Traveling to the Island of Borneo

Malaysia is one of the most beautiful countries. Its geography is stunning, and the climate is beautiful. There is a lot to do in Malaysia: from mountain climbing to diving with beautiful creatures. However, Malaysia is not an easy place to live. The cost of living is quite high, and there are not many opportunities for students to travel abroad. Fewer than expected number of Americans and other westerners decide to move there, which is strange because Malaysia is part of the Asia Pacific Region.

For those who choose to live in Malaysia, the option of an international school is quite appealing. An international school offers a broader range of opportunities to the students, as well as the teachers. Malaysia is a multilingual country, and many international schools offer a Global Studies option, where students study not only in English, but also in other languages, such as French or Spanish. Students are exposed to different cultures and learn about them through the lens of an international school. 

At the same time, an international school in malaysia will present opportunities for local teachers. Many international schools have cooperation agreements with local universities, which present interesting teaching opportunities. Being a multilingual country, teachers are in high demand, and getting a job at an international school is a great opportunity for them.

Where can I study in Malaysia?

Malaysia is a commonwealth country, and it is made up of three separate regions – Peninsula, the island of Borneo, and the island of Sumatra. Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, and it is where the majority of the population and industry reside. There are several other cities and towns in the country, however, including Labuan, where the economy is based on tourism, and the island of Bali, where the temples and beaches attract tourists from all over the world. There are no official figures available, but scientists estimate that there are about 500 volcanoes in Malaysia, resulting in an average of one eruption every year.

One of the best places to study in Malaysia is found on the island of Borneo. Labuan and the rest of the country are in the subtropical region, but the island of Borneo is a part of the megadiverse country. The island is known for its pristine rainforests and lush vegetation. Those interested in studying in Malaysia must take into account that the island is more than 7,000 kilometers from the nearest major city, and there are no direct international flights to the island. The only way to get there is by boat, which can take several days. Many international schools on the island offer a unique opportunity to study in a tropical paradise, and the food is fantastic too.

How is the education system in Malaysia?

The education system in Malaysia is based on the British model. Secondary school students in Malaysia can choose between a traditional general curriculum, or they can specialise in a particular field of study. Universities in Malaysia offer the IB Diploma to students, as well as a large number of A.S. degrees in various subjects. The majority of universities in Malaysia offer excellent quality education and have a lot to offer international students. American educationists have noted that the country has one of the most advanced and extensive higher education systems in the region. While there is a lot of private tutoring, a lot of the higher education is provided by the government. In most cases, students do not have to pay very much for their education, as there are financial aids available for those who really need them.

Which cities/towns/areas should I avoid while travelling in Malaysia?

The worst place to travel in Malaysia is definitely the state of Sabah. The region is known for its steep terrain and flooding, but that is not the whole story. The people in Sabah are quite dangerous, and you should exercise caution whenever you go there. One of the cities in particular, which has a bad reputation is Kota Kinabalu. Avoid going there as tourists and focus on the good things about the region instead. You'll have a blast!

Traveling to the island of Borneo is not advisable at the moment, as there are active landslides and earthquakes, which could potentially harm you. Traveling during the rainy season to the island of Bali is also not recommended, as you may get stuck in the rain if you encounter any. Last but not least, the island of Sumatra is not a place for the faint-hearted. There are a lot of pirates and drug dealers in the region, which makes the area quite dangerous. Traveling there now is quite risky, as there are still pirates around, and you may even fall into their trap. If you absolutely must visit Sumatra, then only select cities and towns, as the countryside is quite dangerous too.