I think what makes or break your overseas exposure is not the ranking of the university or how many PhD's your lecturer has, but rather the people whom you hang around with and the environment.

I'm into my first semester at Australia and I deeply regret not going for student hostel accommodation. Due to price, I opted to stay out on my own (apartment). As a result, I find it very difficult to get to know different mixes of people. I only hang around Malaysians in uni because 90% of my coursemates are Asians anyway (health science course..). On the other hand, my friend lives in a hostel-type environment and they have tonnes of activities, gatherings, fun & games.. etc.

Of course, this can change if you were to join clubs at university and go for events.

The bottom line is to.. socialise!


Prior to coming to Australia for my study, I went to China to do a short language course in which I actually stayed in a hostel environment and got to know many different people. I got to know people from different countries, different cultures. We taught each other about the places we come from and I was surprised at the amount of things I picked up.

I find life in Aussie a bit too laidback for me. However, things are done more efficiently here and people are more polite. I've also gotten used to seeing lots of public displays of affection, alcohol and homosexuality.

Personally, the experience is good. Live out on your own, be independent, find new friends. But at the end of the day I still consider Malaysia as home.. no matter how low the salary.