Hello, everyone! My name is Honoka, and I’m a third-year student in the Department of Global Tourism. I’m currently participating in a long-term study abroad program in Malaysia, where I’m enjoying the warm weather, which reminds me of the summer heat in Kyoto.

Today, I’d like to share my experiences studying abroad in Malaysia. I’m taking part in this program through Kyoto University of Foreign Studies’ exchange program, so if you’re considering studying abroad, I hope you’ll find this article helpful.

Kyoto University of Foreign Studies offers a variety of study abroad programs. I applied for the "Dispatch Study Abroad A" program, a long-term undergraduate option, and I’m spending the Fall 2024 semester at the National University of Malaysia. In this article, I’ll cover three main topics:
1. Kyoto University of Foreign Studies’ exchange program
2. Why I chose Malaysia
3. Advice for students considering studying abroad

1. Kyoto University of Foreign Studies’ Exchange Program
First, let’s talk about the exchange program at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. The main strengths of this program are:
• A wide range of partner universities to choose from
• Various types of programs tailored to different academic goals
• Credit transfer opportunities

With numerous partner universities around the world, the program offers a wealth of options. I chose Malaysia because I wanted to study Asian economics. Additionally, the program allows you to select the type of program that best suits your goals, whether that’s learning a language or focusing on your major. For Global Tourism Department students, only major-subject programs were available in the past. However, as of this academic year, language-focused programs have also become an option.

Another great feature is the ability to transfer credits from your host university to count toward your graduation requirements at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. With careful planning, you can study abroad without delaying your graduation.

2. Why Malaysia?
What comes to your mind when you hear “Malaysia”? When I tell people that I’m studying abroad in Malaysia, I often get asked, “Why Malaysia?” My answer is simple: “Because it seemed interesting!”

I’ve always been fascinated by Asian culture and history, and Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multicultural society intrigued me. Since I aspire to work in the development of the Asian region in the future, Malaysia was the perfect place to gain comprehensive knowledge about Asia.

Living in Malaysia has confirmed my belief that it’s a truly diverse country. People from various backgrounds and religions—Malays, Chinese, and Indians—live together in the same communities. This harmonious coexistence is something not commonly seen in Japan or elsewhere. The abundance of holidays and festivals makes every day feel like a celebration. Experiencing different religious ceremonies also adds to the sense that life here is richer and more diverse.

Malaysia is also a multilingual country. In addition to Malay, you’ll hear English and Chinese spoken everywhere. While Malaysian English may not always follow standard grammar and can have a strong accent, it’s still an excellent environment for learning. Mistakes are less intimidating here because nobody pays much attention if you slip up on grammar or phrasing. Malaysia’s relaxed attitude toward English makes it an accessible place to practice the language.

Academically, Malaysian universities typically structure classes into two components: lectures and tutorials. Lectures focus on theoretical learning, while tutorials—held on separate days—involve practical tasks like group discussions and presentations. While the workload can be challenging, working with local students makes studying both fun and rewarding.

3. Advice for Students Considering Studying Abroad
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to choose a program and destination that align with your goals. If you’re even slightly interested in studying abroad or want to improve your language skills, take advantage of the extensive support offered by Kyoto University of Foreign Studies.

I started by visiting the Division of International Affairs, where I received guidance on preparing for the required English proficiency tests. After that, I regularly attended the NINJA program to improve my speaking and writing skills. With such comprehensive support available at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, it’s important to make use of it!

In this article, I’ve shared my study abroad experience to introduce Kyoto University of Foreign Studies’ exchange programs. If you’re curious about learning new languages, connecting with people from around the world, or exploring a new region or country, I hope this inspires you to take the leap!