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Exchange Student program & Winter/summer Program

Hello readers. It's me again, back at random times, destroying my own MO. Haha. That a side, I think this update is equally important compared to the other tesl updates (I think it's important. I don't know. What do you think?)

So, once you enrolled in UKM, you are bound to hear or get caught up with the sensational and glamourous topic of exchange student program. And let me break it to you that yes, in UKM there are tons of exchange student program to join. It's just you must know where to look for them. Usually they will publicize the programs either through whatsapp group or you can check it at UKM Global 

Things you should check before joining exchange student program:

1) the suitability of the courses
2) duration of the program
3) willingness to work (filling paper forms and dealing with the higher ups)
4) financial solidity
5) Suitability of country

I hate to include number 4 in the list, however, it is what it is.

For me, the one I've joined is an International Summer Program (ISP) instead of an exchange student program. Though, I think I just want to lump them together just because it's quite similar; the processes, I mean. The summer program offers two courses which are culture and tradition, and Korean language. To avoid examination and hard work, I, as a lazy dumb ass, choose to do culture and tradition and I did not regret my decision.

1) The suitability of the courses & 2) Duration of the program

First, Imma state the difference between exchange student program and summer/winter program. Exchange student program normally lasts for one whole semester while summer/winter program usually takes place from two weeks to one month only (during our sem break). I personally choose to attend summer/winter program because I refuse to mess up my timetable. Remember, when you choose exchange student program, if the courses you're taking is different from the courses you're currently studying in UKM, you might have to extend your study in UKM which means, if you are expected to graduate in 2020, you might graduate in 2021 instead. I'm not saying you will definitely extend but there's a high chance of you extending your stay in UKM. So, if you're like me and you don't wish to extend, it's best if you choose summer/winter program.

You can also confirm with your course coordinator about the program whether you will be forced to extend or not because there are some subjects that might not offered during the time you've planned to register them which leads you to have to wait for the next semester. Also, some of the courses need to deal with Final Year Paper (FYP) where you have to do an extensive research about your chosen topic. Rushing your FYP might not be a good idea as in will definitely affect your grades.

So, when choosing a program you wish to join, consider the suitability of the program, the duration of the program and the aftermath; whether there'll be consequences (like extending) or not.


3)Willingness to work. 

Oh lord. This is not necessarily something difficult but it is very time consuming. You have to fill in a lot of forms before actually getting a green light to join any program. Let's say you have chosen your desired program, immediately look at the documents or criteria needed to join the program.

Take notes on these needed documents: 

a) Qualification
Sometimes they'll need to see your CGPA/GPA and also your english proficiency test. In our case, MUET. If you're planning to go to Korea or Japan, sometimes they want to see your proficiency level in their language. So you might or might not have to take exams for these mentioned languages.

b) Medical health check-ups
They definitely will ask you to do a medical check-ups when you apply for the program. Usually they'll ask you to do either a full-scale medical check up or just a TB test. Japan usually wants a full scale medical check up. You can do this at Pusat Kesihatan UKM at a student price (from blood test, urine test, x-ray and so on). For TB test, you can go to Klinik Komuniti Bangi.

c) Passport
Make your passport or renew your passport. Now they only offer a 5 year passport.

d) Visa
You might need to do your visa. Make sure you get the right one. Sometimes they'll ask you to do a student visa or visitor's visa. Some countries, you don't need a visa. Visa can be done at embassy of the country you're planning to go. Usually these embassies are located at Jalan Tun Razak. Be alert on the operating hours and also the documents needed to do your visa. For Korea Visa, they'll might ask for your parents' or your three month bank statement certified by the bank. They might ask some letter from UKM to verify your status as UKM student. Make sure everything is ORIGINAL documents, no photocopy ones.

e) Flight tickets
Check for a suitable one. Up to you whether you want a cheap flight ticket or you choose to splurge on fancier first class seat. I heard that flight tickets are cheaper if you bought around April or on Wednesday. Take into account your luggage capacity. MAS got your luggage covered while Air Asia requires you to pay for it.

f) Insurance
Normally the foreign university will either ask you to make an insurance with them or prepare one to cover for your stay during the program. You can try Tune Protect insurance. It's affordable and it covers almost everything. However, look out for the duration of insurance's validity.

g) Try to fill in Istar for funding (for UKM Students only)
It depends on your luck, really. There's a specific duration on when you can fill in ISTAR for funds. If I remember correctly, you have fill in some documents and deal with UKM International Student Relation (the office is situated at Chancellory). You can ask for supporting letters from them. They are very helpful and nice! Speedy reply! However, I don't suggest you to rely fully on their funds. You might receive it but it might be a little bit too late because they only give you the funds when you are confirmed on going.

h) Faculty
Fpend is generous in giving funds to the students. However, you might need to go for an interview. Again, don't rely on their funds to pay for your flight ticket, for your enrollment fees. Their funds are basically more like your pocket money.


4) Financial Solidity
This is important. I think out of all, this is the most problematic ones for many students. I admit I am a bit lucky because I come from a comfortable family. From my personal experience, you definitely have to pay for your flight tickets, enrollment fees, visa, passport, medical health check-up, insurance and other necessities all by your own. And all of these requires a huge amount of money. Even Korean Visa asks for your bank statements to see your well-being financially. Plus, you need to think about your pocket money, the exchange money rate and so on.

5) Suitability of Country
For muslims, this might be a hard one. You must be able to adapt to changes, to their stares and acceptance of Islam. Some people fear and hate Islam and you come to their country so fighting back or causing a ruckus is definitely not an option. Not everyone is familiar or have an idea of what Islam is. I have my fair share of experience regarding this issue. Some are nice and some are not. Food is a critical issue too. Before you go, make a research about what food you can or cannot take. Don't be too picky. I literally became a vegetarian during my stay in Korea. Respect their culture, that's important too.

I think these are the things you should consider if you are planning to join an exchange student or winter/summer program. I really do encourage you to join at least once. It'll widen your knowledge and perspective about the world. You'll be able to experience living and studying in a foreign country. You'll be able to make international friends, hang out and also exchange stories about education/country system with them. Thanks to the summer program I've joined, I don't only get to study and make new friends, but I also get to travel. Do try to join!

Any questions you can ask me via my email:  haruno_mimi@yahoo.com

I'll try to answer it based on my own experience and knowledge.

Farewell!

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