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Summary

In this video, the speaker shares five unique culture shocks they experienced while studying at the University Utara Malaysia (UUM) in Kedah, near the Malaysia-Thailand border. From misunderstandings due to differences in the alphabet to the segregation of students in the classroom, they delve into the challenges faced. Other topics include the fairness in food court competition, approachable professors, and the ease of digital communication with affordable data packages. The speaker also highlights Malaysia’s advanced technology, such as the integration of national IDs with banking systems, providing a glimpse into their enriching international student experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker experienced culture shock while studying in Malaysia, specifically at the University Utara Malaysia in Kedah, located near the Thailand border.
• 😀 One of the initial shocks was the difference in alphabets: Indonesia uses the Dutch alphabet, while Malaysia uses the English alphabet, leading to misunderstandings.
• 😀 The speaker noticed a segregation in seating arrangements in class, where students from different ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese, Indian) tended to sit together, which lasted throughout their studies.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of respecting all ethnic groups and how Indonesian students tried to blend in with their classmates, regardless of ethnicity.
• 😀 Another culture shock involved what the speaker felt was an overly fair or equal treatment, especially in business and social practices, such as food stalls being forced to open at certain hours to avoid competing with others.
• 😀 There were instances where food stalls, like a popular nasi lemak stall and a Thai food stall, had to adjust their hours to avoid affecting other businesses, showing an indirect system of fairness.
• 😀 The speaker also highlighted an instance where an Indonesian friend was not allowed to sell nasi Padang in the campus canteen, as it wasn’t considered fair within the food marketplace.
• 😀 A positive culture shock involved how accessible the professors were at the university, making it easy to discuss academic topics and get help, creating a supportive environment.
• 😀 The speaker shared how personal connections and open communication with professors helped them feel comfortable and supported during their studies, making them more engaged in class.
• 😀 A technological culture shock in Malaysia was how students could still use WhatsApp and Line without needing a data plan, which made communication more affordable and convenient.
• 😀 The speaker was impressed with the Malaysian national ID card system, which is more advanced than Indonesia's, as it connects to bank accounts and can be used for various services.

Q & A

What was the first culture shock the speaker experienced in Malaysia?

The first culture shock was the difference in alphabets. In Indonesia, they use the Dutch alphabet, while in Malaysia, the English alphabet is used. This led to misunderstandings, especially when referring to musical notes like 'key E'.

How did the speaker feel about the segregation in the classrooms?

The speaker felt uncomfortable about the segregation in the classrooms. Students from different ethnic groups, such as Malays, Chinese, and Indians, tended to sit together, and the speaker found this separation quite noticeable, even after several semesters.

How does the speaker perceive the policies around fairness in Malaysia?

The speaker felt that Malaysia's policies were overly fair in a way that sometimes restricted business freedom. For example, some food vendors were asked to adjust their hours to avoid dominating the market, which was a culture shock compared to Indonesia's more competitive business environment.

What was the speaker’s experience with the student-teacher relationship in Malaysia?

The speaker had a positive experience with the student-teacher relationship in Malaysia. Professors were approachable and willing to engage with students, which contrasted with the more formal and distant approach in Indonesia. The speaker felt that students were treated with respect, especially as international students.

What cultural practice related to gift-giving did the speaker mention?

The speaker noted that in Indonesia, offering gifts to professors was often seen as necessary to get their attention or help. However, in Malaysia, professors were helpful without expecting gifts, which was a refreshing change for the speaker.

How did the speaker feel about the technological advancements in Malaysia compared to Indonesia?

The speaker was impressed by Malaysia's technological advancements, particularly in mobile data. In Malaysia, one did not need a data package to use messaging apps like WhatsApp or LINE, as long as the phone number was active, unlike in Indonesia where having a data package was crucial for internet use.

What surprised the speaker about Malaysia’s KTP (National ID)?

The speaker was amazed by Malaysia’s KTP, which was much more advanced than Indonesia's. The Malaysian KTP could be used for banking transactions, allowing citizens to withdraw money directly with just their ID, showcasing how technology was integrated into everyday life.

Why was the speaker’s experience with Malaysian food stalls a culture shock?

The speaker found it surprising that some food stalls were instructed by the campus authorities to adjust their operating hours to prevent competition with other stalls. This level of regulation was something the speaker hadn't experienced in Indonesia, where businesses usually compete based on the quality and demand of their offerings.

What kind of food did the speaker miss from Malaysia, and how did it relate to their culture shock?

The speaker missed the nasi lemak and Thai food stalls in Malaysia, particularly a Thai noodle stall. The experience of the stall disappearing and reappearing in different locations highlighted the strange yet accepted practice of moving businesses to maintain balance, which was a bit shocking compared to the more competitive nature of food stalls in Indonesia.

How did the speaker describe their overall experience studying in Malaysia?

The speaker described their overall experience as positive despite the culture shocks. They appreciated the friendliness of the professors, the technological advancements, and the opportunity to engage with various cultures, making the challenges they faced worth it.