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Summer High School in Malaysia

Discover the cultural and language diversity of 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 summer program in Malaysia, you’ll attend high school, live with a host family, and experience the local culture. High school students in Malaysia generally have school from January to November, so you’ll get a glimpse of a normal semester for students! 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 – you’ll find that there are many cultural festivals celebrated during your time in Malaysia! 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 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! Malaysian people are often gentle and reserved, approaching life with a great deal of patience. Although the official language is Malay, it’s likely that you’ll experience some of the other widely spoken languages, such as Cantonese, Mandarin, Tamil and English.

What's included in your experience

  • Airfare

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible? Yes, high school graduates are eligible to participate.
Minimum GPA 2.5
Age Range 15yrs, 0 months to
18yrs, 0 months at start of program
Language Skills No language requirement

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

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 Malaysia will begin when you land in Kuala Lumpur, where you’ll be met by staff and volunteers. You’ll then attend orientation with other AFS students before travelling to your new community. Your host family may live in the city of Kuala Lumpur or in a surrounding area such as in Ipoh, Penang, Kuantan. Your host family may live in the city of Kuala Lumpur or in a surrounding area such as in Ipoh, Penang, Kuantan.

Summer High School in Malaysia_Meeting Your Host Family

Meeting Your Host Family in Malaysia

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. 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.

Summer High School in Malaysia_School

Daily Life

Your High School in Malaysia

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.

Summer High School in Malaysia_Exploring the Area

Schools in Malaysia often allow you to choose a concentration to focus on, which means your classes can cater to your interests! You’ll likely be enrolled in a public school where English is widely spoken, but Malay is the main language of communication. 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!

Summer High School in Malaysia_Food

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.

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.

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What's Included

  • 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 30,000 dedicated volunteers
  • Accommodations
  • Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
  • Program activity 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.
  • International secondary medical travel coverage
  • Visa support and guidance
  • Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people
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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 summer study in Argentina, 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 Argentina.

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

A new you awaits.

Apply for Summer High School in Malaysia!

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