Hello!
I am currently sitting in a café with my fellow interns Gwen and Jaiya. Our laptops are open, music is playing in the background, and the rumble of the metro is overhead. At this moment, it’s hard to believe that we have been in Kuala Lumpur for just over a month.
Before leaving for this internship, the length of my stay didn’t sink in. It only really hit me when I started packing my clothes that I’d be gone for six months. The realization truly set in once I arrived, after many hours of flights and layovers. Although I’ve spent time in other countries before, my first impression of KL was largely shaped by conversations with past interns. Upon arriving here, I felt a mix of uncertainty and excitement. I was a little bit unsteady at first, like I was scrambling to find my footing, while remaining energized for the experiences to come.
Now, one month in, I am already starting to feel at home in this city. I feel lucky to be surrounded by the diverse range of cultures that coexist here. I have learned more about religious practices, and observed celebrations such as Eid-al-Adha, Wesak Day, and Kaamatan. I am grateful to have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and learn about their traditions, experiences and history.
Since arriving in Malaysia, I have encountered a few technical hiccups ranging from getting sick to blowing an electrical fuse in our apartment, and accidentally destroying my phone while visiting fellow interns Sarah and Santiago in Sabah. Having no phone access made me feel vulnerable in a way that I hadn’t anticipated. But at the same time, it also felt like a shift that forced me to not only tolerate, but also embrace the present moment. I have always considered myself independent so not having a phone forced me to rely on my fellow interns, build trust, and remind me that I don’t have to do everything on my own. These bumps along the road to settling into life and work in KL have made me realize the beauty of interdependence, especially when navigating a new place and new people.
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what I have learned so far because the learning here feels so continuous and unfolding. The way we learn about the world here is a lot different from the traditional classroom learning done in university lectures. Here, learning is slower, subtler, and more personal. Learning is uncovered through conversations and intentional listening with students and fellow teachers. This subtler learning that takes place outside the class extends far beyond work hours. It is revealed during quiet dinners after long days when we surprise ourselves by trying unfamiliar foods, picking up on new words and communication styles, and noticing different daily practices and ways of living. Of course, there are moments of confusion, miscommunication, and adjustment, but they are met with just as many moments of joy, shared experiences, and unexpected bursts of laughter.
Before arriving, I was very curious about navigating cultural differences. I wanted to be respectful, polite, and make sure that I was doing things “the right way.” I anticipated that many day-to-day exchanges in Malaysia would be vastly different from what I am used to in Canada. Conversely, what surprised me most was how familiar things feel. Many aspects of KL are comforting and I notice many similarities in body language, casual greetings, and shared humour. I’ve also come to appreciate certain newfound expressions such as adding “lah” at the end of a sentence or saying “can” as an all-purpose affirmation.
I also find little glimpses of my homes in Winnipeg and Victoria here. Certain walking paths feel almost as though I have been there before. The lake where we visit to watch the sunset brings me the same peace that I feel when visiting one of my favourite river-side parks in Winnipeg. Cafés often play nostalgic music, children are constantly around me and chasing after each other, and even the white ornamental décor in some temples reminds me of my Nana’s home. And of course, the hot days without air conditioning feel all too familiar to the mid-summer heat in Manitoba.
(The view from my favourite park here)
I have also been very lucky to be experiencing this internship alongside my fellow interns Gwen and Jaiya. The three of us, while all growing up in different parts of Canada, come together and connect over our shared and different experiences which shape what we do. We have established routines together like taking turns choosing lunch and making dinner for each other. Both of them are very creative, caring, and thoughtful. I look forward to hearing what is on their mind, their highlights, and takeaways of the day after work.
It is fun to look around and have two others nearby for those pinch-me moments of realizing we’re really here. Together we ground one another and have each other’s backs whether it’s at work, during transit, or with household duties. I appreciate how they each have their own perspectives which they apply from their backgrounds as students of psychology and sociology. The three of us often find ourselves deep in conversation about how we see the world, how everything still feels new, and our reflections after exploring a different area of the city together. Yet, despite all the newness, we have started to create a sense of normalcy and familiarity as we dance around the living room, do our nightly “rose, bud, and thorn” check-ins, and stay up late to debrief the week’s happenings at work.
Our trio also had the chance to go beyond the city to Sabah, part of Borneo Malaysia, where we visited fellow interns Santiago and Sarah. One of the highlights was attending the Kaamatan Festival which was a vibrant cultural celebration filled with laughter, delicious food, traditional dancing, and, of course, karaoke! Celebrating Kaamatan was a joyful and eye-opening experience that left me with a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of the region.
Before leaving Sabah, we visited Pangrok Sulap, a Malaysian artist collective made up of visual artists, musicians, and social activists dedicated to empowering rural and marginalized communities through art.
Our conversation with the collective was deeply inspiring. The artists shared how they use art as a tool for storytelling, humor, and community building by turning creativity into a form of resistance and empowerment. We spoke about the power of community, the importance of visual expression in difficult times, and how art can cultivate hope. Their commitment to grassroots action left a lasting impression and made me think about ways to implement similar creative endeavours at MSRI.
Working at MSRI with refugees has deepened my understanding of the global issues that I had only encountered from a distance through news, articles, and classroom discussions. It’s one thing to read headlines or scroll through updates on a screen, and another to be so close to people who have experienced first-hand the effects of conflict and displacement. It leaves a lasting impression speaking to people actively waiting on decisions that impact their mobility and futures. Each day, I see how political decisions translate into everyday life. From the challenges of securing funding, the complexities of navigating immigration systems, and witnessing the emotional toll of waiting for answers and having limited mobility. I feel privileged that my coworkers trust me with their stories about their experiences, families, and hopes for the future. Our conversations also encourage me to reflect on how I can meaningfully show up for this organization.
Before arriving in Malaysia I was told that politics might not be a common topic of conversation. However, in my very first week, I found that wasn’t quite the case. My fellow teachers, many of whom are refugees who are highly educated, have spoken candidly about navigating life in displacement and their insights into legal and political systems. I have also had spontaneous conversations in public, often sparked when someone hears I am from Canada. People I meet are curious about our recent election, the political atmosphere, and how things compare. These exchanges have challenged my assumptions about cross-cultural communication and reminded me that political awareness and curiosity transcend borders.
What stands out most about my placement so far is the drive and energy of the students and teachers. The students’ eagerness to learn and their determination to succeed is contagious. Whether they’re working on assessments, asking questions, or engaging in class discussions, their enthusiasm motivates me to give my best as a teacher, colleague and human. The teachers I work with are equally inspiring. Many juggle responsibilities at home while continuing to show up with deep care and commitment to their students. Every little bit of success, whether it’s connecting with the students before the break or learning a bit of funding is secured for an activity, feels significant and worth celebrating. The work is busy, but it is never dull and is incredibly meaningful.
I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the people I have met so far, the unexpected lessons learned, and the stories shared with me along the way.
I look forward to continuing to learn and grow both in my placement and through everyday life in KL.
