Dominic Perry
Dominic is a student from the Edinburgh Campus, UK, who did Year 2, BSc (Hons) Psychology with Management at our Malaysia campus through the Go Global programme.
Why did you take part in the Go Global Inter-Campus Transfer, and what made you choose the Malaysia campus?
Taking part in the Go Global programme was something I had wanted to do since I first arrived at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. I had met and discussed the idea of going global with other students who had done the same in the years prior, and they had nothing but positive things to say about the experience. I took part in it as more of a challenge to myself, to see how I would function in a completely different part of the world, as it is something that I never had the opportunity to do before.
Many of the students who had previously done the Go Global programme had chosen Malaysia and loved their experience. The unique environment alongside the rich and diverse cultural atmosphere made the choice easy when deciding which campus to transfer to.
What are the highlights from your academic learning and cultural experience at our campus so far?
One of the main highlights that have been prevalent throughout the entire semester was the teaching. The lecturers on the Malaysia campus made me feel accepted and at home in their classes as well as being engaging. They made sure that every student was involved and understood. This, alongside lovely classmates made the experience significantly better for me and other students on the Go Global Programme.
A cultural highlight over the semester would be the Discovery Tour the University set up for us. This involved travelling around Kuala Lumpur and visiting cultural landmarks like The Batu Caves and the Grand Mosque of Putrajaya. The amazing tour guides on this trip meant an immersive experience that gave us all a much larger understanding of the culture around us.
What kind of positive impact do you think the Go Global programme has had on your self-development?
The Go Global Programme has allowed me to make friends in places I didn't think possible and has given me global awareness that has opened my mind to different ways of life. It has also encouraged me to build upon my self-reliance and independence through managing daily tasks and making decisions about my academic and personal life, as well as building confidence in my people skills.
What advice would you give other students thinking of taking part in Heriot-Watt's Go Global Programme? Would you recommend the Malaysia campus?
The main advice I would give is to just go for it! I have loved every second of my time on the Malaysia campus and wish more people would do it. Travelling to Malaysia a week or two before the semester allows you to have some time to settle in and fit in some travelling around Malaysia before the normal university stress hits! Also, joining a sports club allows you to meet more people outside of your course who can give travel recommendations about the area or countries nearby to visit!