Malaysia: Round Two

After a successful year teaching at SMK Labis in 2013, I decided to return for a second year. For some time, I debated whether I wanted to stay in Labis or move to a new location in Malaysia to experience a different part of the culture. Ultimately, I believe that by staying in Labis, at SMK Labis, I will be able to have a greater impact on my students’ lives and thus my students will benefit more. It took nearly two months last year for me to feel comfortable at my school in terms of understanding the structure and the hierarchy and forming relationships with my students and colleagues. This year, I won’t have to repeat all that. Most of the students, teachers, and staff at the school will be the same and thus the relationships have already been forged. Additionally, I already know how to navigate the system and what procedures I must follow to execute my activities.


So much luggage! That's what happens when you move halfway around the world for a year!


After nearly three months away from Labis, I’m ready to return. I spent one month traveling, one month at home in North Carolina, and now, this last month, I have been back in Malaysia at orientation. Two and a half weeks were spent in Kuala Lumpur, the capital, meeting important officials, completing TEFL and cultural training, learning the ins and outs of Malaysian culture, and making new friends. Happily, I was able to spend some time with many of my Malaysian friends who live in the KL area or happened to be passing through while I was there.


My first ever Malaysian friends - reunited again in KL


Stephanie and Caleb - More Ultimate friends!


Team AUR - After Saturday morning training

Excitingly, many of the new ETAs play Ultimate Frisbee. Unfortunately, there’s not really any space to play near our hotel. Fortunately, however, I was able to organize pick-up with two of my KL friends. They found a field and brought some additional players, while fourteen ETAs, including myself, trekked across town to play in the rain. Needless to say, it was awesome.


ETA and Badgers Pick-up - Play through the rain!

One of the most exciting moments in KL was seeing my friend from university! Lily was in Malaysia for a three week graduate school program and was traveling to Johor Bahru, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, and Kuching. Although she was only in KL for three nights, we were able to meet up one evening for dinner. I took her to my favorite burger joint, MyBurgerLab, which was started a few years ago by a couple of my Ultimate friends. She was blown away by how delicious the burgers were (even their portabella burger is divine), not to mention their fries which are seasoned with rosemary and thyme! Also, they have recently expanded and now offer brownies (chili, green tea, peanut butter, chocolate, strawberry, a flavor for everyone) and coffee. Just my little plug for my friend’s business. Though really, if in KL, you should go.


In North Carolina? NO! In Kuala Lumpur!!


UNC-CH crew: United and Reunited in Malaysia


Senior ETAs and Coordinators' Dinner


Johor State Dinner


Johor State Dinner


After the KL orientation, the 2014 ETA cohort split into their six states and headed off to the state capitals. Back down to Johor Bahru and the New York Hotel it is for me! The state level orientations act as an extension of the national level orientation with more information specific to each state. We have met with important officials in the Johor State Education Department with whom we will be working closely throughout the year. The PPD, or district level English Language Officers, also attend part of the orientation. Everyone is super excited to meet their mentors who arrive on the fourth day of orientation. Once the mentors are here, we will delve more into discussions about the ETAs’ roles at the schools, our specific school schedules, our activities and ideas for the year ahead, and all that jazz.


Goodbye KL and friends departing to other states/staying in KL


Happy to be back at the New York Hotel in JB (Tall box building in the background)