Why Malaysia?

I have met a number of Korean classmates during my college days. I have been always wondering why Koreans choose Malaysia as their destination to pursue their studies rather than staying in their home country since Malaysians are looking forwards to study abroad.

 So, I started to look for the answers by verbal interviewing with my Korean friends.

Ashley (second left) with her classmates during high school.

“ I’ve been in Malaysia for 4 years since my high school. My mum and brother are here with me.  I had study in the international school where I found multicultural society which allow me to learn English and Chinese easily. Compared to Korea, the study environment is not stressful. In Korea, every student has to attend tuition classes after school and there is more homework for us to complete. Furthermore, education and living expenses in Malaysia is pretty much lower than Korean.’’

-Ashley Kim Yeoji, South Korea-

Lim who wearing the Korean traditional costume taken photo with one of his Malaysian friend during cultural night.

A lovely photo taken during Lim's music class in INTI College.

“ My father decided to start his business in Malaysia 10 years ago and we had to follow him.  I can say that Malaysia is my second home. I had my primary school and secondary school in Johor and my tertiary education in Malaysia too. I can speak a bit of Malay, Chinese and of course English. If I’m in Korea, I think I cannot speak a fluent English and not even Malay and Chinese. I mix with different people during my school days. Studying in Malaysia is more relax as I can hang out to the mamak stall which you cannot get in Korea.”

-Lim Sung Jun, South Korea-

“ English is a global language today. We started to learn English since primary school and tend to be good in grammar, reading and vocabulary but not in speaking. I came here 3 weeks before after my national service. My dad owned a restaurant and I found that Malaysian could speak good English. I got the chance to learn English while helping my dad in the restaurant. At the same time, I am attending the English course and I can improve my speaking skills because my classmates come from different countries and English is the only language that we could use to communicate.”

-Kang Sukjin, South Korea-

Lee 

“ Study in Malaysia let me know more friends from other countries. I learn Chinese and English from them. Living cost and education fee is low and affordable by foreign students.  Malaysia is also a stepping stone for students to gain entry to universities in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. I enjoy studying in Malaysia, as it is quite different from Korea. Schools there are very competitive. Everyone just wants to beat each other and become the top student.  Moreover, Malaysia is nearer to Korea.

-Lee Kwang Sung, South Korea-

Studying in Korea is expensive and the life as a student is stressful as it is competitive compared to other countries. They use Korean in teaching, so it might limit the chances of learning foreign languages and other cultures and there are not many chances to speak English, as there is only one race in Korea. Beside language, the multi cultural society able them to mix well with locals community through the religious festivals, church members play an important role in helping the new immigrants from Korea. Korean parents started to move to Malaysia for the sake of their children’s education. They are under tremendous pressure to provide their children with the best education possible and they actively seeking English-speaking environments for their children. The trend has increasing year by year.  Most Korean parents obtain information on educational opportunities via the local media. Some parents, however, go through education agents for information.

Written by: Khoo Wan Yi