We would like to welcome you to Malaysia, here we have gathered a few of the most frequently asked questions a participant would have before coming here.
Where is Malaysia?
Who are Malaysians?
What is the official language of Malaysia?
Imagine living in Malaysia …
What does AFS Malaysia offer?
AFS Malaysia activities
Where is Malaysia?
Malaysia is in South-eastern Asia, peninsula and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam.
It's a bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions. Where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other people live together in peace and harmony. With such a unique heritage, there is a constant procession of delightful festivals, celebrations and feasts for all to enjoy.
Who are Malaysians?
The Malay is Malaysia's largest ethnic group, accounting for over half the population and the national language. With the oldest indigenous peoples they form a group called bumiputera, which translates as "sons" or "princes of the soil.” Traditional Malay culture centers around the kampung, or village, though today one is just as likely to find Malays in the cities.
The Chinese traded with Malaysia for centuries, then settled in number during the 19th century when word of riches in the Nanyang, or "South Seas," spread across China. Though perhaps a stereotype, the Chinese are regarded as Malaysia's businessmen, having succeeded in many industries. When they first arrived, however, Chinese often worked the most grueling jobs like tin mining and railway construction. Most Chinese are Tao Buddhist and retain strong ties to their ancestral homeland. They form about 35 percent of the population.
Indians had been visiting Malaysia for over 2,000 years, but did not settle en masse until the 19th century. Most came from South India, fleeing a poor economy. Arriving in Malaysia, many worked as rubber tappers, while others built the infrastructure or worked as administrators and small businessmen. Today ten percent of Malaysia is Indian. Their culture -- with it's exquisite Hindu temples, cuisine, and colorful garments -- is visible throughout the land.
The oldest inhabitants of Malaysia are its tribal peoples. They account for about 5 percent of the total population, and represent a majority in Sarawak and Sabah. Though Malaysia's tribal people prefer to be categorized by their individual tribes, peninsular Malaysia blankets them under the term Orang Asli, or "Original People." In Sarawak, the dominant tribal groups are the Dayak, who typically live in longhouses and are eitherIban (Sea Dayak) or Bidayuh (land Dayak). In Sabah, most tribes fall under the term Kadazan. All of Malaysia's tribal people generally share a strong spiritual tie to the rain forest.
What is the official language of Malaysia?
The official language of Malaysia is Bahasa Melayu.
Imagine living in Malaysia …
Leading a multi racial lifestyle with new family, friends and a completely opposite lifestyle
> Living in a country where YOU are exotic
> Stepping inside another culture and experiencing all the bits normal tourist miss
> Challenging yourself and learning more about who you are
> Getting so good at a foreign language that you even dream in it
> Doing your part to make a difference and to create a peaceful planet.
> Having a once in a lifetime adventure that will CHANGE YOUR LIFE
> AFS Year Programme
> AFS Semester Programme
> AFS Very Short Programme
> 18+ Community Service Programme ( 6 months & 1 year )
> AFS Educators Programme
> Short Term Exchange
> Optional Trip
> AFS Camps & orientations throughout the year
> Cultural activities
> Chapter level activities
