So far my time in Malaysia has been brilliant. We have enjoyed a busy schedule and experienced many cultural highlights, such as the wonderful food and great weather. I have had the joy of meeting Sunway’s Psychology society, who were all keen and excited to meet us. The chance to meet a group of students studying the same course but in a completely different part of the world was very interesting, as we all discovered many shared experiences and interests.
On Wednesday we all split in to pairs and travelled around Sunway campus, with the sole aim of recruiting as many participants as possible to take part in our Psychology experiment. Our aim is to test the impact of culture on memory, based on the assumption that those from a Western culture typically focus more on a specific aspect of a scene, whilst Eastern cultures are more likely to focus on all aspects of a scene.
Recruiting participants here at Sunway couldn’t have been more easy or more enjoyable. The students here are some of the friendliest that I have ever met and were more than willing to take part in our research, simply to give us a hand. Even those students who had lectures assured us that they would stop by later, or at least bring their friends. This would never have happened in the UK, as I’ve learnt people here are generally more interested in and welcoming to other people.
The next day we spent time analysing the data from our experiment – a great way to put in to practise my new statistical skills gained from the first two terms. Afterwards we spent time with our groups in preparing a presentation on the outcome of our research to the Psychology club here at Sunway. Whilst I have had many experiences in giving presentations in the past, I know that there will be plenty more to come as I progress further through my degree. Therefore, presenting here in front of Malaysian students will be a great learning experience in order to enhance my skills, which is what this trip is all about.
On Thursday evening we visited a helipad, 34 stories high, in order to watch the sunset over the tall towers of Kuala Lumpur. The evening certainly did not disappoint as it was a delight to take in such an impressive sight. Free time here at Sunway has generally been spent by relaxing in the pool and exploring the campus. Although Sunway has a great library and a large IT space, it also holds a giant water park, a zoo and a large shopping complex. Yes, really! This, alongside the glorious weather, has made Sunway University a truly exciting place to be. Even mornings spent analysing statistics and figures is made all the more exciting when you know you can splash around in the water park later, or even simply enjoy lunch by the pool.
Later on in the week I look forward to visiting the outdoor markets from some great local street food and for gifts and souvenirs to bring back for family and friends. Whilst I am feeling slightly tired after the jam – packed week so far, I am looking forward to what the rest of the week might bring. Travelling here to Malaysia has only made me even more keen to take part in similar trips overseas in the future, as I know that I have made friends for life, with the added experience of living life in a different culture.