🌸Hirodai Ambassador Activity Report
Mana Sato, 4th year student, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
[Destination] Tunku Abdul Rahman University (Malaysia)
[Study abroad period] August 2022 to January 10.
[Type of study abroad] Long-term study abroad at a partner university
Photo of drinking with friends in Ipoh
I am studying abroad from Hirosaki University at a university called Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) in Kampar, Malaysia. UTAR is one of Malaysia's leading private universities.This time, I would like to write about my holiday in Malaysia.
My best memory when I went out in Malaysia was when I went on a trip to a city such as Ipoh with my Malaysian friend who is indebted to me.
During one of my days off from university, my Malaysian friend invited me to go to Ipoh.Ipoh is a regional city located about 30 minutes by car from Kampar, where my university is located, and is said to be the third largest city in Malaysia.
A picture when I ate rice with my friend's family in Ipoh
Our first stop was a Chinese restaurant in Ipoh.Malaysia has a large number of overseas Chinese, partly because it shares a border with China.When I first started studying abroad, I remember being surprised by the many times I heard Chinese and saw signs written in Chinese when I was walking around town.At the Chinese restaurant we visited, the menu was written in Chinese and I couldn't understand it, so my friend ordered one dish after another.The staff brings small plates one after another, and the table is full of dishes.A fun lunch started with a cup of chai prepared by my friend.
Photo of a temple in a cave called "Keroton"
After eating a full meal, it's time to explore the town.I went to a stylish cafe in the back alley and drank coffee, went around bookstores and general stores, and shopped at shopping malls.Prices are cheaper in Malaysia than in Japan, so you can enjoy shopping without worrying about prices.On this excursion, I bought a stylishly bound foreign book and a lucky charm.It was nice to be able to buy items that you can't find in Japan.
This trip, where I enjoyed sightseeing, shopping, and dining with my friends, is the best memory for me.When I was in Japan, there was a time when I was hesitant about studying abroad, but now that I think about it, I strongly feel that I made the right decision.I will spend the rest of my time until I return to Japan in a more meaningful and enjoyable way.