Degreeprogramme at FH Aachen: Mechatronics Bachelor, Faculty 8
Start and end of the stay abroad: 01/09/2016 - 15/01/2017
The semester abroad was completed in: 7th subject-specific semester
Assessments:
Quality of the programme content: 2,0
Study conditions / facilities at the host university: 2.0
On-site support and assistance: 1.7
Campus: 1.7
Transport links to the campus: 3.0
Food on campus (dining hall (Mensa), etc.): 1,7
Sports facilities: 1.3
Bars / discos / nightlife: 3.3
Quality / cost of living: 1.3
Contact with locals: 2.0
Preparations
When did you start your preparations? After consulting with the AAA, I started writing the application at the beginning of March. The applications were sent off at the end of April.
How does the application process work and what documents are required? As there is an exchange programme with this university, you first apply to the AAA with all the documents. They will then nominate you for the UPM and forward all application documents. You will receive all documents and a list of required documents from the AAA. This includes
A short letter of motivation
Curriculum vitae
Completed application form
Transcript of records (list of grades)
List of courses you would like to take (this is not binding)
Language certificate
Health check (can also be done on site)
Does the host university require a language test? Yes, DAAD is sufficient.
Useful tips or further information on preparation: It is rarely possible to apply for a valid student visa in good time. If you are travelling with a tourist visa, you must provide the airline with a departure flight after 90 days at the latest before departure.
Formalities
Do I have to pay fees at the host university? There are no tuition fees due to the exchange programme. Only a fee for the Library, bus etc.: approx. 90€.
Did you receive a scholarship to finance your stay abroad? No. Only the Auslands-BAföG. An application via PROMOS is still recommended.
Which route to the host university is recommended? The cheapest flights are usually from Frankfurt (FRA) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) with a stopover. You can then be picked up from the airport by the university. Alternatively, you can take the KLIA Transit to Putrajaya and then take an Uber or Grab to the university.
Did you have to take out additional health insurance? Yes, you need to take out international health insurance (from €0.80 per day). Some credit cards already include this (in part) if you book your flights with them.
Is further insurance necessary? No.
On site
What formalities have to be completed after arrival?
Register with the International Office
Pay fees (bus ticket, library fees etc.)
Attend the introductory event
Register with your faculty supervisor and then register for the courses
Undergo a health check (note: anyone who tests positive for drugs, HIV, hepatitis A/B, cancer and a few other rare diseases will be excluded from the programme)
Where is the best place to live and what are the average housing costs? I lived in the Mutiara Resendcy near South City with other exchange students. It's not the most exciting neighbourhood, but it's close to the university and has its own shuttle bus. I paid around €120 for a room in a 4-bed flat share. It quickly gets more expensive in the city centre. Unfortunately, it takes quite a long time to get to the university from the centre of Kuala Lumpur and there's not much going on on campus in the evenings. Unfortunately, there is no ideal place to live.
How did the search for accommodation go? If you want to live on campus, you have to enquire at the International Office. If you are looking for private accommodation, you should ask around locally and ask other exchange students. In the meantime, you can find cheap accommodation in a hostel (e.g. Suzi's Guesthouse in China town).
What is the average cost of living? What is cheap/expensive? Lower than in Germany. Eating out is quite cheap, cooking for yourself is only worthwhile to a limited extent. Transport can quickly become a bit more expensive, as you are usually travelling with Uber and Grab. Supermarkets are a bit more expensive than here, especially dairy products. However, the weekly markets are quite cheap. Leisure activities are usually a little cheaper.
What are the shopping facilities like? There are several food courts and dining halls, a small supermarket and a bank on campus. There are other restaurants and small shops near the campus. However, these are only emergency solutions; for large purchases it is advisable to go shopping in one of the countless malls.
Final considerations - Conclusion
Briefly describe the host university! The university is located quite far outside of Kuala Lumpur and has a very large, spacious, green campus. There are several dining halls (Mensa) and food courts. Most of the buildings are quite old and in need of renovation. There is air conditioning in most rooms.
Did you choose the right time for your semester abroad? No. Depending on the region, the rainy season is sometime between September and February. This is not really a problem for everyday student life, but if you want to travel, you are severely restricted in many places. Many islands and national parks are not accessible then.
What were the high and low points of your stay? The high points are the countless weekend trips and holidays throughout Southeast Asia. The low points were food poisoning and not being able to do anything due to illness.
What will you never forget? That you always go out to eat instead of cooking for yourself. The many weekend trips and some of the people I met there.
What advice would you like to give to other students on your degree programme who decide to spend a semester abroad at this foreign university? Asking someone for help in person will get you much further than email enquiries. Almost all communication is via WhatsApp. Don't forget your umbrella and international driving licence.