In the summer of 2023, the Department of Art & Design at Sheffield Hallam University coordinated a short study exchange to our partner INTI International University & Colleges in Malaysia.
Six undergraduate students were hosted by INTI and participated in a range of planned learning activities that has made a huge impact on their studies at Sheffield Hallam.
“The exchange was an amazing opportunity that enabled me to experience a new culture and country. This has impacted my studies immensely as I am now more mindful of learning about different architects and designers from around the world rather than just those who are well known in England and America. During our time in Malaysia, we stayed in Kuala Lumpur for most of the time however around halfway through we spent five days in Langkawi to experience a different side of Malaysia that was much more coastal and fuller of nature. This was a huge contrast to scene in the capital city however it was also an amazing experience. After our time in Malaysia was complete, we also travelled to Krabi, Thailand for six days. We all had an amazing time and often found ourselves comparing two countries and their cultures, mostly in their cuisine and weather. Without the funding this trip would never have even been imaginable.”
Hollie Belsham | BA Interior Architecture & Design
“This experience opened my mind up to new cultures that I never thought I would have the pleasure of experiencing. Not only did we make some great friends and contacts in Kuala Lumpur, but new Sheffield friends since some of them are joining us here this year!”
Emily Croft | BA Interior Architecture & Design
“It was amazing to get to share our work with teachers and students in Malaysia and hear what they thought about it. We got to learn about different traditional practices from Malay culture. It was interesting to hear about where these come from and how they are still used in modern creative practices. I think that getting to see somewhere so different to where I am from helped me as a design student to open my mind to what can be created. I loved getting to be a part of INTI and be welcomed by the students and tutors there. It is hard sometimes to keep putting yourself out there in England as people can be reserved and students sometimes seem worried about speaking out or seeming too keen. Being in KL just reminded me not to be scared to be kind or to be keen. I think that the whole experience made me feel more confident in my creative abilities. This is helping me to be braver about trying out new/weirder ideas and putting them out into the world. I am excited to start my final year after having had this amazing experience.”
Jasmin von Schreiber | BA Graphic Design
“I learnt a lot about how different cultures study, what they do differently on their version of the course and how I can bring this into my own classroom. I found being around the students there amazing and it boosted my confidence within group situations.”
Matilda Beevers | BA Fashion Management and Communication
“Having the opportunity to study in Malaysia has opened so many new and exciting opportunities for my future. I now have an extended knowledge of different cultures and how these are translated through graphic design but also, I have created new connections with students and tutors from another institution and even continent. Personally, my confidence has grown, and I am now starting to challenge myself more than ever before! This whole experience was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Lily Langford | BA Graphic Design
Student travel was funded by combination of the UK Government Turing Scheme and the Sheffield Benefactors’ Endowment Fund