High School Study Abroad in Malaysia

Malaysia’s cultural infusion of Malay, European, Chinese, and Indian traditions makes it one of the most interculturally rich locations to study abroad. In addition to being a multi-ethnic environment, Malaysia is a multilingual nation where its residents speak Bahasa Melayu (the Malay language), Mandarin, Tamil, English, and more. This geographically diverse country, full of rainforests and beaches, is also an outdoor adventure ready to be explored between classes and on the weekends. For an immersion into a multicultural society, high school programs in Malaysia have got you covered!

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A Guide to High School Programs in Malaysia

Locations

Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia, where the eastern part of the country occupies a third of the northern island called Borneo, and the western area sits on the main peninsula. It borders Thailand and is connected, via bridge, to Singapore, which makes it a hot tourist destination for the continent. With a population of over 31 million people, Malaysia high school programs are gateways to understanding this complex culture in its big cities and beachside atmosphere.

Kuala Lumpur. Known for the 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and the largest city in the country. Being the only metropolitan location, tourists and teens alike flock here for its beauty and cultural preservation, despite its modernity. Teen travel in Malaysia includes exploring the colorful area of Brickfields, nicknamed “Little India” for its prevalent Indian population, or the limestone hill that houses the Batu Caves and Malaysian temples. When planning their arrival, teens and tourists fly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport to begin their Malaysian adventure.

Penang. An island alternative to Kuala Lumpur is Penang. The second-largest city in Malaysia, Penang is the place to see two of Malaysia’s cultures in action between the Buddhist temple Kek Lok Si, and the Chinese temple and museum Khoo Kongsi. Teens who participate in high school travel in Malaysia indulge in culinary adventures in Penang, which is regarded as the food capital of the country. The mix of street food, street art in Georgetown, and performing arts scene creates the atmosphere for tourists and teens who yearn for creativity to express themselves in Penang.

Tawau. Though not a large city like Kuala Lumpur or Penang, Tawau is the chosen town in Malaysia for tourists and teens who are passionate for the outdoors. Tawau offers insight into Borneo’s rainforest studies and wildlife activity in Malaysia, which is ideal for those who aspire to do international work in environmental research. With time to hang out and explore, teens can enjoy Tawau’s Hot Springs, Tawau Hills Park, or even take a guided tour of the Teck Guan Cocoa Museum.

Popular Program Types

Since it is a country full of a variety of cultures, the variety of Malaysia high school programs are no surprise. Though each one may be different, Malay high school programs prepare each student (and their guardians) during a pre-departure orientation prior to their upcoming adventure. From student exchanges to volunteering, study abroad programs offer hands-on experiences to learn more about Malaysia and its inhabitants.

Experiential Learning. Language immersion and student exchange come together during high school abroad in Malaysia. Visiting teens have the opportunity to learn from their Malay, indigenous, Chinese, and Indian counterparts, and vice versa, through classes at Malaysian public schools. These classes can be taught in both English and Malay. Teens are also able to volunteer with English-language learners, meet public service representatives, and participate in extracurricular sports and arts activities such as debate, volleyball, swimming, photography, and more.

Outdoor Education. Malaysia’s natural biodiversity makes it a dream location for nature and education lovers. Teen travel in Malaysia focuses on educating them on eco-tourism, conservation, and wildlife. Teens who like to get their hands dirty can do research on climate change in Malaysia’s rainforest. This experience gives teens the opportunity to educate themselves on their role in sustaining Malaysia’s natural beauty for future generations.

Summer programs in Malaysia for high school students. Are you thinking about staying in Malaysia for a few weeks, because a year may not be the right path for you? Well you are in luck! High school programs in Malaysia make it easy for teens to study in the country for as little as two weeks. These short-term programs could be a great addition to a summer vacation before the next big school year!

Anticipated Costs

Though most programs include room and board in the tuition price, the cost of living in Malaysia is cheap. However, depending on the length of time, the price of high school travel in Malaysia for an entire year can cost up to $20,000. Also, when calculating prices, remember that some programs may not include airfare with their total program costs. To pay for meaningful travel experiences, such as high school in Malaysia, Fund My Travel is always an excellent resource. There are also scholarships available that could possibly curb the costs too.

Accommodations & Visas

Most high school programs in Malaysia require their teenage participants to live with a host family or shared housing with other students. Homestays are pushed not because of safety concerns (since Malaysia is generally a safe country) but instead because they are a better way to adapt to and learn from Malay culture. Hosts are thoroughly screened by the respective program as well. Prior to your adventure, you will need a student visa or tourist visa depending on the length of your stay. To find more accurate information on visa requirements for Malaysia, check out this list of embassies to make your experience as smooth as possible.

GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

As a teen abroad, you gain intercultural competence from cultures you had no idea existed, and more global knowledge than most people twice your age. High school abroad in Malaysia can give you lifelong career skills, to supplement the personal development you will attain inside and outside the classroom. Also, if you are looking to learn languages, it is a lot easier at a younger age, and while you are fully-immersed in a culture’s daily life.

Since there is a literal melting pot of cultures in Malaysia, those with a special diet should pay close attention to their meals. Of course, with the high school programs in Malaysia, teens can notify the partner program advisor for health concerns. However, when eating Malaysia’s delicious street food, remember it is influenced by Indian, Chinese, and Malay cultures. Thus all food groups, from starches, meat, and seafood, to fruits and vegetables, are present. Keep a watchful eye on your plate and water nearby, because the one thing they have in common is a love of spice!

Going abroad as a teen can be a life-changing experience. Your teenage years are your formative years, meaning they can shape who you will become. Do not let age, or other people’s fears, stop you from embarking on a new journey. Take advantage of your youth and take the flight abroad for high school programs in Malaysia!