Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus (14)

By | June 30, 2021

Hey, my name is Dennis and I was at Swinburne University in Kuching for a semester abroad from July to December 2016. Here I took the MBA course. But first of all: The semester abroad was a great experience for me and I would always (!) Do the semester abroad in Kuching again.

Application process

The application process was very relaxed, as MicroEDU has good communication with the university. So far so good – unfortunately the payment process was not error-free, as the transaction must be described in great detail, otherwise the state of Malaysia will not recognize the payment. It is best to include every possible detail attached to the transaction.

My first days

The first days on the Swinburne were very chaotic. I initially applied for the following courses through MicroEDU:

  • BUS60011 Integrated Management (Part 1)
  • HRM 80014 Human Resources for Managers
  • BUS60011 Integrated Management (Part 2)
  • BUS 60001 Operations Management

Integrated Management was specified as a compulsory course. When I arrived in Kuching I was told that this course was not being offered due to a lack of students. In other words: the course information is correct, but there is no certainty that it will be offered. So instead of Integrated Management, I have the Introduction in Business Information Systems & Operations Management course. However, the rewriting in Kuching is relatively chaotic because they work with different systems. You should go directly to Jakob or Dr. Contact Hoo so that you don’t have to walk from A to B. Basically, however, the people and employees in Kuching are super friendly and helpful. In the first week all courses are presented again and afterwards you can always change courses if you have chosen the wrong one.

Swinburne University

In general, I am studying International Marketing & Sales at the Münster University of Applied Sciences. Compared to Swinburne University, the degree of difficulty and effort at the FH is significantly higher. At Swinburne you have to hand in assignments weekly or every two weeks, but they are much more relaxed. In my opinion, the learning staff was not qualified or did not know the subject very well – in any case a clear minus point. However, the teaching units are designed in a very creative and interactive way with lots of presentations or group work. The MBA is 4 times a week in the evening, which is great for taking advantage of the good weather during the day. In summary, the learning curve is relatively small.

In addition to studying, the university offers a number of sports activities. The building, the library and the technology are also state-of-the-art.

Most of the fellow students come from China, Malaysia, India or Bangladesh. I also had two Danes, two Germans and an Australian in my class – but it also depends on which courses you have chosen. The bachelor courses are clearly more international: Here you will find a number of Germans, Danes, Swedes and Australians. By the way, Malaysia is ideal for cultural skills because the country mostly consists of Indians, Chinese and Malays and you can learn a lot there! In addition, all students speak good English and are very friendly.

Accommodation

I lived in the Riverine complex, where the quality of living is really good. You have a pool area, a fitness studio and a cleaning lady included and sufficient security, whereby I felt safe in Kuching without exception. Landlord information is available upon request through MicroEDU. You usually share an apartment with two other students from Germany, Australia or Denmark. The costs are around 180-210 euros per month. You can get to the university in 15 minutes by scooter.

  • Learn more information about the country of Malaysia and continent of Asia on toppharmacyschools.

The infrastructure is significantly higher compared to other Asian countries. Roads are very well developed and the traffic is great for daily scooter driving. Information about landlords is also available here on request. Without a scooter you are really lost here.

Leisure time / excursion possibilities

First of all: Malaysia is a dream. Great weather, great landscapes, great hikes, exciting animals and the people are also super friendly! In the vicinity of Kuching there are all kinds of national parks: Bako, Kubah, Permai, Darmai and other travel destinations such as the Fairy Caves, Orangutan Sanctunary or Sarawak Villge. An absolute highlight was the Rainforest World Music Festival at the beginning of August – a music festival in the middle of the jungle.

During your studies you have a lot of free time in which you can go on short trips. For example, I was in Boracay (Philippines), Thailand, Mulu, Miri, Brunei, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu during my studies. The offers from the airlines Air Asia or Malaysia Airlines are super cheap and you can get almost anywhere from Kuala Lumpur. I also had a 3-week break in which I explored Vietnam ! After completing your studies, you have a great starting point to explore Asia or Australia.

Going out in Kuching is rather rare when it comes to dancing. However, there are plenty of good bars (Monkee Bar or Singgahsana Lodge) as well as restaurants. Generally everything is cheap, so I didn’t have to use my kitchen a single time during that time. If you like Asian food, you will get your money’s worth here!

In summary

I recommend a semester abroad in Kuching to everyone!

Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus 14