Students have told how they were blown away by an educational trip of a lifetime to Malaysia – taking up an opportunity they might not have experienced without the support of the award-winning DMU Global team.
De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) psychology students Rupi Kaur, Alisha Choudhury and Charlotte Greatorex took part in the trip to capital city Kuala Lumpar with support from the Widening Participation Scheme.
The scheme offers extra financial support for DMU students from low-income backgrounds, those with disabilities or medical conditions and those from regions where very few people go to university.
It means dozens of extra DMU students can enjoy trips organised through DMU Global that might otherwise pass them by.
The trip was organised through the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences to look at cultural influences on psychology and wellbeing in Malaysia.
The students took part in lectures and seminars at DMU partner Asia Pacific University as well as cultural trips to nationally important sites including the National Museum of Malaysia, Art House Gallery of Ethnic Arts and the Orang Asli Craft Museum. They also visited an elephant sanctuary.
Rupi said: “I am so beyond grateful that I received help under the widening participation programme. I don’t think I would have been able to go to Malaysia without the help.
“This trip that I have been on is one that I will never forget and one that I hope to repeat with my friends outside of university because we just had THAT much fun! I came back with many permanent memories, strong new friendships and a drive to thrive academically and financially so we can return to Malaysia after graduation”.
Alisha said: “The trip was a perfect blend of learning, adventure, and cultural immersion. It exceeded my expectations in every way and provided memories that I will cherish forever.”
Rupi said the trip also gave her levels of confidence she never previously had.
“I tend to be incredibly shy – and I have social anxiety – but as soon I stepped into Kuala Lumpur, it is as if I became a different person.
“It shocked me so much because the girl who would do anything possible to get out of presentations in front of the whole class, was now suddenly talking confidently in front of strangers and even performing funny drama pieces!
“One of my new friends even told me I came across as very confident. I was lost for words because that really did not sound like me. I hope to continue being that confident.”
Charlotte added: “A skill that this trip taught me was my adaptability. There were lots of new experiences that came with this trip as well as a very different environment, the heat being a massive factor!
“I hadn’t realised how adaptable I was until I had experienced this trip!”
Charlotte received extra financial help due to her medical condition.
She explained: “I have severe eczema, which I have to treat using immunosuppressants. Due to this I have a few extra costs when going abroad such as a requirement for extra vaccinations and expensive medications.
“I also have a nut allergy which makes it a little harder when travelling.
“Being able to receive financial support allowed me to feel confident going into this trip, knowing that I had a bit of extra support to be able to fund the extra costs that I face.
“I should also add that, regarding my medical conditions, DMU global was amazing at ensuring I had any extra support or advice that I needed.
“My two trip leads were equally amazing. While in Malaysia I needed a little bit of medical attention and through the help of both my trip leads, I was able to get this help quickly and smoothly with very little anxiety.
“It was so nice seeing that having a health condition or disability didn’t need to stop me from feeling like I could partake in this trip!”
All three students say DMU Global trips are a must as part of your time at university.
Rupi said: “I would 100% recommend [DMU Global trips] to others. Trips like this really do open your eyes to new opportunities, build your social skills, help you make new friends etc. I would go again and again if I could.”
Charlotte said: “I definitely would recommend this trip to other psychology students. It’s a great networking opportunity if your interest in working/studying abroad plus you get to experience an amazing, welcoming new culture.”
Aisha added: “I would highly recommend a DMU Global trip. It was an excellent way to build confidence and independence.
“Traveling with a group of peers and participating in various activities helped many of us step out of our comfort zones and grow personally. The supportive environment made it easy to connect with others, and the friendships formed during the trip are likely to last a lifetime.”