High School in Malaysia

Study Abroad in Malaysia

Discover the unique diversity and multiculturalism of Malaysia! Malaysia is a rich mixture of cultures and cuisines, exciting city centers alongside wondrous ancient architecture, and green rainforests teeming with rare and endangered species. Malaysia is warm all year round, so you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate its natural beauty and rich biodiversity.

During your semester program in Malaysia, you’ll attend high school, live with a host family, and experience the local culture. You’ll also get to experience an additional short-term stay with another host family to get a taste of life outside your primary host community. Living in Malaysia like compacting Asia in your backpack, because you get to immerse yourself in a community of people from many different backgrounds. Malays, Chinese, and Indians are the main racial groups, with many indigenous groups throughout the region as well. By studying in Malaysia for a semester, you’ll have the opportunity to learn multiple languages – Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil! Malaysia’s population is diverse, with Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and other religions and traditions observed throughout the country. You’re sure to learn a lot and meet many kinds of people during your program!

Things to Know About Malaysia

Malaysia is known for its vibrant mixture of modern urban centers, fascinating historical sites, and breathtaking natural beauty. During your stay, you’ll likely experience both the bustling charm of its diverse population and the wide variety of landscapes the country is known for – from sweeping rivers and waterfalls to rugged mountains and dense forests, Malaysia has endless beauty to offer! Malaysia was also voted the second-friendliest country in Asia, known for its welcoming culture and openness to new people, so you’re bound to encounter both locals and immigrants who are curious to learn more about you.

70 Years Experience

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible?	No, high school graduates are not eligible to participate.
Minimum GPA	2.5
Age Range (at program start)	15 years and 0 months to 16 years and 8 months
Language Skills	English

Based on differences in culture, strict government regulation of medications, and other local customs, it has been our experience that not all of our international AFS partners are able to support students with certain diagnoses, including but not limited to, severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, ADD/ADHD, and those currently taking or who have taken psychotropic medications and/or received counseling for mental/psychological issues within the past year. If this applies to you, please get in touch with an AFS Study Abroad Specialist early so that we can determine the right experience for you.

Your Journey to Malaysia

Visa Information

AFS will provide visa guidance and support documents (if applicable). Visa processes can be lengthy and complex; you may be required to travel long distances to apply for the visa if there is not an embassy, consulate, etc. close to your home. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond a return date from your host country. We urge you to apply for or renew your passport as soon as possible if applying to an AFS program. We recommend not taking any trips (domestically or internationally) within 2 months prior to your AFS program as it may interfere with the visa application process and result in a late program start date.

Travel & Orientation

In the months before your departure, AFSers have the opportunity to participate in various preparatory activities, including an online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to learn how to develop essential global skills, intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact, maximizing the outcomes of the AFS learning experience.

Also during this time, AFS-USA will coordinate and share your international travel with you.You will need to coordinate your own travel to the point of international departure. From there, your journey in Austria will begin when you land, where you’ll be met by staff and volunteers…as well as your fellow AFSers from around the world! Shortly after arrival, you will attend an arrival orientation and get a crash course on Austrian culture, living with a host family, safety, and support structures.

High School in Malaysia_Meeting Your Host Family

Your Accommodations

Meeting your Malaysian Host Family

Your host family in Malaysia may belong to any of the diverse ethnic groups mentioned above, which means you’ll have a unique opportunity to engage with their own culture and traditions. Extended families often live together, with elders and unmarried adults residing in the home together, so you’re likely to live in a multi-generational household. Urban families tend to be smaller, with an average of two or three children, but you may be placed in a rural area where larger families are more common. Your host parents will prefer to be informed of your decisions and plans, as respect and loyalty are highly valued. As a member of their household, you will be expected to spend quality time with your host family and form a strong bond during your stay.

During your semester program, you’ll also get to experience life outside your host community by completing a short-term homestay with another family for two weeks.

Your Malaysian High School

School plays an important role in Malaysian society, as it’s the place where moral values are instilled in young people. You’ll likely be enrolled in a public school where English is widely spoken, but Malay is the main language of communication. Your teachers will play an important role in your experience and should be regarded with utmost respect. This is also where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with your peers, who will likely come from diverse backgrounds and have their own traditions to share.

Schools in Malaysia often allow you to choose a concentration to focus on, which means your classes can cater to your interests! Class days and times are often dependent on your region, but as an AFS student, you’ll likely take morning classes in Malaysia so that you may take advantage of extra curriculars. Malaysian teens love sports like soccer and badminton. You’ll have an opportunity to explore your own interests and make friends in the process through activities like school clubs, choir groups, band, photography, computers, and more!

Food You’ll Encounter

The variety of people in Malaysia makes for a very interesting mix of cuisine — spicy Malay dishes, an endless variety of Chinese food, exotic cuisine from North and South India, as well as local Nyonya and Portuguese dishes. Western cuisine is also easily accessible, and there are many international fast-food chains in the more urban areas. Most dishes contain lots of spices, chilies, and coconut cream. Fish is made for any occasion and in many styles. Food on the table is shared by all the family. It is common to eat with the right hand and keep the left under the table.

What’s included

75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 30,000 dedicated volunteers
Accommodations with a vetted host family
Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
School enrollment fees
Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance
Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S.
Orientations and intercultural education before and during your program
International secondary medical travel coverage
Visa support and guidance
Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people

What’s not included

Domestic travel to your international departure city
Visa and passport fees
Spending money
Fees imposed by the airlines outside of your international ticket, such as luggage fees.
COVID-19 testing
Additional fees may apply depending on the specific host country. Please email [email protected] for additional details.

We invite you to learn more about where your dollars go, our payment and refund policy, and answers to our Frequently Asked Questions.

Scholarships and Aid

We believe that studying abroad should not be contingent on personal finances. When you apply, we work with you to understand your family’s needs and match you with available scholarships and aid. 100% of accepted applicants with demonstrated need receive funds.

Learn More

Visa Info

Do I need a visa/residence permit for Malaysia?	Yes. Visa or Residence Permit
How do I apply for the visa? (By mail, In-person, In host country)	In-person
Visa/Residence Permit Process Difficulty Level (Easy, Average, Complex)	Average
Estimated Visa/Residence Permit Expenses ($ – $$$)	$
Frequently Asked Visa Questions	Visit our general visa FAQ page for more information.

Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one. When you return home from your study abroad in Austria, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do.

That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning. It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found in Austria.

In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.