Hi! My name is Gaia Rayanti, and I’m a BINUSIAN 2025 majoring in Marketing Communication at BINUS Alam Sutera. I had the incredible opportunity to join the Study Abroad program—one of the Enrichment Programs offered by BINUS—and spent four amazing months studying at UniKL Business School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The campus is located right in the heart of the city at Quill City Mall, which makes every day feel exciting and full of life. It was my first time living alone in another country, and I was both nervous and thrilled at the same time.

I stayed at an apartment, just 10–15 minutes from campus by car, though the train ride took around 30 minutes due to transfers. The apartment was cozy and comfortable, especially since I shared it with a fellow friend from BINUS. Living there taught me how to be more independent, from budgeting and doing laundry to cleaning and cooking. I also got used to commuting, topping up my Touch ‘n Go card, and figuring out the public transportation system in KL. Although it took time to adjust, I felt proud every time I navigated the city on my own.

 

The academic experience at UniKL was refreshing. As a Marketing Communication major at BINUS, I had the chance to take courses slightly outside my field, like Leadership and Customer Relations in Tourism. I even gave a presentation about leadership styles in Indonesia, which my lecturer appreciated. UniKL’s Tourism Club welcomed me warmly—I joined fun activities like movie screenings and even met the cast of the Malaysian film Babah. Outside of class, I often hung out with classmates, played badminton, and even watched a Juicy Luicy concert with friends, which was extra special since they’re an Indonesian band!

One of the most unforgettable parts of living in Malaysia was the food adventure. From Musang King durian during durian season to Chinese, Japanese, and Malaysian cuisines, I tried so many delicious dishes. Although I often relied on food delivery, I made sure to explore new restaurants when I could. The local culture was also a big part of the experience. I celebrated my birthday and New Year’s Eve with friends, visited Kuala Kubu Bharu for a group project, explored many tourist places with the Tourism Club, and even got to cheer on our major’s football team at a campus event. Each week brought new surprises, making the entire journey so exciting.

 

Looking back, studying abroad in Malaysia was more than just going to classes—it was about growing as a person. I learned to be independent, take care of myself, manage my time and money, and connect with people from different cultures. I made friendships that I’ll always treasure and memories I’ll never forget. BINUS provides Study Abroad as one of its Enrichment Programs, and I believe it can truly be a game changer for students. It opens doors to new experiences, builds confidence, and helps you see the world from a different perspective. If you’re ever thinking about joining the Study Abroad program, don’t hesitate. It’s not just a chance to study—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience full of fun, learning, and self-discovery.