Cultural Bridges and Sporting Bonds in Malaysia

From 11 to 26 July 2025, I had the privilege of participating in the AFS Intercultural Intensive Educators’ Exchange Programme in Malaysia, a richly immersive experience that enhanced my professional skills and broadened my global perspective. Representing my country, I embarked on a two-week journey that blended cultural exploration, educational insights, and personal growth.

A Journey of Connection

The programme began in the vibrant Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, where I was paired with a university lecturer from the Philippines specialising in early childhood education. Together, we traversed Malaysia, visiting Selangor, Pahang, Sabah, Penang, and Kedah. Our travels took us by train, coach, ferry, monorail, rapid transport, and local bus, each mode of transport adding to the adventure. What started with initial caution evolved into a deep and enduring friendship, one of many forged during the programme. In the early days, we were warmly welcomed by a generous group of AFS volunteers, most of whom had completed the 10-month intercultural exchange themselves. Their passion for the programme’s growth and success was infectious, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience.

Cultural Immersion

The cultural highlights were profound and varied. We explored Taoism, delved into the history of Tamil immigration to Malaysia, toured the Royal Selangor Pewter Factory, and gained unrestricted access to the Shah Alam Mosque. Each experience offered a window into Malaysia’s rich, multicultural fabric. Beyond these, I ventured outside my culinary comfort zone, sampling smelly, fermented foods and fruits. Though they initially triggered a gag reflex, by the trip’s end, I found them not only tolerable but surprisingly enjoyable.

Educational Insights

AFS Malaysia facilitated visits to schools across all five regions, each offering unique perspectives on education. In district 13 of Shah Alam, we witnessed music, dance, and art forms indigenous to Malaysia’s 13 states, revealing the country’s diverse cultural heritage. In Pahang, we learned about the funding structure of government-run schools, the key performance indicators used to assess them, and a culture where teachers often raised private funds to enhance their classrooms. We also observed how the physical education department operated efficiently despite significant challenges.

In Penang, I had the opportunity to deliver two sessions on cricket to school softball teams, a first for me. We also met a government official overseeing co-curricular activities at the state education department, where I gained firsthand insights into Malaysia’s developmental pathways in sport, from school-level programmes to their Olympic vision. These experiences not only enriched my understanding but also earned me the unofficial title of brand ambassador for G Pulla Reddy in Malaysia.

Reflections and Growth

Following the programme’s completion, a detailed debrief by AFS India helped me process the experience. Far from a holiday, the programme challenged comfortable routines and rejuvenated my perspective. It provided a reservoir of mental reserves that I can now draw upon to create meaningful outcomes for my students, colleagues, and the wider educator community. 

The programme led me to re-evaluate many preconceived notions about Malaysia and its people. I learned that an open mind, mutual respect, a willingness to learn, and a healthy dose of humility can bridge boundaries and foster lasting friendships. This journey has left an indelible mark, inspiring me to carry forward its lessons in my work and beyond.

— Varun Aditya Chirumamilla
Faculty, Department of Physical Education

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Threads of Silk, Currents of Change

When I learnt I had been selected for the AFS STEM Academy in China, excitement coursed through me, swiftly followed by the realisation that this was no mere trip—it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. For four weeks, from 6 July to 6 August 2025, China became my classroom, offering a profound blend of cultural immersion, cutting-edge education, and personal transformation.

A Tapestry of Culture

My journey began in Beijing, where I stood in awe before the majestic Great Wall, its ancient stones whispering tales of history. In Shanghai, I wandered vibrant, colourful streets, and in Ningbo, I found myself captivated by the seamless fusion of centuries-old temples and modern classrooms. Each day unveiled a new facet of China’s rich heritage, balancing timeless traditions with mind-blowing technological innovation. These moments, whether under the curved roofs of ancient temples or within bustling urban hubs, left an indelible mark.

Exploring China’s cuisine was an adventure in itself. Initially, the unfamiliar flavours of fermented foods and fruits challenged my palate, often triggering a gag reflex as I longed for the comforting spices of Indian dishes. With the support of my School AFS Coordinator, Ms. Amita Khandelia Chandran, my parents, and AFS India, I overcame this hurdle, gradually finding delight in these bold new tastes. Sharing hotpot with students from five continents became a cherished ritual, filled with laughter as we stumbled over each other’s languages, forging bonds that transcended cultural divides.

Innovation in Action

The heart of the programme lay in its STEM workshops, centred on sustainability—a priority deeply embedded in China’s ethos. We collaborated on projects designing renewable energy solutions and envisioning green urban cities, learning how innovation shapes daily life. It was exhilarating to witness diverse minds from around the world tackle the same challenges, each bringing unique perspectives to the table. These sessions, held in Ningbo’s modern classrooms, sparked inspiration and underscored the global urgency of sustainable development.

A Kaleidoscope of Cultures

The cultural diversity of the programme was its crowning glory. The cultural night stood out as a personal favourite, a vibrant celebration where participants shared stories, dances, and traditions from their homelands. It was a revelation to see how our differences united us, highlighting our shared humanity. We were distinct yet equal, connected by common dreams and aspirations despite our varied backgrounds.

Lessons Beyond the Classroom

The programme was not without challenges. Adjusting to Chinese cuisine tested my resilience, but with guidance, I embraced the experience fully. More than academics, the AFS STEM Academy fostered friendships and mutual understanding. Laughter-filled attempts to pronounce unfamiliar words and shared moments of vulnerability revealed that, though we hailed from different cultures, our thoughts and dreams often aligned.

A Broader Perspective

Returning home, I carry more than souvenirs—I bring memories brimming with connection and stories infused with warmth. The AFS STEM Academy didn’t just teach me about China; it illuminated my place in the world. It challenged me to re-evaluate preconceived notions and embrace an open mind, mutual respect, and humility as bridges across borders.

This transformative odyssey has equipped me with a broader worldview and a renewed sense of purpose. I am eager to share these experiences with others, inspiring them to set off on their own journeys of discovery. The lessons learned in China will continue to shape my perspective and contributions for years to come.

— B. Akshith Chandra

Class 12A 

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AFS Intercultural Programs, India

AFS is a not-for-profit international education organization that, since 1947, has provided enriched intercultural learning experiences through global study abroad programs, volunteerism, structured learning methods and reflection.

AFS delivers mission-driven impact in three ways.

1. Develop active global citizens to take action
2. Globalize schools and institutions with tools and programs-
3. Expand access to intercultural education with scholarships and outreach

The AFS educational approach: –

AFS helps schools create dynamic intercultural workshops, like Effect plus workshops for the students, and ICL Training for the educators, class exchanges between two schools, and various events and competitions to enrich the entire school community.

AFS for Educators & Schools

Schools play an important role in the AFS student exchange experience. They send and host AFS students, and work with AFS to create school-based intercultural learning programs. AFS also collaborates with educators and education ministries to develop local, regional and national intercultural learning and global citizenship education policies and initiatives.

AFS Teacher Exchanges

AFS offers international professional development opportunities designed specifically for educators to become more global in their classroom practice.

AFS Classroom Exchange

AFS arranges short classroom exchange programs for a group of students to meet peers from another country and engage in intercultural learning together.

AFS encourages everyone in our global community to embrace our “learning to live together” philosophy and foster intercultural understanding.  To accomplish this, AFS educational programs help future leaders, global citizens and change makers develop essential 21st century intercultural skills to thrive and succeed in a globalized world. These educational goals are to learn and respect differences, communicate and collaborate across cultures, appreciate other cultures, build skills to use in STEM and other key areas, become part of the AFS global community and broaden perspectives about themselves and the world around them.

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