Mon 07 Oct 2024
When Uzair Dar hopped off the plane in Malaysia 6 years ago, he was like many other students who had travelled abroad for tertiary study: anxious, excited and eager for a new journey.
Despite Uzair’s immense excitement for travelling to a different country and embarking on a new journey, this monumental chapter didn’t come without doubts and fears. “I was afraid of failing: of letting my family down”, Uzair expressed. There was a pressure to perform, having been provided with such a special opportunity by his parents. Uzair further shared that “being so unfamiliar with the learning style and culture of this new environment, in a new country, was scary”, highlighting the daunting nature of studying abroad that many international students face. Yet, it is the initial doubts and fears that make his story all the more meaningful.
Fast forward to today, he now works in Student Recruitment, finding purpose in guiding international students through the same journey he once went through. His distinct experience as an international student in Malaysia has given him a unique perspective, one that he now applies in helping the current batch of international students.
Discovering Malaysia: Affordability and Comfort
Like many international students, Uzair was drawn to Malaysia because of its affordability and opportunities. “If you ask me, we always compare tertiary options to those in the UK, USA, and Australia, but Malaysia is not bad either,” he shared. For someone like Uzair, who sought quality education without the hefty price tag, the lower fees and living costs made Malaysia a practical choice.
Beyond the favourable financial aspect, what also attracted Uzair to Malaysia were the cultural similarities that the country shared with his home. “As a Pakistani, Malaysia is Muslim-friendly,” he noted. This sense of cultural familiarity and comfort helped him smoothly transition into his new life abroad.
Embracing a Multicultural Nation
Uzair’s first impressions of Malaysia certainly lived up to his expectations. Stepping into his new campus, he was impressed by its diversity. He recalled being exposed to a plethora of cultures, allowing him to broaden his perspectives and adapt to different ways of thinking.
Uzair’s decision to study at Asia Pacific University (APU) further solidified his impression. Known for its large population of international students, APU gave him the chance to interact with peers from all corners of the globe, creating an environment that was not only academically enriching but also socially fulfilling.
“You see people from all over the world. From small islands to big countries, many people come to APU. It's a good mix and you can learn about their culture and everything,” Uzair noted.
Academic Journey: From Bachelor's to Master's
Uzair began his academic journey with a Bachelor's in International Business Management. This course laid the foundation for his further studies, giving him the skills and confidence to take on bigger challenges. He would later enrol in a Master’s in Project Management at APU.
When asked about memorable academic projects, Uzair recalled one of his assignments that simulated a marketing campaign for a detergent company. Such experiences gave him confidence in the work he was producing, in addition to providing practical, hands-on experience that helped him develop essential skills that he applies at work today.
His decision to pursue a Master’s in Project Management was a strategic one. Not only was he interested in the subject, but APU offered a dual-degree programme with De Montfort University (DMU) in the UK, which allowed him to obtain two degrees at once. “You study in APU, but you get two certificates, one from APU and another from DMU,” he explained. This unique offering allowed Uzair to gain an internationally recognised qualification at a fraction of the cost, something that many students would find appealing.
Navigating Challenges as an International Student
Being an international student in a foreign country comes with its own set of challenges, and Uzair was no exception. “As an international student, you have to manage things outside of university such as accommodation and finances,” he shared.
Even though there were some aspects of Malaysia that were reminiscent of home (Muslim-friendly), Uzair still experienced many culture shocks from the many differences compared to Pakistan: some memorable ones being “seeing people wearing their jackets backwards on their motorbikes” and “wearing bags in front rather than on their backs.”
Instead of letting the unfamiliarity overwhelm him, he instead embraced it. “I overcame it by joining in all the university events, always getting involved and always learning.” His proactive approach not only helped him adjust but thrive in his new surroundings.
Studying in Pakistan vs. Malaysia: Uzair’s Perspective
One of the most significant contrasts Uzair experienced was the difference in teaching styles between Pakistan and Malaysia. While both countries offer quality education, Uzair believed that the approach to learning and student engagement varies greatly. “In Pakistan, it’s not that teachers are not good, they want the student to be a lot more independent,” Uzair explained. In Pakistan, Uzair inferred that students feel pressure to do a majority of their learning alone, with educators only providing foundational concepts, before students are expended to find additional resources to have a holistic understanding of the subject matter.
In contrast, Malaysia’s teaching style resonated with Uzair much more. “Here, the teachers try to cover most of the things during their classes and take it a bit easier and slowly.” The Malaysian education system places a stronger emphasis on ensuring students fully understand the concepts within the classroom, offering a more guided and hands-on approach. This difference allowed Uzair to engage more deeply with the material, as he wasn’t left to figure out everything on his own. He felt that this approach better suited his learning style, and helped him succeed in his academic journey.
Advice for Prospective Students
For students considering studying abroad, Uzair’s advice is clear: understand your goals and your strengths, and make purposeful decisions. “You should know what you are good at, if you like computers, study computing, if you’re good at business, study business.”
He also stressed the importance of balancing costs with the value of the institution, reminding students to look for a university that offers both affordability and quality education, and aligns with their purpose.
Another key takeaway from Uzair’s experience was the importance of balance. Managing academic responsibilities while exploring a new country is no easy feat, but he managed to do both successfully. “Just focus on studies when it’s time, other than that, go everywhere and explore.”
A Career in Student Recruitment
Today, Uzair is using his journey to help students as a Student Recruitment Officer at Apply Radar. His first-hand experience as an international student allows him to relate to the students he recruits, offering them practical advice based on his own experiences. “I was in the same boat as them when it was my first day in Malaysia. Now it has been six years,” Uzair said.
His familiarity with the transition process means he can guide students through the challenges they might face, from accommodation to cultural adjustments. This personal touch adds an extra layer of comfort for students, knowing they’re being guided by someone who truly understands their situation.
When asked if his personal experience as an exchange student makes his current job more meaningful, Uzair replied, “Yes, I'm doing what I know as I’ve been through it and it's an interesting field for me.”
The Reward of Personal Growth
Uzair’s journey has been more than just about obtaining degrees. His time in Malaysia has helped him develop as an individual; “It’s not just about getting a degree, I have also become a better version of myself.”
Putting himself in a position of discomfort and flying to pursue his education in a new country has paid off by broadening his horizons. Being exposed to new cultures, perspectives and ideas have all contributed to his personal and professional growth. It’s this transformation that makes his journey so rewarding—not just for him, but for the students he now helps guide through their own academic paths.
From his humble beginnings as an international student to his current role in student recruitment, Uzair’s journey has come full circle. The journey he took allowed him to grow into a mentor who understands what it takes to make the most of your studying-abroad experience, offering a guiding hand to the next generation of students stepping into a new world of possibilities.
Uzair has taught us how big of a role our experiences have in shaping our lives, so go out and experience!
