“Men in Black” at UTAR
J-on
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Sunday, April 18, 2010
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By Woon Pei-Jing, Poovanesveran
Photos by Oh Chin Eng
Out of Africa, and into Malaysia, we have two very first international students pursuing their studies at our university. Let us introduce these two charming “Men in Black” – Oscar and Hamara.
Mbaru Oscar Raha, 19, is now studying Foundation in Arts at UTAR, Kampar while his friend, Hamara Mohamed Awadh, also 19, is currently studying Foundation in Science.
Upon completion of the Foundation course, Hamara is thinking of studying Electronic Engineering or may change to other course, depending on prospective job markets. Both of them are studying under scholarships by a NGO, namely Tana River Life Foundation in Kenya. Their living expenses are supported by this charity programme foundation and tuition fees on the other hand, are supported by UTAR itself. The foundation has ties with Malaysia.
Oscar said he was impressed by the quality education in UTAR as well as the reasonable fee compared to other universities.
Oscar plans to pursue his degree in Business Information System.When asked about their feelings of UTAR folks (lecturers & students) here, these young guys from Kenya smiled, saying that the lecturers were good teachers and the teaching was easy to understand.
The students, too, are friendly and willing to help. “Students would share their knowledge when we are having discussions,” added Hamara.
The other thing Oscar liked about UTAR is that he has learned a lot about the cultures of others which he had never seen or experienced before.
Studying in UTAR has made him realised the importance of mastering the Chinese language. He mentioned that he would like to learn Mandarin soon.
“The food in UTAR is cheap too. I enjoy studying here,” he laughed.
As for Hamara, he is an active member of UTAR’s International Friendship Society. He commented a little on having clubs and society meetings during the teaching period. He thought that it would be better not to have any external activities during lecture and tutorial periods.
Despite being a very minority group in UTAR, both Oscar and Mohamed do not feel isolated by others. Communication barrier is not really a big deal for them too.
“But sometimes I find it difficult to talk when people do not understand what I am trying to say,” added Oscar.
Both Oscar and Hamara are from the same village in Kenya; they plan to go back in two years’ time.
When asked whether they would remain at UTAR if they were given one more chance to choose their institution of study, they insisted on staying at UTAR because they like the teaching system which is academically oriented.
Disclaimer: Hamara Mohamed Awadh is not a Muslim but a Christian, their names do not reflect religion. Oscar is a Christian too.
