Final report of my semester abroad in Malaysia

While writing this report, I’m sitting at the gate for my flight from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai, from where I’ll continue on to Germany. One eye is crying, the other is smiling. I’ve had the privilege of spending and studying five full months to the day in this incredible Asian metropolis, and I haven’t regretted a single one of them.

But let me start at the beginning… To be honest, it’s not that easy for me to keep this report short. Even though the time flew by, I experienced so much, met so many new people, and was able to gain a wealth of experiences. So, I’ll divide the report into three parts—things that were unclear to me before my semester abroad—in hopes that it might help others: the university, the country of Malaysia, and the costs.

In my case, APU in KL is not a partner university of my home university in Germany. So, it wasn’t certain whether or how APU would match German academic standards or support my studies. In principle, the university there is quite different from those in Germany. It starts with the language—everything is taught in English rather than Bahasa (the official language of Malaysia). This is due to the large number of international students (almost 50%), who create a diverse and culturally enriching community.

However, this also comes with some challenges. With so many different countries and cultures, it's impossible for all students to be on the same academic level. I especially noticed this during presentations. European students, who had already been trained to present in school, delivered much more polished slides and talks than students from other regions. The way lectures are conducted also differs from German universities. It feels more like school: smaller classes, more participation, and therefore more direct learning. Unlike at my university, the module grade isn’t based on one final exam but is spread across presentations, essays, and exams. I personally found this distribution of workload across the semester to be very pleasant. The academic level is definitely lower than in Germany. It’s less analytical and theoretical, and more focused on practical matters and soft skills. I actually appreciated that, as I often find German universities too theory-heavy. Generally, I would advise anyone considering a semester at APU to check beforehand how credits might transfer back home. But that shouldn’t be the only criterion. Studying abroad isn’t just about academics—it’s also about cultural growth, language skills, and personal development on the other side of the planet. And in those areas, APU really shines!

The same applies to the country of Malaysia. Overshadowed by its neighbors Thailand and Indonesia, it’s still relatively unknown in Europe. Malaysia doesn’t promote its tourism as heavily, and unfortunately, the presence of Islam still discourages some European visitors. Yet Malaysia is one of the most open countries in the world. Especially in Kuala Lumpur, only 40% of the population are native Malays; the rest consists of Chinese, Indians, Europeans, Indonesians, and more. That’s what makes the city and the country so special. Depending on where you are, you’ll encounter different people, lifestyles, and cuisines. Malaysia is still a bit of a hidden gem, which also adds to its charm. I was particularly impressed by the openness and friendliness of the people. Almost everyone is helpful and curious, and you often find yourself in conversations with strangers. Since many people speak excellent English, communication is very easy. Unlike in cities like Bangkok, Jakarta, or Manila, I always felt safe in Kuala Lumpur—day and night. Female students confirmed this as well, and for them, safety is often even more crucial. The city is vibrant at night, full of lights, and apart from the usual tourist traps, I never felt unsafe. If you’re looking to experience a less touristy country combined with a metropolis like Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is definitely the place to be.

I understand why most students in Europe choose to study abroad within the EU. The Erasmus program—with no real tuition fees—is very appealing. I also wrestled with the financial side of things—whether I could afford to fly to Asia for half a year :). I paid $3,400 in tuition fees at APU, plus a long flight and around $400 for the student visa. Sounds like a lot at first, but it becomes more reasonable when you look at the whole semester. With a bit of research, you can find apartments for $200–300, which is hard to come by in Europe. And the cost of living is a game-changer. In Malaysia, you pay about a third to a quarter of what you would in Germany for daily expenses. In the university cafeteria, you could often get full meals for just one euro. Combined with the amazing experience of enjoying 30°C weather in the middle of winter and soaking up the Asian sun—it was absolutely worth it. In the end, I surely paid more than my Erasmus classmates, but Asia is by far the most affordable way to study outside of Europe. If you’re up for the adventure, don’t let the cost hold you back. The experience is definitely worth it.

It’s impossible to sum up the beautiful time I had in Kuala Lumpur in a short final report. Still, I hope that my writing and the photos/videos I’ve shared with World of Students helped you if you’re considering a semester abroad in Malaysia. I’m always open to your questions or to share more. The World of Students team will connect you with me.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank that very team once again. I think it’s amazing that you do this work and help us enrich our lives. Keep it up!