Beyond the Classroom: UUM students share tales of grit and growth in Grand Finale of Alumni Sharing Session
News and Photos Mohd Azri Abdul Aziz
SINTOK, 8 February 2026: The world became a little smaller and much more accessible for Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) students yesterday as the Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation (CIAC) hosted the grand finale of its three-part Alumni Sharing Session: Student Exchange Abroad.
Held via Webex, the third and final series provided a deep dive into the realities of international mobility, featuring raw, inspiring, and practical stories from alumni who ventured to Indonesia, South Korea, and Finland. The initiative serves as a vital bridge, connecting prospective outbound students with the lived experiences of those who have already navigated the academic and cultural landscapes of the globe.
The session opened with a powerful testament to personal growth from Nor Ashikin binti Ahmad Nazri (STHEM), who spent her exchange at Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka (UHamka). As the sole mobility student during her semester, Nor Ashikin faced a steep learning curve, including living alone in a dormitory without WiFi and navigating classes taught entirely in local dialects.
“Indonesia has many dialects, and because English wasn’t commonly used in daily communication, making friends was a challenge initially,” Nor Ashikin shared.
Despite the isolation, she turned obstacles into opportunities for self-discovery.
“I am proud of myself. I am stronger, more positive, and more confident in unfamiliar environments than ever before. This programme transformed me from an introvert into someone who can handle any situation with a calm mind.”
The narrative shifted to the vibrant campus life of Sejong University (SU), shared by Natalie Lang Hai Wen (STHEM), Khoo Jia Yuan (SoIS), and Chrystina Chin Li Xin (SoC). They described a life of immersive language learning and the support of the “Global Buddies Club.”
Beyond the excitement of free K-pop concerts and city tours, the trio offered “real-talk” advice on logistics. They highlighted the importance of financial planning noting the RM10,000–RM15,000 bank balance requirement and practical tips like applying for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) to access local transport rates and packing personal medication to avoid high costs abroad.
Representing University of Vaasa (UVaasa), Ng Hui Theng (SBM) spoke about the logistical hurdles of European exchange, from visa appointments at the Finnish Embassy to the RM20,000 financial requirement. Through UUM’s alumni network, she connected with a Malaysian family in Vaasa who helped her settle in. Hui Theng’s experience was a blend of magic and grit witnessing the Aurora Borealis while battling short daylight hours with Vitamin D supplements.
“The high cost of living and the search for familiar tastes led me to a new skill,” she laughed. “I mastered cooking several Malaysian dishes just to satisfy my cravings!”
As the curtain falls on this three-part series, CIAC looks back on the collective wisdom shared by our global ambassadors with immense pride. Through these sessions, CIAC hopes to have ignited a spark of curiosity and courage within the UUM students.
By demystifying the challenges of financial planning, cultural adaptation, and administrative hurdles, CIAC aims to foster a new generation of students who are not only academically proficient but globally minded and resilient. It is CIAC’s fervent hope that these stories serve as the catalyst for more students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the life-changing magic of international exchange.
