The University
The Swinburne University of Technology campus is large and yet very clearly structured in different blocks. The campus has several small stands that offer food and drink, a large cafeteria and a small convenience store that has an assortment similar to that at a gas station. In addition, drinks machines are set up everywhere in the university. There is also a large sports hall, a fitness studio and plenty of parking space for cars, scooters and bicycles. There are also numerous computer rooms and a well-stocked library, which also has many computers. To use the library, printers and copiers, every student must have a student ID, which can be requested at the beginning from the Student Central, which is located directly on the right behind the main entrance. The university offers two big advantages, especially for master’s students: firstly, the university has extra rooms where only master’s students have access, which in turn offers the advantage that you can always find a place in the overcrowded university and enjoy the pleasant quiet to study. Second, there is a chilling crib organized by students, which is furnished with lots of sofas and resting places, where you can simply relax on long unit days before going to the evening lecture. The which is equipped with many sofas and resting places, where you can simply relax on long unit days before going to the evening lecture. The which is equipped with many sofas and resting places, where you can simply relax on long unit days before going to the evening lecture. The campus life is really pleasant and the many great other students make it even more beautiful and exciting, so that I was almost always happy to go to university.
The course offer
The range of courses for the Master of Business Administration is only in English, but most of the professors are locals. This means that communication and understanding with lecturers are sometimes very bumpy and sometimes difficult. In addition, the range of courses per term is unfortunately very limited, as the university currently has a clear shortage of MBA professors. So none of my course preferences came about and I had to switch to other courses. In these courses, previously learned content was mostly repeated, so the learning effect was limited. Nevertheless, you were kept busy with two courses per term, as the submissions were always a mixture of presentations, assignments, reports and group work. Overall, the level was okay, but of course not comparable to Germany.
The accommodation
I stayed at the Riverrine Sapphire Apartments which are about a 10-15 minute scooter ride from the university. However, these apartments are right behind Chinatown and all the good bars and eateries, so the location is perfect. The view from the 20th floor of the riverside was also phenomenal. We lived for two in the 3-bed room, as there are only two bathrooms and we both had our own. The apartment is well and modernly equipped with all the important furniture, but costs a lot with 1000 ringgit (about 225 euros). Nevertheless, there is 24 hour security, which increases the feeling of security. The agent / landlord is generally very nice, but requires a somewhat high deposit of 3000 ringgit. All in all, I was very satisfied with our choice and the accommodation definitely offers more space than the hostel on campus, which has very strict rules for residents. Otherwise there is also the Citadines, which offers beautiful rooms with many services that can be booked.
Eat and drink
Of course, the eating and drinking habits are different than here in Germany. A western breakfast is difficult to find in restaurants, as they prefer noodle soup or rice in the morning. Nevertheless, Kuching has a wide variety of really exceptionally good restaurants that offer both local and Western dishes. We almost exclusively ate out, as the price really can’t be beat. A plate of Fried Rice at the university costs between 0.80 and 1.30 euros and pasta costs around 2 euros. Of course there are restaurants where you have to dig deeper into your pockets, but I know from experience that it is worth it. Because Malaysia is a Muslim country, alcohol is relatively expensive, but it can also be bought at petrol stations / supermarkets. Cheap foods are: water, bread, rice, vegetables, fruit and yogurt. Expensive foods are: cheese, chips, western imported products such as Nutella and certain types of meat.
Leisure and everyday opportunities
Kuching offers a good variety of leisure activities, such as cinema, bowling, shopping and a selection of good bars. There are also some beautiful beaches and mountains nearby that can be climbed and are an amazing experience that will push you to the absolute limits. Thus, the free time in Kuching can be organized well, but only if you are also mobile, which I can only recommend to everyone.
- Learn more information about the country of Malaysia and continent of Asia on mcat-test-centers.
Travel
Traveling in Malaysia itself, both in the west and in the east, is absolutely safe, thanks to its very good location and good infrastructure for Southeast Asian conditions. The bus and train transport options are usually very inexpensive and also offer good convenience. Since Kuching also has its own airport, cheap flights can also be booked, especially with AirAsia, the low-cost airline in the Southeast Asian region. With AirAsia everyone has the opportunity to easily and comfortably reach all major destinations in neighboring countries, which I can only recommend. Cities like Singapore or Kota Kinabalu are particularly suitable for weekend trips. Otherwise I used the time between the two terms to go to West Malaysia to travel to Thailand and then to Cambodia, which can easily be done with friends as well as alone. In general, German students have no problems with visas, only in Cambodia you have to pay for a Visa-on-Arrival.
Conclusion on the semester abroad
My semester in Kuching at Swinburne University of Technology was one of the most exciting, interesting and above all most exciting times in my academic career. I got to know a lot of great people from all parts of the world and was able to look into the authentic way of life and culture of the Malays. Due to the internationality at the university, I was able to improve my English significantly. Overall, I am very happy with my choice and I am sure that I will return to this place very soon.
