EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 July Issue | Página 17

Compared to studying abroad, the cost of studying in Malaysia can
be signi?cantly lower. Melissa Ram, 25, from Petaling Jaya, who
completed her Bachelor of Jurisprudence degree in law in Malaysia
said that her four-year course cost only RM50,000. It would have
probably cost her three times more if she had completed her
course overseas. Melissa also added that you don’t need to worry
about homesickness as you are closer to your family. Other than
that, you don’t need to go through the cultural difference and the
hassle of making new friends again.
Studying locally also allows you to do as you please during
semester breaks as you can ?nd temporary employment easily
without the language barrier or worrying about your work permit.
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The variety of food is also wider in Malaysia compared to other
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countries.

Expand Your Horizons

Studying Locally Vs
Studying Abroad at a Glance
Studying Locally

Signi?cantly lower cost
No homesickness
No cultural difference
More ?exibility to work
during semester breaks

Studying Abroad

Currency might be
higher than ours
Possibly high living costs
Most countries
don’t allow foreign
students to work
New insight
Experience different
culture ?rsthand
Learn to respect and
accept other cultures
Be more independent
and con?dent
More desirable
by employers
A developed
cultural awareness and
language skills

Despite all that, studying abroad expands a student’s horizons and
provides an enriching experience along with new insights. Things
that you could only see on the television can now be experienced
personally; food, clothes and architecture, among other things.
You will also be able to experience different traditions and
customs. While we Malaysians always emphasise the strong bond
between family members, you will notice that it may not be so in
Western countries. Exposing the young ones to different cultures
and experiences is important to teach them that every culture is
unique and should be given equal respect, even if it is not what
you are used to. At the same time, others around you will also be
picking up on your culture.
You should also possess a strong will and determination as it will
not be easy to study abroad; you have to swiftly adapt to the new
culture, interact with people different from you and experience
a different way of life. These challenges will result in a more
independent and con?dent person.

A Well-rounded Employee
Studying abroad also makes your curriculum vitae (CV) look
more impressive. Although it isn’t always so, some employers do
prefer those who have studied in a foreign country. According
to Malaysia Employers Federation executive director, Shamsudin
Bardan, there is generally a preference for foreign graduates due
to their pro?ciency in English. Moreover, they have bette ????????)?????????????????????????????????????????????????????)??????????????????????????????????????????????????)????????????????????????????????????????????????????)????????????????????????????????????????????????????????)??????????????????????????????????????()MeU9$?????????((??((