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Malaysia calls: a semester abroad full of adventure

  • 23.01.2025
  • International
Magdalena Bernrieder in einer geschäftigen Einkaufsstraße in Malaysia, umgeben von lokalen Geschäften und Passant:innen. | © Privat
© Privat

Magdalena Bernrieder in the middle of her Malaysian adventure. The student is spending her semester abroad there until February 2025.

Magdalena Bernrieder, a student in the Marketing & Communication Management degree program at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol, is spending her semester abroad at the University Sains Malaysia. Until February 2025, she will experience exciting trips and intercultural encounters – a semester abroad that will leave lasting impressions.

In the full-time bachelor's degree program in Marketing & Communication Management, a semester abroad in the fifth semester is mandatory. It didn't take Magdalena long to decide that Malaysia would be her destination for this special experience. Since September 2024, she has been studying at the University Sains Malaysia on the island of Penang, where she is immersing herself in a new culture. In addition to exciting subjects, she is enjoying the diversity of Southeast Asia and sharing insights into her unique adventure.

WHY MALAYSIA?

Why did Magdalena choose Malaysia of all places? The country has good weather, a diverse cuisine and fascinating travel opportunities. It was an easy choice for her to select the University Sains Malaysia. “I wanted to go further away from home, to a country with sun, good food and friendly people. The USM was perfect for that,” she says enthusiastically.

LEARNING AND LIVING: EVERYDAY LIFE ON THE ISLAND OF PENANG

At the university, Magdalena is taking courses such as broadcast journalism and brand management, which offer her exciting insights into her field of specialisation. “Working with students from different cultures is challenging, but also incredibly enriching,” she explains.

Alongside her degree program, Magdalena takes every opportunity to explore the region. Her travels have already taken her to Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam. She also stays active on Penang Island: whether it's exciting scooter rides across the island, exploring historic Georgetown or excursions with other exchange students – her daily life is anything but boring.

Privat | © Magdalena Bernrieder posiert vor einer modernen Skyline in Malaysia, mit einem ruhigen Gewässer im Hintergrund.
© Magdalena Bernrieder posiert vor einer modernen Skyline in Malaysia, mit einem ruhigen Gewässer im Hintergrund.

Magdalena Bernrieder enjoys the impressive skyline of Malaysia. In addition to her degree program at the University Sains Malaysia, she takes every opportunity to discover the diversity and beauty of Southeast Asia.

VERY DIFFERENT FROM HOME

At first glance, the cultural differences between Austria and Malaysia appear to be significant, but over time, Magdalena discovered many similarities. She is particularly impressed by the zest for life of the Malaysians: “There is dancing together after every event, and the people are full of energy.” The warmth and helpfulness of the people have left a lasting impression on her. Language barriers hardly play a role, and the cultural diversity of the country is particularly reflected in the cuisine.

INSIDER TIP MALAYSIA

Malaysia is the ideal choice for students looking for adventure and cultural exchange. “The food is cheap, the people are warm, and there is so much to discover,” Magdalena summarizes. For her, the semester abroad there is not only professionally enriching, but also personally – an experience she highly recommends to all students.

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