Experience one of Asia's most exciting cities
The Malaysia work-study course, which began in 1998, is the longest running work-study program at the University of Lethbridge. And that's no wonder; it's a life-changing program that is designed to allow you direct exposure to the culture and working environment of Malaysia, without the expense and time commitments of a full-fledged exchange. Through this unpaid practicum in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, you will receive first-hand, immersive international business experience while working on your business theory skills through academic projects. Once you've completed the program you will receive course credit for MGT 4640.
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The work-study group is scheduled to depart late April and return early June. Tentative dates for the 2024 Malaysia work study are:
April 24- Depart from Canada (travel to Malaysia takes two days)
April 26 - Students residence available to move in
April 29 - First day of program
June 7 - Last day of program
June 9 - Depart from Malaysia/vacate apartments
Please note: Students are responsible to purchase own roundtrip ticket and must arrive no later than April 26.
The cost of the trip is approximately $2,500, plus the cost of tuition for MGT 4640. This program fee covers accommodation, two group cultural tours and weekly seminars. This fee does not include airfare, commuting costs or food. Students are responsible for the costs of travel health insurance and any required immunizations for travel in Malaysia.
Eligible students (Indigenous students, students with disabilities or students with demonstrated financial need) can receive up to $6,000 in funding through the Global Skills Opportunity Bursary.
IMGT 4640 is a three credit course that takes place primarily in Malaysia. This course begins in Canada where the class meets periodically during the spring semester; learning about Malaysia through course readings, guest speakers and class discussion. Then, the class visits Malaysia for six weeks to gain direct exposure to varied aspects of Malaysian culture. Students learn about the economic, social and cultural environment of Malaysia through direct cultural immersion and hands-on learning opportunities in local organizations.
Field trips, exposure to Malaysian workplaces and other learning opportunities during this program enable students to gain a better understanding of Malaysian culture and better understand the importance of the economic ties between Canada and Malaysia. In addition to day trips while in Kuala Lumpur, visits to other Malaysian cities such Georgetown and Malacca take place.
The work placements are usually research-project based. Examples of past student-directed projects include:
- market entry research for Australia-Champion Photochemical;
- writing a business plan for a corporate Intranet at KUB Research;
- human resources project about flexible job orientation for the Regent, Kuala Lumpur;
- financial analysis for a bond trading company; and
- developing a marketing plan for a music composition company.
During the practicum, you will also learn about Malaysia through a series of evening presentations which address different aspects of living and working in Malaysia. The speakers for these presentations include Canadian expatriates and members of the Malaysian business and academic communities. Past presenters have included the president of Federal Battery, a Malaysian car battery manufacturer, an Islamic banking expert, a professor of Islamic business ethics and a Canadian expatriate who owns a computer consulting firm in Kuala Lumpur.
Previous students have had unpaid internships with such companies as:
- Tapio Management Advisory Sdn. Bhd
- Malaysia Canada Business Council (MCBC)
- Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia
- Malaysian Institute of Management
- Point Blank Mediaworks Sdn Bhd
- Wemotor.com
- Affin Money Brokers
Students and one University of Lethbridge representative (who stays in a separate apartment) will live at the Bistari Apartments, which feature four-bedroom, three-bathroom shared apartments, with 5-7 students per apartment. Facilities include wireless internet, weekly maid service, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, gym facility, 24-hour convenience store and small outdoor cafe. The apartment buildings are located across from the Putra World Trade Centre and are near ample, affordable restaurants, a market area, shopping centres and public transit.
Students will be evaluated based on their academic assignment submissions and through their organizational placement. A final grade will take into account both their academic work as well a their overall performance at their assigned organization while in Malaysia.
To apply to the Malaysia Work Study Program, fill out the application form and pay the $200 deposit to the Lethbridge campus Cash Office or at the Calgary campus University of Lethbridge office. Applications are now open for the 2024 trip and the deadline is Nov. 30, 2023. The application fee is only refundable if you are not selected to participate in the program.
If you have any questions about the program you can contact program's organizer, Andrea Amelinckx.