Cultural Shock:

1. No shorts or mini skirts. Malaysia is a Muslim Country, if you ware shorts or mini skirts in the streets, people will stare at you, this phenomenon is especially common at non-downtown area. In the beginning we thought its ok, but one day when we were in train, there was a man who intentionally left his seat and came to stand in front of us, staring at our legs, which was really disgusting and disturbing.

 

1. For　foreigners, eating is a hilarious thing. Chinese food: restaurants are everywhere, but usually provide Cantonese food only, and the food tastes as good as those in HK;  Indian food: spicy but very nice; Malaysian food: we never understood the menu, cause it is in Malay. When we order we just guess what it is. Sometimes we relied on pictures in menu, but the food served can be quite different from pictures, and local people seem to be quite used to it.

 

1. Public transportation in Kuala Lumpur is convenient, but outside KL, it can be quite inefficient. Bus driver can smoke and sleep in the street, rest rest and rest until he feels like driving. Sometimes if you miss a train, the next one comes after 50min. Malaysia is not a rich country, I guess that’s why the county has so many private cars.

 

 

Changes and Learning:

1. Got to know friends from Malaysia, Holland, Italy and The Philippines and a brief understanding of their culture. I introduced Hong Kong and China to them too. Living and working together with people from a totally different culture is an adventure but is so much fun. We became so close in the end, and we cried when we left each other. Communication skills, interpersonal skills and sense of understanding each other are improved.

 

1. Everytime we before we went to AIDS Shelter homes. I would struggle for a long time. Even though I know that daily contact will not get myself infected, I was still so scared. But anyhow, I went together with my teammates every time and did everything I should do. I listened to their story, tried to relieve their sorrow, and played games with children with HIV. I was so sad for them, for unfairness of society. In the end, I feel so grateful for everything that I have, and I become more passionate for living a better life and making others happy.  My view of life is changed.