I really am enjoying myself. The days are packed to the brim with activities and it’s just an all-round great experience. The research project I am undertaking is really interesting and is giving me a good experience of what it’s really like to undertake a study, especially a multicultural one!
On Tuesday, we compiled are own set of an information sheet, consent form and debrief sheet for the study which helped give us hands on experience in what is entailed in a research project. After we had completed this we had a go at making our own experiment using a variety of programmes included PSYScript. This was helpful to me as it could be applicable to my degree and dissertation.
During the afternoon we went to Kuala Lumpur to see the Menara Tower which opened in 1996 to the public. The towers looked amazing, however it did begin to rain, well thunderstorm! This didn’t ruin our day however, as we visited a lovely bar called ‘Lemoncello’ and had some divine cocktails! I think that’s what’s really nice about the Global Exploration Trip is that you learn something (i.e. psychological) but also get to go away on your own and experience things for yourself.
We had a look around the Suria KLCC shopping mall which was filled with designer shops including Armani Exchange, Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton. I found lots of things I liked but funnily enough couldn’t afford nor justify 1500 ringgits on a bag! But it did make me think about my future and how excited I am to earn my own money and be in a proper job. I think trips like this really help boost your CV and help gain experience of life outside of the UK as well as appreciating other cultures. After this we went home, and had our dinner at Sunway’s cafeteria which was really nice- once again I experienced a real taste of Malaysia with a lovely chicken and rice dish.
On Wednesday we spent the whole day finding participants for our research project. At first it was abit daunting as it took quite a lot of confidence to approach people, however this was soon not the case. We exceeded our expectations and tested at least 150 participants when we expected only around 40 participants. The experience was great and it was evident how difficult it was for an experimenter in real life but also how rewarding the experience was. Once we had finished we came back to the accommodation and made our way to the outdoor pool. It was lovely to relax and enjoy the last hour of the sunshine as well as paddle in the pool. We went to the Pyramid for tea and went to a Chinese called Dragon-I.
On Thursday, we analysed our data for our research project and tested the last few participants (turned out to be about 150!). In the evening we went to Kuala Lumpur to watch the sunset from SkyBar in the city centre. They did some really nice cocktails and the view was amazing. There was a thunderstorm too which was really cool to see, and we all got sent inside! Such a great place with a great atmosphere. Afterwards we headed back to Sunway and went to a few bars there, including The Rainforest it was really nice to sit on a big table and chat to everyone about the week.
Today (Friday) we completed our research project. We were divided into groups of four and asked to analysis a set of data and produce a PowerPoint with information about the study, our results and why we enjoyed Malaysia. It was really nice to listen to what everyone enjoyed. I have really enjoyed going into Kuala Lumpur because I have been there before and its changed a lot since I last visited (2005). The University has been so welcoming and I have felt so at home which has been really nice. We even got a certificate from the University which was a really nice touch! I really am considering coming on the LUSU trip to Malaysia in summer with Alice and Caitlin as the whole experience really has been amazing.
Tomorrow we are going on our Kuala Lumpur tour- it’s going to be a long day! We are going to Independence Square, National Mosque, Thean Hou Temple, Railway Station, Royal Selangor, Pewter Factory, Batik Design Centre, Batu Caves, KL Tower, Historic Ampang Road and the National Museum. So a very full, packed day! I am most looking forward to the Batu Caves and the Thean Hou Temple as it looks really pretty! I am also looking forward to learning more about Malaysia culture, religion and life.