Forty percent of Malaysia—the more industrialized portion, where glass-walled skyscrapers abut low-rise spice shops—is on the Southeast Asian peninsula. The other, less developed 60%, is on an island shared with Borneo and Brunei, 400 miles across the South China Sea. Each portion is thick with equatorial rainforest.

Malaysians themselves represent a collage of cultures. Native Malays share citizenship with ethnic Chinese and Indians, and though the state religion is Islam, Buddhist shrines and Hindu temples are as commonplace as mosques. Despite these cultural differences, Malaysia has minimal ethnic tension. Each culture retains its identity but shares its place in Malaysian society with remarkable ease. Visitors from other societies, too, are welcomed with warm hospitality.

Lifestyle and Family Living
Thanks to the diverse structure of Malaysian society, your family may belong to any one of the main ethnic groups: Malays, Chinese, or Indian. Customs, values, and manners might be very different from those you are accustomed to. A modest and humble attitude will help in communication and adapting to your new environment.

Dress and Appearance
Two things are seen as public interest in a small town: dress and personal morality. A Muslim woman is expected to cover her arms, head, and legs. Long- sleeved shirts, trousers, and sarongs are acceptable. Short or mini skirts or tight spaghetti-strap dresses are not acceptable in small towns but propriety is slightly flexible in the city.

One AFSer from New Zealand has this to say:

"My experience in Malaysia has taught me the value of appreciating different cultures, religions, and the Malaysian way of life, which will contribute to my future.”

AFS offers the following programs to Malaysia:

• High School Year program departing in January 2007
• 18+ Semester Community Service departing August 2007

An AFS Returnee from 2004 named Cecily shares a quote and photo from her experience in Finland:

"My best memory was probably the day after I got to Finland. We went to the summer cottage out in the country and had a crayfish party. I went to a Finnish sauna for the first time ever with my sisters and swam in the tiny lake next to the cottage. I had a really good time and it was definitely cool to experience something that many Finns hold quite dear."

To learn more about studying abroad in Finland click here.

What events does your community have planned over the summer that might present an opportunity for you to fundraise? Consider setting up a refreshment stand at a 4th of July Parade, Canoe Race, Walk/Run event—anywhere there’s a crowd! Here are a few other ideas for fundraising this summer:

• Get a job!
• Hold a Car Wash
• Offer to take care of homes/pets while your neighbors are on summer vacation
• Have access to a cow and a meadow?
  How about Cow Pattie Bingo (this one is pretty funny!)