Bridging borders: UTM students reflect on life-changing mobility experiences

Office of Strategy and Corporate Affairs | Hakimah Ibnuzaman

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) continues to expand its global footprint through its vibrant inbound and outbound student mobility programmes, offering transformative experiences that blend cultural immersion, academic growth, and personal development. Recent interviews with participants reveal inspiring stories of adaptability, discovery, and cross-cultural connection.

From the chilly winters of Canada to the dynamic student life in Texas, UTM students have ventured abroad with purpose, while the campus also welcomed international peers from countries such as France, Kazakhstan, and Russia.

Local Students, Global Outlook

Kirrthana Krishnasamy, a PhD student in Chemical Engineering, spent four months at Lakehead University, Canada. “Thunder Bay’s temperature hit as low as -40°C, a stark contrast from Malaysia, but it was a valuable academic and cultural exchange,” she shared. She immersed herself in research meetings and conferences, sharpening her professional skills in a new environment. When asked why she chose UTM, Kirrthana highlighted the university’s access to high-end facilities and its diverse, vibrant student body. “Not only do I get to learn, but the cultural diversity here enriches my entire experience,” she said.

MGL — *PhD student Kirrthana grateful with UTM’s high-end facilities and its rich multicultural learning environment*

Similarly, postgraduate Physics student Hollis Bunyeh Anak Francis had the chance to conduct an academic attachment at the University of Texas at Austin. “I had the opportunity to visit NASA in Houston, which was a paradigm shift. The scientific culture was strong, yet familiar thanks to my UTM background,” he noted, emphasizing the confidence he gained from applying his knowledge abroad. Hollis chose UTM for its strong academic reputation and its remarkable industrial connections, which provide ample opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

MGL — *Hollis, a Master’s student, credits UTM’s strong industrial links and memorable campus life*

Azeera Asyikin binti Nahar Efairuz, a second-year Psychology with HRD student, travelled to Turkey to conduct a mental health awareness program. “The experience introduced me to voice healing therapy, a concept not yet explored in Malaysia. I’m now planning to pursue this further for my FYP,” she said. Azeera also appreciates UTM’s impressive graduate employability and marketability, which she believes will play a crucial role in her future career.

MGL — *Azeera’s experience in Turkey was inspired by her time at UTM, where she admires the university’s top marketability and graduate employability*

Meanwhile, Shazmi Izwan bin Sulaimi from the Faculty of Computing spent a semester at the University of Technology Sydney. “Living in Australia taught me independence. From navigating public transport to adapting to a multicultural society, it was a journey of self-growth,” he said, having extended his stay to explore the region after completing his studies. For Shazmi, UTM’s state-of-the-art facilities, including jogging routes with beautiful scenery and a wide variety of food options, were key factors in his decision to study here. “The food and campus facilities make studying here really enjoyable,” he added.

MGL — *Shazmi Izwan reflects on his exchange semester in Australia while appreciating UTM’s jogging tracks and diverse campus food scene that make studying at home just as fulfilling*

International Students Find a Home at UTM

Inbound students also find UTM to be a warm and welcoming academic home. Adrien Pierre Malcoiffe, from ENSTA, France, is currently studying automotive engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. “Malaysia’s lifestyle is different. 24-hour eateries, spicy food, and friendly people. I’m learning just as much from daily life as I am from the classroom,” he smiled. Adrien chose UTM for its exceptional facilities, such as the swimming pool and stadium, and the natural surroundings that provide a great study environment.

MGL — *Adrien from France, enjoys UTM’s natural surroundings and world-class facilities, calling Malaysia’s green and vibrant campus a perfect study environment*

Iaroslava Nikitina from Southern Federal University, Russia, expressed admiration for the academic and cultural diversity at UTM. “The Faculty of Science is welcoming, and the people here are very helpful and open. It’s been an enriching semester,” she said. For Iaroslava, the strong international student community at UTM was a significant factor in her choice. “It’s great to make friends from all over the world, experiencing different cultures,” she added.

MGL — *Russian student Iaroslava appreciates UTM’s inclusive international student community, making it easy to build global connections both in class and beyond*

From Kazakhstan, biotechnology student Munira echoed similar sentiments. “Studying here has been eye-opening. I’ve learned to appreciate new cultures, and even got to meet Her Majesty, Raja Zarith Sofia, in one memorable campus event,” she said with delight. Munira chose UTM for the opportunities it offers, especially in laboratory work, and was also drawn to the beautiful natural surroundings and warm climate. “The nature here is amazing, and the weather is perfect for anyone who enjoys the summer,” she noted.

MGL — *Munira explores biotechnology and enjoys hands-on lab work, all while cherishing UTM’s tropical weather, lush greenery, and a campus that feels like summer all year round*

Global Citizenship Through Education

These narratives not only highlight UTM’s success in internationalization but also reflect the profound impact such programs have on young scholars. Beyond academic gain, mobility programs cultivate global citizens, students who return home with broader perspectives and a deeper understanding of the world.

As UTM continues to nurture international collaboration, these students’ voices stand as a testament to the university’s commitment to producing globally competent graduates.