Last September, XMUM English major Zeng Qiuying spent a semester at the University of Strathclyde in the UK through the university's Study Abroad Programme. This April, Jasmin Tahmasebi arrived at XMUM from Russia's HSE University as an exchange student.

From adapting to new classrooms and languages to making friends far from home, both students said that studying abroad was as much about navigating a new way of life as it was about academics.

Zeng Qiuying: Finding a place in a new country

Before leaving, Zeng Qiuying had some concerns about communicating with local people. Yet those concerns quickly disappeared after she arrived.

“Many people were very willing to help me. Even though my English was not very fluent, they would slow down when speaking to me and were happy to answer my questions,” she said.

She gradually built a social circle that included both local students and peers from China. Academically, participating in tutorials was one of the biggest challenges at first, as she was the only non-native English speaker in her group. After several group discussions and projects, however, communication became much easier and her confidence in English grew.

Outside the classroom, Zeng Qiuying also joined a Harry Potter-themed trip organised by the university, visiting several locations around Scotland featured in the films.

Looking back on the semester, she believes that the experience broadened her perspective and encouraged her to be more proactive.

“If you have questions, you can always contact the university and ask,” she said. “Don't let fear stop you from taking the first step.”

Jasmin Tahmasebi: Discovering a new home at XMUM

For Jasmin, the decision to come to Malaysia was driven less by a specific destination and more by a desire to experience something completely new.

A 20-year-old International Business student from HSE University, she only discovered after arriving that she was the first student from her university ever to participate in an exchange at XMUM.

The beginning was not easy. After a long journey and a difficult arrival experience, she found herself alone in an unfamiliar country and briefly wondered whether coming to Malaysia had been the right decision.

Instead of staying in her room, Jasmin decided to explore. During her first week, she travelled to Kuala Lumpur on her own and spent the day walking around the city and talking to strangers. She later met a fellow student during orientation, and the two quickly became close friends.

“Everything here is new to me — the environment, the people and the world around me,” she said. “The most exciting part is meeting so many new people and finally having the chance to communicate in English.”

Jasmin found that XMUM’s teaching and assessment methods were familiar to her, with examinations, group assignments and presentations forming part of the academic experience. Outside class, however, everyday life offered plenty of opportunities to adapt.

Coming from Saint Petersburg, where the long summer daylight is very different from Malaysia’s tropical climate, she said even the rhythm of day and night took some getting used to.

As she became more comfortable, Jasmin began travelling around Malaysia in her free time. Rather than immediately visiting neighbouring countries, she plans to explore more of Malaysia first.

For both students, exchange has meant more than simply studying abroad. It has meant learning to navigate unfamiliar situations, meeting people from different backgrounds and becoming more comfortable with the unknown.

“Life only happens once,” Jasmin said. “If you want a life that is exciting and worth remembering, you need to step outside your comfort zone.”

Connecting students through international exchange

XMUM continues to expand its international partnerships, with collaborations with more than 40 universities in countries and regions including the UK, US, Russia, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. These partnerships provide students with opportunities for overseas exchange and study, while also bringing students from around the world to XMUM.

Students interested in exchange opportunities or studying at XMUM as an exchange student may contact the Global Engagement and Partnerships Office at globalep@xmu.edu.my for more information on partner universities, application procedures and available programmes.