Semester Exchange from Malaysia to South Korea

Greetings and thank you for checking out this page!

My name is Vimala Shanmugam. I am a 22-year-old, final year degree student from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). I have been accepted to attend the Spring Semester for 2021 at Ajou University this coming March to June. However, due to the Covid-19 quarantine requirements, I will be flying out in mid-February.

It has always been a dream of mine since I began my tertiary education to study abroad, at least for one semester. But due to budget restraints and the pandemic, that opportunity never came about. In my final attempt before graduating, I applied to Ajou University with my lecturer's blessings, and by God's grace I have been accepted. I am beyond excited as South Korea is one of the places I've always wanted to go to, and I believe the educational and cultural exchange there will benefit me greatly. 

The reason I started this crowdfunding attempt is because as you might already know, the cost of living in South Korea is pretty high, especially when compared to our Malaysian currency and exchange rate. While the tuition fees are fully waivered, other costs are not, such as flight tickets, dormitory fees, books, documentation applications, and living expenses like food. As the stay is over the span of around four months, this rakes up quite the bill. 

What threw a spanner in the works is of course the monkey that is Covid-19. As I will be staying at a quarantine facility for the first two weeks upon my arrival there (which comes with direct transportation from the airport - facility - university, as well as door delivery for 3 meals a day), I am forced to bear the cost of this stay as well. Which comes at a whopping US$ 1,360 (approx. RM5,450). 

Through this crowdfunding, I hope to be able to achieve at least half of that amount. If by your good graces I am able to achieve the full amount or maybe more, then I may able to breath more easily when it comes to spending on my meals and drink over the course of my stay there. Here are all the expenses I have to bear over 4 months+:

Quarantine facility fees: $1,360 (RM5,450)

Dormitory fees: $1,234 (RM4,950)

Living expenses (estimate provided by Ajou Uni.): $1,800 (RM7,220)

Student support (books, etc): $300 (RM1,203)

Flight ticket x2: RM2000

Public transportation costs: RM500

Other documentation expenses: RM500

ESTIMATED TOTAL:  RM21,823 + Buffer

As you can see, this is not a small amount. While my family and I can hopefully manage to scrap together most of the expenses, this crowdfunding will determine how much of the exchange I get to enjoy freely or suffer worrying about super tight budgets. Therefore, I humbly request your kind understanding and aid, even RM5 will go a long way for me. This campaign is open until May, just a month before I am scheduled to return. However, most of my expenses will be at the beginning of this exchange, prior to me leaving Malaysia and upon my arrival there. I will forever be grateful and thank everyone who can spare some change from the bottom of my heart, for you are aiding in making a dream of mine come true.

If you prefer to receive something in return for your monetary aid, then do consider supporting my handmade jewellery business, Charmed Malaysia (@charmedmalaysia on Instagram). I am saving up all of my profits towards this cause, so your support there would be of great help too.

I will also be vlogging my experience, from prep to stay and back, throughout my exchange to South Korea on my YouTube channel, Dani Roberts, so you may view all the ways in which you aid helps me to have an enjoyable time at Ajou University. Thank you for reading through this long write up and thank you again from the bottom of my heart if you do decide to contribute to this campaign. Wish me a safe and fun trip! <3

Love, Vimala.

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