News and photos by Mohd Azri Abdul Aziz
SINTOK, 18 January 2026: The Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation (CIAC), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), successfully hosted the Alumni Sharing Session: Student Exchange Abroad (Series #1) today. The session marked the commencement of a three-part knowledge-sharing initiative designed to motivate and prepare students and staff to participate in international mobility programmes.
The virtual session featured UUM alumni who had previously undertaken academic exchange programmes at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia), Burgundy School of Business (France), and Mae Fah Luang University (Thailand). Their presentations offered participants valuable first-hand perspectives on the academic environment, cultural immersion, and personal growth experienced through studying abroad.
Throughout the session, the alumni candidly discussed both the rewards and challenges of international exchange. Raissa Rahmani Ahmad, who completed her mobility programme at Burgundy School of Business, France, emphasised the importance of preparation and adaptability.
“Although most classes for international students were conducted in English, daily communication outside the classroom could be challenging, especially when interacting with French speakers. Learning basic phrases and being open to seeking help made a significant difference,” she shared.
Meanwhile, Daniel Jakson, who spent a semester at Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand, reflected on how the exchange broaden his global awareness and strengthened his sense of identity.
“Studying abroad really expanded my perspective. It made me more appreciative of my home country and more conscious of my strengths and limitations,” he remarked.
Collectively, the alumni agreed that their international exchange experiences were instrumental in shaping their academic and personal development. They highlighted how navigating unfamiliar environments enhanced their resilience, adaptability, and intercultural competence, while also enabling them to establish meaningful and lasting global networks.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers on topics such as academic expectations, cultural adjustment, financial planning, and daily living abroad. CIAC further announced that the Alumni Sharing Session series will continue with two upcoming sessions scheduled for 25 January and 1 February 2026, each featuring new destinations and alumni insights.
Through this initiative, UUM reinforces its commitment to developing globally competent graduates by providing platforms that empower the university community to embrace international learning and cross-cultural engagement. – Mohd Azri Abdul Aziz.
