International Schools in Malaysia

Having spent the first 13 years of my working life in London, I have always regarded a move to the ‘other side of the world' as a fantastic opportunity, and am looking forward to immersing myself in a new culture and climate as soon as possible.

As a business student who will be studying on a Marketing and Management course in the near future, it was certainly interesting to learn about the different approaches that educational institutions in international school in malaysia have taken to engaging with the business community.

One of the first questions that came to mind when reading about the different programs that Malaysian schools offer is, “Does the quality of teaching matter?”

The short answer is yes – it does, a great deal. The more you know about the teaching methodology used in each school, the better you can prepare for your studies and future career.

I was fortunate enough to visit some of the International Schools in Malaysia, and was able to observe various teaching and learning methods up close and personal.

The Importance Of Good Teachers

There is no question that good teachers can have a significant impact on a student's academic achievements. Even in a country as large as Malaysia, where location can be a benefit, there are definitely places where distance from teachers makes a huge difference. While some people may argue that good students will make for good teachers, this certainly isn't true, as there are plenty of bad teachers out there who haven't turned out so great themselves.

The key to good teaching is in the preparation of the teachers themselves. Being a good teacher is not simply a matter of providing students with a good education, it is about being able to connect with students on a personal level and making sure that they feel comfortable enough to express themselves.

Varying Perspectives

The flip side to the above point is that, even in countries where you would expect otherwise, there can be varying perspectives on what makes for good teaching. Naturally, some teachers will have a more conventional outlook, while others might be able to connect with students more effectively through a more hands-on learning experience.

For example, in the UK, you might be taught predominantly through lectures and theoretical learning, but in a classroom in Malaysia, you might be expected to engage with the material through group work and practical exercises.

Traditional Vs Contemporary

A feature of Malaysian schools that I had not anticipated is how much the teaching methodology had changed over time. While some schools had retained a lot of their traditional teaching methods, others had gone through a contemporary phase and incorporated a lot of new ideas and technologies into their classrooms and lesson plans.

For example, one of the schools that I visited was split into four separate wings, with each one specializing in different areas – Traditional Chinese Medicine, Contemporary Arts, Law, and Business Studies. It was interesting to see how the curriculum had changed to reflect the varied interests of the school's students.

New Specialties

Another aspect that I found fascinating about Malaysian schools is how much they had changed their courses and syllabus in response to the ever-changing world of work. For instance, the Business Studies course that I am applying for requires extensive knowledge of marketing and the ability to use statistical analysis and modelling, yet the industries that the course aims to prepare you for are not yet available in Malaysia. As a result, the school has had to change its courses and syllabus to incorporate the future-proofing that the world of work demands.

Career-related Choices

Another area that I found fascinating about Malaysian schools is how much they encouraged students to consider future career paths. Naturally, schools in Malaysia are keen to attract students who can benefit from the country's rapidly growing economy, but as part of the application process, you are given the option to specify the type of work that you are aiming for and the school will then recommend relevant courses and careers that you should consider.

In my case, the choice was between becoming an accountant or a lawyer, and I went for the latter, not simply because I liked the sound of the former, but because I believe that a legal career can offer great opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as being financially rewarding.

International Students

One of the great things about being an international student in Malaysia is how much you are encouraged to indulge in certain activities. Being a student in Malaysia is not only about studying, it is about making the most of the opportunities that the country offers, and one of the ways to do this is to get involved in extra-curricular activities, such as sports and social events, as much as you can.

Being a non-traditional student can be a great way of experiencing new things, and Malaysian schools are all about maximizing your experience. Whether you are an international student pursuing an education in Malaysia, or you are a local student who wants to make the most of the opportunities that the country has to offer, you will certainly not be short of options.