’re considering Malaysia, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. I went to Kuala Lumpur with no expectations and very little planning. That made the adventure even more exciting. I was open-minded for new experiences abroad, and it turned out to be the best decision I could have made.

Studying in a foreign university also gave me the opportunity to make a lot of new friends, not only Malaysians but also other exchange students from all over the world.

At first, I worried about how I would find friends in a completely new environment. But to my surprise, I connected with people quickly. Malaysia is a melting pot where you can get in touch with nationalities from literally everywhere. I cannot even count the number of people I met from different countries. Learning about their culture, country, and religious background has broadened my horizon and made me a more open-minded person. One of my closest friends ended up being from Turkey and Afghanistan —something I would have never imagined before coming here.

Another thing that makes Malaysia so student-friendly is the language scene. Most Malaysians are bilingual or even trilingual, and sometimes even more. English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, Cantonese, Hokkien, Hakka —you name it. This linguistic diversity makes daily interactions much easier for international students.

💡 Tip: Don’t be afraid to start conversations. Students in Malaysia, both locals and internationals, are usually very welcoming. Join clubs or student activities—it’s one of the fastest ways to make lifelong friends.

First Impressions of Kuala Lumpur 

This was my first time in Malaysia, and as such, I was very excited. Travel is one of my favourite things, and to combine it with something else that I am very passionate about – the natural world - was a dream come true for me. 

Landing in Kuala Lumpur for the first time was surreal. I was hit by that amazing wave of heat and humidity that instantly makes you think of holidays. Heading into the centre of the city only served to reinforce that feeling as I saw the hustle and bustle of city life around me.

The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is like no other city I have ever been to. It is one of the fastest-developing cities in the world, and yet it seems so self-conscious about it. The towering skyscrapers and plush shopping malls (far fancier than ANYTHING you would get back at home) show off its wealthy boom, but when you peel back a few layers, you see its colonial heart, Chinese influences, and fascinating culture. My first glimpse of Malaysia was enough to get me hooked.

My top tip for anyone arriving in Malaysia is to get a Malaysian phone straight away. They are super cheap and really useful. I’ll never forget my first trip to Times Square Mall. It’s massive—so big that I accidentally got separated from my friends when the elevator doors closed too fast. With no local phone at the time, I spent nearly an hour waiting around the exit until they found me. That was when I realized the importance of buying a cheap Malaysian SIM card immediately.

Culture and Diversity:

Culturally, Malaysia is one of the most “westernised” Muslim countries in the world, which never ceases to amaze you when you visit. The mix between a Muslim Chinese community, a Malaysian community, Malay people, and expats makes accessing the country and communicating with people incredibly easy.

Malays, Chinese, Indians, and many other ethnic groups have lived together in Malaysia for generations. All these cultures have influenced each other, creating a truly Malaysian culture. The largest ethnic groups in Malaysia are the Malays, Chinese, and Indians. In Sabah and Sarawak, there is a myriad of indigenous ethnic groups with their own unique culture and heritage.

I loved being part of this cultural mix. One of the perks of living in Malaysia is experiencing year-round festivals. From the joyous Hari Raya Aidilfitri to the glittering celebrations of Deepavali and the festive spirit of Chinese New Year, every holiday brings its own unique flavor. As a foreign student in Malaysia, these cultural celebrations will become treasured memories.

Malaysia’s multicultural society makes you feel at home no matter where you’re from. I found Malaysian culture and society intriguing. I love everything about it, especially the fact that there are many races and cultures here in Malaysia, each with its own celebrations and occasions. It feels heartwarming to see everyone enjoying their festivities and embracing their culture. 

Of course, adjusting wasn’t always easy. At first, I experienced culture shock, and being so far from home can be scary, but living in Malaysia can be such a wonderful, beautiful, colorful experience, which is absolutely worth it. Truly, it was a valuable experience that made me reflect on my life back home and appreciate it more. 

The Food (Trust Me, You’ll Miss It): 

Malaysia is a food amazing country and there are plenty of delicacies you have to try when you arrive in this country. If you ask anyone who has lived in Malaysia what they miss the most after leaving, one thing they`ll say for sure is that they are missing the food. And I completely understand why. Malaysian food isn’t just delicious—it’s addictive.

The place I was regular at was “Mamak”. “Mamak” is usually an Indian restaurant or food store where you can even find it by the roadside and operate 24 hours, that serves delicious food. The food that I should not want to miss is a flatbread that is cooked on a large flat pan called “Roti Canai”.

There are also a variety of dishes, such as the national dish `Nasi Lemak'. Coconut rice served with spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, fried chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and a boiled egg—it became my go-to comfort food. And “Roti Telur”, which simply means an egg is added to “Roti Canai” or paired it with a hot glass of Teh Tarik (pulled tea). These Rotis are usually served with some sauce called “Dal”. You can go to the “Mamak” restaurant at any time of the day.

One of my most unforgettable food memories was trying Durian for the first time. Known as the “King of Fruits,” its strong smell almost scared me off. But once I got past that, I found it surprisingly creamy and sweet. Not everyone loves it, but it’s something every student should try at least once!

Tip: Don’t just stick to restaurants. Explore street food markets like Jalan Alor in KL—they’re cheap, buzzing with life, and full of flavors you’ll never forget.

Final Thoughts

All in all, studying in Malaysia was one of the best decisions of my life. I grew as a student, as a traveler, and as a person. I have experienced things that I would have never been able to do, had I not taken this opportunity. I have made friends that will last a lifetime and developed certain skills and independence that only traveling can give you.

My experience of studying in Malaysia was one that I needed. It is an incredible opportunity as a study abroad destination if you wish to push yourself to experience something unimaginable. To get a grip of what development looks like. To witness one of the most influential South-East Asian economies and see what they are lacking and where they are ahead. But also, a chance to meet incredible people, to grow professionally and personally. You never stop learning over there. From the classroom to your travels, to the people you encounter.

It made me realize so much, appreciate what I miss in Somaliland, and value it more. I needed to go out of my home country and experience something entirely different. I was inspired in creative ways I never had before. I gained a better understanding of who I was, and for the first time in my life, I felt like I was on the path to being the person I wanted to be. While it was challenging, I will leave with both happy and sad eyes, knowing that I have learned so much from this experience.