KUBANG KERIAN, 24 September 2016 – The Post Graduate Office, School of Medical Sciences (PPSP), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recently organised an International Students’ Get-Together Day, which provided an informal setting for the international students to share ideas, experiences and challenges during their studies in USM.

A PhD student in Physiology, Umar Zayyanu Usman, from Nigeria said that, he and his friends were very happy that they had the opportunity to interact with the administrators of PPSP through this get-together session.

"On behalf of all international students here, we are thankful to be part of USM because as we all know, USM is a well-known university in Malaysia and internationally that provides a conducive learning environment; furthermore the Malaysian government and university top management provide students with every support to achieve excellence in all aspects of their university life,” he said.

From what was gathered, most of the international students came to know USM through their friends, publications and also from the international conferences attended by USM lecturers and staff.

In this session, they also raised up some issues that need to be considered by the university such as flexibility in payment of school fees, more financial support to attract more international students, effectiveness in registration especially in preparing offer letters, application of visas and other related documents.

The Dean of PPSP, Professor Dr. Ahmad Sukari Halim meanwhile expressed his appreciation to the organiser for successfully arranging for this session even at such short notice. 

“The School will take into consideration all matters raised and we will try our best to help wherever possible to address those issues,” said Ahmad Sukari.

He reminded the students that they are to be ambassadors for USM when they go back to their hometown or any country to work after completing their studies.

He also hoped that through the network of international students, USM can forge new collaboration with universities or organisations in other parts of the world.

Also present at the two-hour session were the Deputy Dean (Student Affairs and Network), Professor Dr. Dinsuhaimi Sidek; Deputy Dean (Academic and Alumni), Professor Dr. Mohd Suhaimi Bin Ab. Wahab; Deputy Dean (Postgraduate Studies and Professional Training), Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Razak Sulaiman and Deputy Dean (Research) Professor Dr. Rosline Bt Hassan.

Text: Lailatul Hafiza Abdul Rashid / Photo: Mohd Iqmal Mathlan