A semester abroad at Monash University Malaysia: Alema’s journey from Germany

21 September 2026

by Alema Besic
Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich inbound exchange student
to Monash University Malaysia.

My name is Alema Besic, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in communication science at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, Germany. From February to June 2026, I completed my semester abroad at Monash University Malaysia.

I chose Malaysia because I wanted to immerse myself in a completely new environment. I was born in Munich, went to high school and university there. Malaysia caught my interest because of its cultural diversity and its international academic environment. My home university is not a partner university of Monash University Malaysia. After researching a few universities in Kuala Lumpur, I decided to apply to Monash University Malaysia. The course offerings and campus life were aspects I evaluated during the process, and Monash University Malaysia was the perfect fit for me. After I received my offer letter, I was very excited for this new chapter. I was hoping to meet friends from all over the world and discuss business topics from different perspectives.

The aspect I enjoyed most about the classes at Monash University Malaysia is their structure. At my home university, we usually receive a good number of PowerPoint slides, and the lecturer presents and explains them during the lecture. Students mostly listen and take notes during class. At Monash University Malaysia, however, I experienced a completely new way of learning.

It starts with the way classrooms are built. The focus is on engaging and interactive classes. Most classes were structured the following way: students prepare themselves by going through the material given by the lecturer before class, and during class, group discussions or projects take place.

This is an efficient way to enhance teamwork and communication skills. One particular unit that stood out to me was “International Management” taught by Professor Jane Tong. Our class was culturally diverse, which made for a perfect foundation for group discussions. I learned a lot about work culture in Asian countries and how it differs from that in German businesses. Another unique experience was attending a lecture on the 96th floor of Merdeka 118, the world's second-tallest building. The lecture covered AI and its influence on modern organisations. The lecturer also discussed important skills students need to develop during their studies to secure good job positions in the future.

During my semester abroad, I seized the opportunity to learn about new topics both at university and beyond the academic environment. Travelling and exploring new cultures and customs are also important parts of the learning experience. It broadens one's perspective and makes us more understanding of lifestyles that differ from our own. Malaysia truly offers many places to explore. Apart from Kuala Lumpur, I have visited Ipoh, the Cameron Highlands and Langkawi. All of these places were unique in their own way. I really enjoyed the cold weather in Cameron Highlands; it reminded me of European temperatures, and Langkawi was the perfect island to visit as a student. We did a lot of activities, including water sports and a visit to the Sky Bridge.

Apart from the beautiful places Malaysia offers, its food and hospitality were incredible. I spent Ramadan (the month of fasting for Muslims) in Malaysia, and with my friends we visited different mosques and tried to join public Iftars. Malaysians always welcomed us warmly, offered us their food and were curious about our backgrounds and what brought us to Malaysia. Spending Ramadan in a Muslim country was an unforgettable experience for me as a Muslim who grew up in Germany. One of my favourite moments was being invited into a Malaysian home for Eid. I learned a lot about Malaysian customs, recipes and family dynamics. What I will miss most is the spontaneous, relaxed lifestyle in Malaysia. People enjoy being with their closest friends and family, drinking Teh Tarik together late into the night.

My advice to students about to start their semester abroad is to never miss out on unique experiences or opportunities. Join different student clubs, connect with new people and try out new hobbies. Also, don't forget to travel during semester break to explore Malaysia outside of Kuala Lumpur, and also other countries in Southeast Asia. In conclusion, my semester abroad has been the best chapter of my student life, and I am very grateful to have experienced it.