Experience one of Asia's most exciting cities
The Malaysia work-study, 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.
Dates
The work-study group is scheduled to depart late April and return early June. Tentative dates for the 2023 Malaysia work study are:
April 26- Depart from Canada (travel to Malaysia takes two days)
April 28 - Students residence available to move in
May 2 - First day of program
June 10 - Last day of program
Please note: Students are responsible to purchase own roundtrip ticket and must arrive no later than April 29.
Cost
The cost of the trip is approximately $2,600, 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.
Practicum
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:
- Affin Money Brokers
- American Express
- Apex Communications
- Champion Photochemistry Sdn.Bhd.
- Digi Telecommunications
- Kavner Sdn. Bhd.
- KLPAC
- Maestro Capital
- Malaysia Canada Business Council
- Mercy Malaysia
- Perfection (English language Academy)
- PPB Oil Palms
- SCOMIScotiabank
- X-Prologistices Sdn. Bhd.
Accommodations
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.
Evaluation
Andrea Amelinckx will conduct the evaluation of the students over the course of the work study. She makes the initial visits to the students' companies to assess the practicum placements, observes the students as they interact with their environment in Kuala Lumpur and makes follow-up visits to work places. Upon completion of the students' work terms, each employer will complete an evaluation/feedback form about their student's work performance. This information, together with a journal assignment and a final paper, will all be graded by Andrea Amelinckx and combined to create a course grade.
Apply now
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 2023 trip and the deadline is Feb. 15, 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.