What Malaysians think about studying in the US

There are many reasons why studying abroad is a viable option. With the change in American leadership and policy imminent, has it changed Malaysians’ perception of studying in the US?Malaysians have ample study options in the country and abroad. Students can even get a foreign degree from an Australian or a British university without having to leave the country. But it is not just about getting an exotic degree, it is about the experience and skills gained that make the distinction and make studying abroad worthwhile.It is safe to deduce that many Malaysians want to study abroad and at least 50,000 Malaysians do, the UNESCO’s Institute for Statistics suggests. There are more than 15,000 Malaysians studying in the UK and similar numbers in Australia, and more than 6,000 studying in the US.A survey was conducted that saw the participation of 71 Malaysians through an online poll that consisted of 5 major questions. About 60% of the respondents reported they were between the ages of 18 – 24, while 35% were between 25 – 34 years old, and 4% above the age of 35.The qualification of the respondents correlate with their age where 17% are SPM holders or just concluding their secondary education, 20% have earned an STPM, A-levels, or an equivalent pre-university qualification. About 15% hold a two year diploma qualifications, nearly 41% hold a bachelor’s degree, and 7% hold a master’s degree.Among these groups, the numbers suggest that 52% of the participants are considering an undergraduate education in the US. On the other hand, 48% of the responses suggest that they are interested in pursuing a master’s degree or a PhD.

Do Malaysians want to study in the US?

Since the US is the third most popular choice among Malaysians according to Unesco stats, it is fair to assume that there is a significant number of Malaysians intending to study in the US at some point in the near future. About 36% of respondents reported that they are likely to pursue higher education in the US, more than half of them are very likely to go to the US sometime soon.The assumption that these individuals are actively researching possible universities to seek admission or have already located a university and are applying is valid. Furthermore, these individuals have the financial capabilities or have earned a scholarship to go to the US and pursue their higher education.A little more than 43% aren’t sure about it and have not made a decision. About 20% are certain that they have no interest in studying in the US.The respondents who are likely to go to the US have concerns, and this could include possible change in immigration and higher education policies.

Will the change affect the choice of university?

The question ‘Do you think the change in immigration and higher education policies will affect your choice of university’, has at the heart of it an assessment whether the potential student is aware of the political map of the US and which university exists in a blue state (democratic majority) or a red state (republican majority). In essence which state is more liberal and tolerant of diversity and which state might be perceived otherwise.The responses are interesting. Around 58% of the participants seem to know what the situation is like in the US and how this would impact the choice of university. This suggests that Malaysian students might have fewer blue states to consider given the fact that many states in the country have turned republican. The change of political presence in these states may impact state policies on foreign students. However this is a mere speculation as of now.Nevertheless, quality of education remains a major factor to determine the choice. The survey asks “would you consider an Ivy League university, if accepted?” Nearly 50% of the respondents said they would definitely pursue an education at an Ivy League institution if they are accepted. Luckily, most of these universities are located in blue states.

Safety concerns

Recent events in the US suggest a significant rise in white nationalism represented by the alt-right and white supremacists who have not shied away from expressing support of president-elect Donald Trump. Most of the activities that are associated with such movements seem to spawn in states where the republicans hold a strong majority.Groups advocating for white supremacy and calling for a white Christian America now are capable of having a public platform in various ways. Therefore, the sense of security among foreigners and people of colour in the United State is at stake.The survey asked Malaysians about their safety and personal security concerns and 52% reported that they believe the election results have the potential to pose a serious threat to their safety. Another 33% of the responses have said their safety might be compromised to some extent as they believe that there are more factors in play in these times.On the other hand, about 14% said that there will be little to no effect on their safety and security post-election.

If not the US, where else?

Malaysians seem to have a great grasp of the possibility that they might change their mind about going to the US in the next four or eight years and have already considered alternatives besides the obvious destinations that are Australia – which took the lead – and the UK which came in second place for reasons possibly associated with uncertain circumstances of the Brexit issues. Canada came as a third alternative among the participants.Malaysians are considering other countries within the region such as New Zealand, Singapore, China, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.Malaysians are also considering several EU states as possible alternatives such as Ireland, France, Germany, Sweden, Spain, and Italy.

Bad times ahead?

The situation in the US is highly uncertain. The new cabinet that would serve under the Trump administration is yet to be finalised. The outlooks of what would happen in the US over the course of the four, or possibly eight, years is as good the next guess as the republican party holds majority in the house of representatives, the senate, and the White House. President-elect Trump seems to continue his trend of changing his mind on issues related to immigration, education, climate change, international business and other matters. The coming days will provide some sense of how the new administration would handle these issues. As for now, speculations may run wild and free.