Category: Travel

#AgEd2Malaysia: Kristi Mensen’s Final Reflection

Kristi J MensenAgriculture

Today I left, from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and will return home after a 28-hour flight to Dyersville, IA. As the #AgEd2Malaysia team had arrived in Malaysia 27 days ago. Our time has flown by- just as I was told it would. Our study abroad program has been an experience. I have tried to replace or come up with another word or perhaps a better word than experience. Yet, each time I try to come up with a better word I scratch it out. I think this is because there is no adjective to describe my experience in teaching and studying in a foreign country.

Over the course of this trip, I have often heard and found myself saying it is a “life-changing experience.” This may be true for some, but not for me. Every time I have been abroad studying the experience has taught me to bring myself to the world and bring the world to myself. For this typical exchange, it is something very different. I am the same person with additive perspectives. Studying abroad in Malaysia has provided me with teacher enrichment, opportunities that have empowered me to engage globally, and learn the intricacies. Studying abroad has given me a greater sense of the world and my place within it.

During my time in Malaysia I lived in Johor Bahru at the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Malacca, and FELDA Ayer Hitam Kluang with a host family. I was fortunate to interact with so many different nationalities, cultures, and lifestyles; no two people were alike. I am certain after what I have experienced that I have been fortunate enough to receive everything I could ever ask for in my life, and will never take the luxuries in my life for granted.

The month spent in Malaysia was full of knowledge about tropical fruits, religious values, wildlife, and Malaysian secondary schools. I have prepared, instructed, and reflected for forms 2-5. (high school) The teams made up of one student from UTM, one per-service candidate, and one teacher candidate objectives where to always have cooperation, creativity, and innovation for the agricultural topic assigned to the Malay students.

During the classes I wanted to see the students become successful by showing engagement, collaborating with their peers, and the obvious one; excitement. Reflecting post workshop was beneficial to me, questioning myself what did I do to become a better Agriculture Educator? The impact of connection is so crucial for students. I want to be able to relate to the students; knowing the topic was relevant to the scholar. While I am sad to leave my UTM family and friends, I am feeling a lot of mixed emotions right now, but I most strongly feel a sense of appreciation and gratitude. Thank you #AgEd2Malaysia participants,  Jeff Zimpleman Iowa Sister States Scholarship, and UTM for the experience abroad in Malaysia.

Ms. Kristi Mensen (@kristi_mensen) is a
pre-service agriscience educator candidate
at Iowa State University (@AgEds_IaStateU)
who graduated from
Hawkeye Community College
(@GALC_Hawkeye, @HawkeyeCollege)!

 

SEAS THE DAY! Island Hopping in Kota Kinabalu – Day 16

Kristi J MensenIn-Country Sharing

Tell me, what do you think of when you imagine the perfect island? Turquoise see-through water, diversity of marine life, and snorkeling? Oh yeah, ice-cream and kayaking? If these things are on your ideal island hopping day, you just might enjoy Kota Kinabalu because I know I did.

The capital city Kota Kinabalu known as KK is located in Sabah, Malaysia. The modern city of KK is one of the biggest cities of Malaysia with a population of 600,000 people, which includes 32 different indigenous ethnic groups. This is Malaysia’s most diverse state.

The variety of activities to do on this island is never-ending. After an educational morning at SMK Taman Tun Fuad School, we had the afternoon free. Having the opportunity to challenge myself with unlimited activities to do, we chose to go island hopping. Looking forward to the boat tour we also came across an exertion of parasailing.

Ironic how Agriculture Education is centered around the youth, everywhere in the world. As a Fulbright Scholar, I have the opportunity to teach in Malaysia; nevertheless, I have learned that the young students are also teaching me more about compassion, motivation, and patience. This relates back to the moment I got on the boat to go parasailing: the minute I got nervous, the second I thought I cannot do this.

The youth gave me hope. A little girl about 6 years old was on the boat. I thought to myself: if a fearless young girl can parasail, I can too! Mind you, I was on a boat with people who spoke three different languages, still, a smile is universal. The adorable girl instilled confidence within myself with no words.

Shortly I was up, up, and away gliding through the peaceful breeze wearing an open parachute while being lugged by a boat. The time in the air was so relaxing, and capturing a selfie or two with @tessa_c_meyer was priceless.

After our journey through the sky, being dipped into the South China Sea, back up in the sky, and completed landing, we finished our day on the islands of Manukan and Mamutiks. We experienced the rest of the day on the beautiful islands below water. I snorkeled in turquoise waters, discovered marine ecosystems, and enjoyed time on the amazing white sandy beach.

 

Ms. Kristi Mensen (@kristi_mensen) is a
pre-service agriscience educator candidate
at Iowa State University (@AgEds_IaStateU)
who graduated from
Hawkeye Community College
(@GALC_Hawkeye, @HawkeyeCollege)!

 

Interview On Location: Touching base with Huzaimi! An Entry from Day 15

Carson T LetotCulture

What better way to learn, than to listen? I decided to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the last few days to sit down with Huzaimi; a student, a translator, a friend. 

Me: how are you today Huzaimi?

H: Good. Very very good.

Me: nice. Well, we’ve officially arrived in Sabah, a state on the island of Borneo. What’s on your mind?

H: its very nice. Very hot, and i’m angry at the bus and management. But its very nice.

Me: Is this your first time in Sabah?

H: No, second

Me: how long ago was your first time?

H: I don’t know, maybe 10 years ago? I was 11, and i’m 21 now. So yes

Me: It seems like, and this may be a skewed view, but it seems like the rest of the world outside of the US travels abroad. A lot. Is this true for Malaysians?

H: Oh yes. Very much. Malaysians travel a lot.

Me: including you?

H: Yes, I like the travel a lot. I like the adventure.

Me: when your family travels, is it for adventure? Relaxation?

H: no when my family travels, it for relaxation. They like to go to nature, see the people, see the environment. They do not like adventure like me though.

Me: what do you mean when you say “adventure”?

H: paragliding, parasailing, I like things that are adventure. Like courage for them.

Me: oh for sure. Are all of your friends like that?

H: Yes, a lot of my friends like the adventure. They like to go and be courageous. I like it

Me: Do your friends value experiences over material items?

H: Yes, they like to. But not all of them. Most like gadgets and things. Me, I like the adventure and experiences though.

Me: So your friends like tech. Besides the obvious cell phone, what do they buy?

H: I don’t know. They like the Go Pro. It depends on their interests. If they like the pictures to take then they buy Go Pro, camera, but me I like the travel. I also like watches though.

Me: Yea so what’s the big deal with watches in Malaysia? It seems like everyone has a G-Shock!

H: yes, we like the G – Shock

Me: what is it about them?

H: I don’t know. They’re sporty. We like the sporty, the teenage look. We like to wear young things.

Me: I can see that. Alright so to all the readers out there, what else would you like them to know about your generation besides their love of g-shock watches and adventure?

H: we like to do things that are adventure. And everyone should get out and travel. They need to experience things and be out to be courageous. People who do not, are not living. To live you must be brave and try things.

Me: absolutely. Well, Terima Kasih Huzaimi!

H: hahaha soma soma

Mr. Carson Letot (@Letot_Carson) is a secondary agriscience teacher at Montague HS in
Montague, Michigan.

Carson and Huzaimi playing traditional music!

 

The Value of Community: Saturday at FELDA Ayer Hitam – Day 13

Shelby D FaulknerAgriculture

The community members of FELDA Ayer Hitam could not have been more welcoming. The sense of family that is built within their community is endearing. It took no time at all for them to accept us as their own and to give us a taste of what their daily lives are like. Saturday was no exception as we were given the opportunity to participate in activities that community members do for fun and explore where many of them make their livelihood in the palm oil and rubber plots.

In the morning, we were able to participate in a Zumba class with the women of the town. Most of us were expecting an easy workout, but were in for a rude awakening when we saw that the instructor had Zumba branded clothing and a wireless headset. Needless to say, we laughed the entire time and were worn out by the end.

 

After Zumba, we were taken to see the rubber and palm oil plantations of the FELDA community. When this community was settled, 336 families made this area their home and were given 3 hectare lots to grow rubber trees. As consumer demands have changed, many of the plots now hold palm oil trees instead of rubber. Community members are able to share machinery and can also market their crops together with other community members.

We continued our day by participating in traditional games like coconut bowling and netball (basketball, but with no backboard and the ball isn’t dribbled). As we gathered at the community hall to play games together, I was fascinated by the number of people that drove their motorbikes to join us or heard the commotion and walked over to see what was going on. People of all ages were gathered together laughing and cheering for one another.

To wrap up our day, we all gathered once more at the community hall for our closing ceremony. Our meal was served on plates large enough that 4 people could share one dish. We sat on the floor and enjoyed the company of our host families for our last meal together. The ceremony continued with the exchanging of gifts and ended with dancing.

As you can see, community is not just a word to the people of FELDA Ayer Hitam; it’s a way of life. After having the opportunity to spend time with these people, I hope that I never take the value of community for granted again.

 

Ms. Shelby Faulkner (@ShelbyDFaulkner) is a third-year secondary agriscience teacher/FFA advisor at Ridgemont HS in Mount Victory, Ohio.

 

Harmony Street, Cultural Experiences and Everything in Between: Day 7 on the streets of Johor Bahru

tsg5162Culture

It amazes me as to how much can happen in just one day. Today we were blessed with an opportunity to tour the city of Johor Bahru and gain some deep cultural knowledge along the way.

The Crown of Johor

 

To begin our tour, we made a quick stop by the Sultan’s Palace (the Sultan being similar to our Governors back home as they are heads of individual states). During our time there we were able to take pictures with The Royal Crown of Johor and witness a guard check routine.

 

 

Sand being moved onto the Strait of Johor

Up next, we took a moment to visit a local mosque under restorative reconstruction, but became fascinated with an outreach of sand in the direction of nearby Singapore. Earlier in the experience, we visited the southernmost tip of Mainland Asia in Tanjung Pia National Park, from which you can see three countries, Indonesia, Singapore and of course, Malaysia. However, as Malaysia imports sand from Indonesia to cover the Strait of Johor, the new southernmost tip could very well become Singapore. This political battle began with Singapore attempting to claim land in the strait in the early 2000’s, but Malaysia has begun efforts of their own in recent years. Also in this strait is actually a handful of fish farms!

After being awed by political developments and fish, we began a new adventure, towards Harmony Street. There has never been a street more aptly named than Harmony Street. Over the course of the afternoon, we were able to visit the Johor Old Chinese Temple (Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism); Arulmigu Raja Mariamman Indian Temple (Hinduism), and Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple (Sikhism). [Editor’s note: Be sure to click the hyperlinks to learn more about each religion or religious facility!]. All of which were within a ten-minute walk of one another.

The inclusivity, love, and friendliness shown by this city had all of our participants smiling and contemplating deeper meanings. For instance, we were greeted outside of the Sikh Temple by a gentleman who serves as a youth leader at this specific temple. He then spent the next hour with our group as he explained the history of his religion and brought us inside, even with a couple’s engagement service happening! The entire group welcomed us with open arms as they finished their service and started their meal. A question posed by our group was “if twenty plus strangers walked into a wedding service back home. What would peoples’ reaction be?” Some excellent food for thought.

Speaking of food, we were then able to grab a quick lunch and get fueled up before visiting the Johor Heritage Center. Once there we learned more about their goals of preserving Malaysian traditions and heritage, followed by seeing their weaving exhibition. But finally, the moment we all had been waiting for, time for dance class. In the span of one hour, our group successfully learned a form of Zapin (of which there are 14 types), as we slowly walked and squatted our ways to a successful leg day.

To top off this culturally full day, we were able to shop for some batiks of our own! However as Huzaimi (@zemimazlan), Dr. Foster (@FosterDanielD), and Ali (@AliZaharuddin97) know well, shopping can be exhausting.

Another great day of learning here in Malaysia, with new experiences and plenty of amazing people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas Gabel (@Gabel_Thomas); Pre-Service Agricultural Education Candidate(#psuaged22);The Pennsylvania State University(@penn_state)(@TeachAgPSU)

 

What to do in an Airport: Mikaella’s Moments

mlk491In-Country Sharing

One of the best and worst things about traveling almost anywhere is the flight.  Sometimes you get lucky and can fly straight though, sometimes not so much and you have an outrageously long layover. 

As we were landing in Amsterdam we started asking if we had a layover or if we had a long one.  We came to find out that some of us had an EIGHT hour layover.  What does a person do in an airport for eight hours?!  Well, there is a variety of options for this.

Option 1:  Walk Around

Some people choose to walk around because they have been cooped up in a plain for so many hours and they still have so many more to go. 

Option 2:  Shop

Airports are filled with little shops that are great to stop in and look though.  This is a great way to waste some time and maybe even find some cool souvenirs to take back home to your family and friends or even yourself.

Option 3:  Eat

Lets face it.  If you have flown internationally before we both know that airplane food is not the best thing ever.  Sometimes you’re just hungry and the airplane food isn’t gonna cut it.  Airports are filled with a bunch of different food options and a bunch of variety of food options. 

Option 4:  Sleep

Sometimes sleeping seems like the only way to pass the time.  Sometimes some people just don’t sleep the best on plains.  Sleep is my personal favorite.  Here I get to catch up on a few hours that I may have missed out on or I just drifted off because I can. 

Option 5:  Catch up on work

For some this is a time that they finally get to sit down with internet connectivity.  This is a great time to relax, catch up on some emails, and even finish up some work that is needing to be done. 

These are five options on what a person can do while on a layover in an airport and have a significant amount of time to burn.  Everyone may pick something slightly different, while some may pick the same thing.  Everyone also has their own preferences and ways that their body may handle travel. 

My personal favorite is sleeping.  What is yours?

Landed: Let the adventure of learning commence!

Daniel Douglas FosterIn-Country Sharing

After 4 years of focused effort and borrowing a popular phrase from one of my childhood favorite shows, The A-Team, with Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith, I LOVE IT SEEING A PLAN COME TOGETHER!

We are so thankful to have the support of the USDE Fulbright-Hayes to be able to offer this specialized transformative learning immersion for agricultural teacher candidates and agriculture teachers from Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and of course Malaysia.

Most people do not realize the tireless effort and planning that was required to reach this the point!  An experience like this does not just happen by jumping on an airplane. In 2014 (in-route to #AgEd2Korea), Melanie Miller Foster (@GlobalMelanie) complete the scoping trip to Malaysia that helped solidify the grant application submitted in Fall 2014. The application was rejected at that time, but great feedback was given! In 2016, we resubmitted and were awarded to conduct the experience in Summer 2018.

As soon as we learned of acceptance in early 2017, work began with the Global Teach Ag! Consortium from the learning design team of the Penn State Global Teach Ag! Initiative (@GlobalTeachAg) and Hawkeye Community College Global Agriculture Learning Center (@GALC_Hawkeye) to the host team of the University Technology Malaysia, (@UTMeduc) much much work has been done.

Because of all that work (and after 2.5 days of traveling with 20+ flying hours traversing nearly 10,000), this great photo of 30 passionate, positive agents of change for food, fiber, and natural resources through youth agriculture development is possible!

This is a learning journey we are super excited to share with you. We really hope that we can be ambassadors for goodwill through agricultural education. To do this, we believe open conversations are critical. We strongly encourage you to subscribe to the blog, feel confident in posting comments/questions on anything we share, and maybe (just maybe) even engage with us on Twitter at #AgEd2Malaysia!

No Traveler Left Behind: Airport Adventures

Kristi J MensenIn-Country Sharing

Travel was already off to an exciting start. I arrived at the airport about an hour early. I am flying with two other girls from Iowa. We have have been communicating back and forth the past few months about our trip to Malaysia. After I got myself checked in, got my boarding pass, and sent my luggage off, I sat and relaxed for 20 minutes. Little did I know, the next 45 minutes were about to put us three girls in a rush.

We got in a pickle when one of the girls got held up in traffic. She arrived 15 minutes before our plane took off. I started to worry about her. She had to get her bags checked in, her boarding pass, and luggage sent off yet before we all could leave as a team. Oh yeah…. and get through customs. {This is quite the joy, let me tell ya!}

Thank goodness for Snap Map. We found our third traveler, and time was crunching. This girl was not familiar with the airport so we helped her out. We got to the check-in station, and that is when all hell broke loose. The kind lady who checked everyone in informed the 3rd traveler she could not send her checked bag to Malaysia. Keep in mind we have about ten minutes to get on the plane.

Panic mode was in full force. With a few kind words and determination, the kind lady let her get a boarding pass, but no checked bag. As time was crunching, we started going through customs. We were all so nervous the plane was going to leave without us. While waiting in line, the girl who was not able to bring her checked bag shoved clothes on her carry-on while her mom tossed us clothes over several gates to shove in our luggage. We made it through customs with a minute to spare.

Amsterdam Airport

From Cedar Rapids, Iowa, we flew to Detroit, Michigan with an eight-hour flight to Amsterdam. Right now, it is 3:30 PM here (Iowa folks, it is 8:30 AM for you guys). We’re all sitting in the Amsterdam airport, a little bored out of our mind, so I’d like to give a shoutout to Netflix, YouTube, and FaceTime.

Keep following for future blog posts, I’m so excited to share this adventure with all of you.