When Laiba Khan left Pakistan to pursue her sixth semester abroad, she did not know that the journey would become one of the most enriching chapters of her academic life. A Bachelor of English student from Foundation University Islamabad, she arrived in Sarawak with hope, curiosity, and a willingness to grow beyond her comfort zone.
“I am Laiba Khan, exchange student from Pakistan, opting my Bachelors of English degree from Foundation University Islamabad, Pakistan. Participating in this mobility programme at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak was one of the most enriching experiences of my academic journey,” she shared.
Studying her sixth semester at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Laiba joined Semester 1 2025/2026 at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication. From the moment she arrived, she felt the warmth that would define her entire stay. She recalled how the UNIMAS Global team welcomed her with genuine hospitality, helping her settle into a new academic and cultural environment.
“As a Pakistani exchange student, I was given a valuable opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and immerse myself in a new academic and cultural environment. This programme not only broadened my academic perspective but also helped me grow personally and culturally,” she reflected.
Malaysia’s multicultural setting became an important part of her learning. Interacting with students from diverse backgrounds allowed her to understand different beliefs, traditions, and perspectives. She emphasized how these interactions strengthened her appreciation for cultural diversity and taught her the importance of mutual respect, adaptability, and open mindedness in a global setting.
and cultures at Wild Pantry Cafe.
Academically, Laiba found her experience equally rewarding. “The teaching methods, classroom discussions, and collaborative learning activities encouraged critical thinking and active participation,” she explained. She noticed differences in approaches compared to her home institution, which expanded her academic outlook. Working on group projects with Malaysian and international students improved her communication skills and gave her deeper insight into teamwork within a cross cultural context.
Her learning extended beyond the classroom. Exploring Sarawak’s traditions, cuisine, and historical sites enriched her understanding of Malaysian culture. Activities, trips, and events organized by the host institution allowed her to experience local customs firsthand. These experiences, she shared, made her stay both educational and memorable while helping her develop independence and confidence.
“One of the most important lessons I learned during this mobility programme was the value of global connections,” Laiba said. Building friendships with students from different countries reminded her that education goes beyond classrooms. It is about shared experiences, understanding, and lifelong learning. The programme strengthened her sense of global citizenship and inspired her to pursue future international academic opportunities.
Looking back, Laiba describes her time at UNIMAS as truly transformative. “Overall, my mobility experience at UNIMAS was truly transformative. It enhanced my academic knowledge, enriched my cultural awareness, and contributed significantly to my personal growth. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and will always carry the lessons and memories from Sarawak with me.”
For Laiba Khan, Sarawak was not just a study destination. It became a meaningful chapter of growth, friendship, and discovery that will remain with her long after her exchange semester ends.
Story shared by Laiba Khan, student exchange student at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication.
Laiba Khan is an exchange student from Pakistan who joined Universiti Malaysia Sarawak for Semester 1 of the 2025/2026 academic session, where she completed her sixth semester at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication under the student mobility programme. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of English degree at Foundation University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Edited by Mohd Ilham Abdullah, Head of Mobility, UNIMAS Global.
Mohd Ilham Abdullah has over five years of experience at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). He previously served as Head of International Student Affairs and is currently serving as Head of Mobility, where he supports inbound and outbound mobility programmes, international student engagement, and collaborative initiatives that strengthen UNIMAS’s global presence.